Getting Your Camper Ready For Adventure - A Guide to Camper and RV Trailer Maintenance

When the weather is getting warmer and cabin fever is getting too much to bear, you might be itching to finally get out and go camping. While you may be eager to go, you will want to make sure your Camper or RV Trailer is just as ready as you are. A fault with your trailer during your trip can create some serious headaches and even serious safety issues, that you will not want to deal with when you’re looking forward to a relaxing weekend trip in the wilderness. We have put together some helpful tips to ensure your next adventure with your Camper or RV Trailer is a success this season.

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Inspect Tires & Wheel Hubs

Verifying that your Camper or RV Trailer’s tires are in working order is crucial as they are the only part of your trailer that makes contact with the road. Start by inspecting the condition of the tires themselves. Look for uneven treadwear, low tread depth, and any signs of weathering and cracking, as these are signs that you should consider replacing your tires. Check your tire’s DOT date codes. You can learn more about DOT date codes here. The last 4 digits of the date code will indicate the date of production. For example, a 3422-coded tire will have a production date of the 34th week of 2022. While every tire is different and every manufacturer has their own recommendations, the average lifespan of a trailer tire is about 5 years in service, depending on the conditions the tire is exposed to. Check air pressures in each, as tires naturally lose air pressure over long periods of storage and with temperature changes. A tire running with low air pressure will create excessive heat in its sidewall and a heightened risk of a blowout.

While tires make contact with the road, your hubs keep your wheels and tires attached to your trailer. Make sure your lug nuts are torqued to the correct specification and that the threads of both the nut and stud are in good condition. Stretched, stripped, or worn threads can cause improper torque and the risk of a wheel coming off. Check the condition of your wheel hub’s bearings and grease seals. Check for any excessive noise or wear of the bearings and leaks from the seals. You can learn more about inspecting and greasing your trailer’s wheel hubs here.

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Inspect Lighting

Properly working lighting on the outside of your trailer helps to protect the safety of you and others around you. Before checking your Camper or RV Trailer’s lights, make sure your electrical wiring and connectors are in good condition. Inspect both vehicle and trailer ends of the connectors and wiring to check for any damage or corrosion to these components. From there, make sure all lights on the outside of your trailer are working properly, including brakes, turn signals, and clearance lights. Check the condition of the lenses and bulbs to ensure they are providing proper illumination.

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Inspect Towing Components

Make sure to inspect the condition of your hitch and coupler. Look for any signs of rust or corrosion. Verify that any moving components have proper lubrication and are able to move freely. Check that the hitch ball nut is tight on the lock washer and that the coupler itself is properly torqued to the trailer tongue. Inspect the condition and installation of safety chains and hitch pins. If applicable to your trailer, perform the same inspection for any sway control and weight distribution components.

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Inspect Stabilization Equipment

The last thing you would want to deal with during a camping trip is an uneven and unstable trailer. Inspect the condition of your trailer’s tongue jack by checking for corrosion, and improper movement or lubrication of the handle, crank, and shaft. Verify that the wheel or pad and all safety pins are present and are not loose. Perform the same inspection for any stabilization jacks you have for the front and rear of your camper. Make sure you have any necessary leveling blocks or pads and that they are in proper working condition.

Inspect Propane Tanks

Propane tanks on your Camper or RV Trailer provide heat and hot water for your trip. Make sure your tank is in good condition by looking for any cracks, dents, or corrosion. Verify that all hoses and connectors are tight and in good condition. Be sure to have these tanks filled and inspected by a certified propane technician, as well.

Inspect Water Tanks

You will want to make sure your Camper or RV Trailer’s freshwater tanks are sanitized before your first trip and that your gray water tanks are empty and deodorized. Verify that fresh and waste water hoses and adapters are present and in working condition.

Inspect Interior Systems

Ensure that all the creature comforts of your Camper or RV Trailer are working before your first camping trip. Make sure all electrical systems are working properly including lights, outlets, stove, microwave, refrigerator, air conditioner, vent fans, and heater are functioning as normal. Check that water is flowing properly from sinks, showers, and toilets. Checking that all these systems are working properly now will save you from frustration later on.

Make A List Before Your Trip

Once you have inspected and verified that the systems on your Camper or RV Trailer are working properly, make a list of all the supplies you will need for your trip to prevent you from forgetting any essential items. It is better to be overprepared than underprepared, but make sure to adjust your list of essentials for the type of trip you are taking.

These items can include:

• Food and Meal Plan
• Water and Fresh Water Containers
• Cookware and Utensils
• Fresh & Waste Water Hoses and Connectors/Adapters
• Electrical Cords & Adapters
• Propane/Gas Tanks
• Tie Downs
• Tarps
• Leveling Blocks and Jacks
• Safety Chains
• Towels, Linens, and Clothing
• Toiletries
• Chairs & Outdoor Gear
• Recreation Equipment
• First Aid Kit
• Bug Spray and Sunscreen
• Emergency Roadside Kit
• Flashlights, Lamps, Batteries
• Engine Oil
• Park Passes and Forms

You will never regret taking the time now to ensure your Camper or RV Trailer is working properly and that you are prepared for your trip. By doing so, you will save yourself from any potential headaches and ensure that you will have an enjoyable camping vacation. Camping is all about relaxation and fun - don’t let a fault with your trailer get in the way of that.

We hope you have a fantastic camping season this year!

If you are looking to maintain or upgrade your Camper or RV Trailer, be sure to check out our wide range of Camper & RV Trailer Parts here!