Summer is here, which means it’s time to get your RV, motorhome, or travel trailer ready for the open road. Whether you’re planning weekend camping trips, a family vacation, or a long-distance road trip, the last thing you want is to spend your vacation sitting on the side of the highway waiting for a tow truck.
The best way to avoid unexpected RV breakdowns is preventive maintenance. An RV is much more than a vehicle. It combines an engine, transmission, brakes, suspension, tires, electrical systems, cooling systems, and numerous other components that all need to work together. If your RV has been sitting for months, problems that weren’t obvious when you parked it can become major problems once you start driving.
Before heading out for your first major camping trip of the summer, take the time to have your RV inspected and serviced. Northport Spring & Brake provides motorhome and trailer maintenance and repair, along with automotive and light, medium, and heavy-duty truck service.
Why RV Preventive Maintenance Matters
Preventive maintenance is about finding small problems before they turn into expensive repairs or roadside breakdowns. An RV that has been sitting in storage doesn’t necessarily stay in the same condition. Tires can age even when the vehicle isn’t being driven. Batteries can lose their charge. Fluids can deteriorate. Belts and hoses can become brittle. Brakes and suspension components can develop problems from age, moisture, corrosion, or lack of use.
Once you begin driving, these components are suddenly subjected to heat, vibration, weight, and long periods of continuous operation. That is why an inspection before camping season can be one of the smartest investments you make. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration recommends checking tires, cooling systems, fluid levels, batteries, lights, and other important components before summer travel.
Start With the Tires
Your RV tires should be one of the first things you inspect. Tires carry a tremendous amount of weight, and an RV can remain parked for long periods. That combination makes tire condition particularly important.
Look for:
- Cracks in the sidewalls
- Dry rot
- Bulges
- Cuts or punctures
- Uneven tread wear
- Low tire pressure
- Objects embedded in the tire
- Signs of weather damage
Don’t assume your tires are safe simply because they still have plenty of tread. Tire age matters, too. Rubber deteriorates over time, particularly when exposed to sunlight, heat, and weather. Check the tire date codes and follow the tire manufacturer’s recommendations for replacement. Before a long trip, check tire pressure when the tires are cold and compare it with the vehicle manufacturer’s recommended pressure or the RV’s tire information label. Also remember to check your spare tire. A spare that has been sitting underneath the RV for years may not be roadworthy when you finally need it.
Don’t Ignore the Brakes
Your RV’s braking system is one of the most important safety systems on the vehicle. This becomes even more important when you’re driving a large motorhome or towing a heavily loaded trailer. Have the brakes inspected before the camping season, particularly if the RV has been sitting for an extended period.
Watch for warning signs such as:
- Squealing or grinding
- A soft or spongy brake pedal
- Pulling to one side while braking
- Longer stopping distances
- Brake vibration
- Burning smells
- Brake warning lights
- Unusual noises from the wheels
- Excessive heat around a wheel
If you tow a trailer, the trailer braking system also needs to be inspected. Don’t forget to check the brake controller and electrical connection between the tow vehicle and trailer. A brake problem that seems minor in the driveway can become much more serious on a steep road, in heavy traffic, or during an emergency stop.
Check the Cooling System Before Summer Heat Arrives
Summer heat puts additional stress on an RV’s engine and cooling system. A cooling system problem can quickly turn into an overheated engine and a major repair bill.
Before your trip, have the cooling system inspected for:
- Low coolant
- Coolant leaks
- Damaged radiator hoses
- Cracked belts
- Radiator problems
- Water pump issues
- Cooling fan problems
- Overheating
- Corrosion
If you notice a puddle underneath the RV or a sweet-smelling fluid after parking, don’t ignore it. The NHTSA recommends checking coolant levels and having the cooling system inspected for leaks and other problems before summer travel.
Pay Attention to Your Battery and Electrical System
RVs depend heavily on electrical systems, and battery problems can leave you stranded just as quickly as an engine problem. Depending on your RV, you may have a starting battery, house batteries, auxiliary batteries, or multiple battery systems.
Before leaving for vacation, check:
- Battery condition
- Battery terminals
- Corrosion
- Battery charge
- Charging system
- Alternator
- Electrical connections
- Interior and exterior lights
- Trailer wiring
- Brake lights
- Turn signals
If the RV has been sitting all winter, don’t assume the battery is still healthy just because the engine starts. A battery can lose capacity over time, and a weak battery may fail when exposed to extreme summer temperatures or heavy electrical demands.
Inspect Belts and Hoses
Belts and hoses are inexpensive compared with the damage they can cause when they fail.
Inspect belts for:
- Cracking
- Fraying
- Glazing
- Excessive looseness
- Missing sections
- Unusual noises
Inspect hoses for:
- Cracks
- Bulges
- Soft spots
- Leaks
- Deterioration
A failed serpentine belt can potentially disable important systems. A failed coolant hose can result in overheating. If you see something that doesn’t look right, have it inspected before you leave.
