The Basics Of Maintaining Your Fifth Wheel

All travel trailers are built for comfort and durability, and your fifth wheel is no exception, but even the best of them require regular maintenance to keep your trip smooth and safe. Keeping up with your maintenance at home takes only a little time and effort, and it can make a world of difference for your camper, your wallet, and your sanity. Preventative measures will keep your RV out of the shop and on the campground for longer!

Being proactive with your trailer’s health is important, so we here at Herold Trailer Sales have put together a few steps to help you do so. If you have other questions, find a problem you can’t handle at home, or are looking for a new RV, don’t hesitate to call on us at our location in Indianola, Iowa. We have the RVs, RV parts, service department, and finance department to make sure you get exactly what you need at a great price!

Look It Over

Step one in any maintenance enterprise is to use the mark one eyeball and give your RV a once-over. Walk around your fifth wheel to check for signs of damage, cosmetic or otherwise. On the outside, you’re looking for dents, water damage, or rust or grime buildup. The roof is just as important as any wall, so make sure there are no liquids pooling on it or debris piling up. While you’re up there, check the roof for cracks or other damage that might cause leaking to the interior, and make sure the vents don’t need cleaning. 

Next, the interior of your camper. Look around for water leaks, again, and clean up any and all mold or mildew in the bathroom or kitchen. Check all of your appliances to make sure they’re fully-functional, and make sure all door and window locks work to prevent sticking and keep you safe. Cleaning up any leftover debris or trash can also save you time and trouble down the road.

Slide-Outs And Hinges

Your slide-outs work hard to maximize your space and comfort, so return the favor and make sure they stay in top condition. Make sure to clean and oil the tracks for optimal sliding performance and look for any signs of rust or other buildup along the tracks. While you’re at it, make sure any and all doors and windows have their tracks or hinges oiled properly to keep all your moving parts lubricated. 

Generator Check-Up

There’s no point in using an RV for your camping trip if it has no power. Make sure you run your generator every so often during your off-season. If allowed to sit, old fuel - especially ethanol - can turn sludgy and corrosive, damaging the engine and possibly even its mounting. Flip the switch occasionally to keep the fuel viable and make sure everything is lubricated.

Tire Maintenance

Making sure your tires are in good condition is vital for any vehicle, and given that your RV is named after its wheels, that goes double for you. Worn-out tires with too much or too little air pressure can cause blowouts on the road. Check the tread to make sure it meets the recommendations in your owner’s manual and that all your tire treads are being worn down evenly. Use a tire pressure gauge and that nifty manual again to make sure your tires have the correct amount of pressure, then adjust accordingly. You should also look for cracks or damage on the sidewalls.

Off-Season Storage

This may seem odd, but an awful lot of damage can happen to your RV while it’s immobile in your driveway or garage. Make sure it’s winterized properly, as clean as it can be, and note any potential issues you see before putting it away for the season. Address any of those issues you can, and for any serious concerns you should bring it into a service department. 

Luckily, Herold Trailer Sales is here for you! If you have more questions about maintenance or care, or you’re just on the market, stop by and let our expert staff get you what you need. We proudly serve Des Moines, Iowa, and Omaha, Nebraska, with all RV needs. Let us serve you today!