Towable RV Maintenance

If reduced mechanical maintenance is a requirement you have when choosing a particular RV, any towable rig is an ideal option over motorhomes and truck campers. There’s no engine or transmission to maintain, no oil to replace, no gas tank to fill. However, these towable RVs still have certain components that need regular maintenance so that they operate safely and as intended by the manufacturer. Here are some of the main components of your towable that you should keep in your regular maintenance rotation:

• Tires – Just like with any vehicle you drive, it’s important to ensure that the tires on your towable are in good condition with ample tread and are inflated properly. Tires that aren’t inflated to the correct pounds per square inch (PSI) can cause poor and unsafe handing while in motion, such as swaying, and could lead to overheating and tire blowouts. And, whether your tires have decent tread or not, some towable manufacturers recommend getting new tires every three to five years, as ultraviolet rays from the sun and contaminants from the road can hasten the deterioration of your tires and cause them to be unsafe.

• Wheel bearings – The ball bearings in the wheel assemblies of your RV should be checked periodically for intact seals and proper lubrication. Heat and water can break down bearing seals, which can dry out the lubricant and cause the wheel bearings to grind and make noise. It takes a lot for wheel bearings to go bad and you’ll often have a period of time before they need replacement, but check them every so often just to be sure that they’re in proper working order.

• Brakes – Checking the RV’s brakes for worn or damaged parts and replacing those parts is an essential maintenance task. When the brake pads worn down over time or cracked, they could damage the rotors and eventually the calipers. If pads are replaced before they are completely worn down, however, the other brake components are less likely to get damaged and your brakes will operate properly.

• Hitch – Hitch maintenance can often be overlooked, but similar to the wheel bearings, ensuring that your hitch is properly lubricated is key to ensuring free movement of the coupler to the hitch ball. Additionally, hitch maintenance should involve periodically checking the nuts and bolts that attach the hitch to your tow vehicle and the coupler to the trailer.

• Wiring – Check that all connections, wire splices, and other electrical components are clean and show no signs of fraying or deterioration. Replace light bulbs in the brake lights as needed.

If do-it-yourself maintenance isn’t your thing, you can bring your rig to your local RV service department and the specialists on staff can check your towable to make sure everything is in working order. With regularly scheduled and proper maintenance, you’ll be able to enjoy your rig throughout the year and keep you and your loved ones safe during travel. Want to learn more about maintaining your towable RV? Contact us today!