Check All Fluids
Before heading out on a long RV trip, check the vehicle’s fluids according to the manufacturer’s maintenance schedule.
These can include:
- Engine oil
- Coolant
- Brake fluid
- Transmission fluid
- Power steering fluid
- Windshield washer fluid
- Differential fluid
- Other manufacturer-specified fluids
If you find a fluid level that is unusually low, don’t simply top it off and forget about it. A low fluid level can indicate a leak or another mechanical problem. Look underneath your RV after it has been parked. New spots or puddles can provide an early warning that something needs attention.
Air Conditioning Is More Than a Comfort Issue
Nobody wants to spend a hot summer afternoon inside an RV with an air conditioner that isn’t working.
Your RV’s A/C system should be tested before your trip, especially if the vehicle has been sitting for several months.
Run the system and make sure it is producing cold air. Listen for unusual noises and check for problems such as:
- Weak airflow
- Warm air
- Strange noises
- Short cycling
- Water leaks
- Unusual odors
Summer heat can be particularly hard on RV cooling systems. Current RV preparation guidance also recommends checking the A/C, filters, roof components, tires, water systems, and other systems before the summer season.
Inspect the Suspension
Your RV carries a significant amount of weight, so suspension components need to be in good condition. A suspension inspection can identify problems with components such as:
- Shocks
- Springs
- Bushings
- Mounts
- Steering components
- Wheel bearings
- Other chassis components
Pay attention to how the RV feels while driving.
Does it bounce excessively?
Does it pull to one side?
Does the steering feel loose?
Does the RV lean more than usual?
Do you hear clunking or knocking sounds?
These can all be reasons to have the vehicle inspected.
Don’t Forget the Roof, Seals and Water Leaks
Mechanical maintenance isn’t the only concern for RV owners. Water intrusion can cause extensive damage to an RV. Before camping season, inspect the roof, windows, vents, doors, slide-outs, and exterior seams for cracked or deteriorated sealant.
Look inside for:
- Water stains
- Soft walls
- Damp carpeting
- Musty odors
- Mold or mildew
- Discoloration around windows
- Moisture underneath cabinets
A small exterior leak can eventually lead to significant structural damage. Current summer RV preparation recommendations specifically emphasize inspecting roof sealant, vents, A/C areas, sidewall seams, and slide-out gaskets before extended summer use.
Check the Generator and Appliances
If your RV has a generator, don’t wait until you’re at the campground to find out it doesn’t work. Run the generator before your trip and make sure it operates properly.
Also check appliances and systems you expect to use, including:
- Refrigerator
- Stove
- Oven
- Microwave
- Water heater
- Furnace
- Air conditioning
- Generator
- Interior outlets
If your refrigerator or other equipment hasn’t been used since last season, test it before loading the RV with food.
Watch for These Warning Signs
Sometimes your RV will tell you that something is wrong before a breakdown occurs.
Pay attention to:
Unusual noises: Grinding, squealing, rattling, knocking, or humming should be investigated.
Warning lights: Never ignore dashboard warning lights, especially engine, transmission, brake, or temperature warnings.
Changes in handling: Pulling, wandering, excessive bouncing, vibration, or steering changes may indicate suspension, tire, alignment, or other problems.
Fluid leaks: Any new fluid leak deserves attention.
Overheating: Temperature fluctuations or an overheating warning should never be ignored.
Strange smells: Burning rubber, electrical odors, fuel smells, or burning brakes can indicate serious problems.
Reduced braking performance: If stopping doesn’t feel normal, have the braking system inspected immediately.
Poor starting: Slow cranking or repeated starting problems can indicate battery, charging, electrical, or other mechanical issues.
Give Your RV a Professional Inspection Before Your Trip
A pre-trip inspection can help identify problems before you are hundreds of miles from home.
This is especially important if your RV has been sitting throughout the winter or has not received regular maintenance.
At Northport Spring & Brake, we provide motorhome and trailer maintenance and repair, as well as service for gas and diesel vehicles, light-, medium-, and heavy-duty trucks. The shop also provides preventive maintenance, brake service, electrical and computer diagnostics, and general vehicle repair.
A professional inspection can give you greater confidence that your RV is ready for the demands of summer travel.
Don’t Wait Until You’re Stuck on the Side of the Road
Nobody plans a camping vacation around a broken-down RV.
Unfortunately, many roadside breakdowns begin with warning signs that were ignored or maintenance that was postponed. Before your next summer adventure, take the time to inspect your tires, brakes, suspension, cooling system, battery, belts, hoses, fluids, electrical systems, and other critical components. Preventive maintenance is almost always easier than dealing with a major breakdown while you’re traveling. If you’re getting your RV, motorhome, or trailer ready for camping season, Northport Spring & Brake is here to help keep you on the road.
Schedule your RV maintenance and inspection before your next trip and give yourself one less thing to worry about when you hit the road this summer.
Whether you’re preparing for a weekend camping trip or a cross-country adventure, taking care of your RV before you leave can help make sure the memories you bring home are about the campground, not the breakdown.
