Preventative maintenance advice for new owners

[TravelinFam]

I bought a 2015, non-forest river RV less than a year ago and quickly learned the value of checking all the seals, seams, and roof for leaks, applying UV resistant caulk and self-leveling sealant in excess. Nine months and 3K in repairs later, I now own a Forest River.

What else would you recommend a new owner do for preventative maintenance immediately after purchase of a new recreational vehicle?

[ilmor]

Learn all about and maintain your coach batteries properly.

[crunchman12001]

Originally Posted by TravelinFam

I bought a 2015, non-forest river RV less than a year ago and quickly learned the value of checking all the seals, seams, and roof for leaks, applying UV resistant caulk and self-leveling sealant in excess. Nine months and 3K in repairs later, I now own a Forest River.

What else would you recommend a new owner do for preventative maintenance immediately after purchase of a new recreational vehicle?

The first thing I an going to with the new trailer I order this winter is use EternaBond tape on every roof opening and seam.
RV Leak Repair Tapes & Sealants | EternaBond
Also check every window and any exterior light or sidewall mounted accessories for proper sealant.

I would also check every interior water and drain connection for proper installation from the factory.

[TravelinFam]

Thanks for the advice. I am a huge fan of a guy named Big John, from another forum, who pulls the windows and reseals them with butyl tape, reseals the seams, adds wet bolts, etc. He has been unknowingly helpful and I have already begun some of his suggestions. One thing I already did was remove the OEM Ridgway tires and replace them with some higher rated Towmasters. Unfortunately, that wasn't preventative.

[crunchman12001]

Originally Posted by TravelinFam

Thanks for the advice. I am a huge fan of a guy named Big John, from another forum, who pulls the windows and reseals them with butyl tape, reseals the seams, adds wet bolts, etc. He has been unknowingly helpful and I have already begun some of his suggestions. One thing I already did was remove the OEM Ridgway tires and replace them with some higher rated Towmasters. Unfortunately, that wasn't preventative.

Sorry to see you had tire issues.
The biggest thing is be proactive. Check everything on a regular basis.
When you upgrade your new "Towmasters" check out Maxxis M8008's. Highly rated here.

[Sarge1965]

Hey Crunchman20001, Which Eternabind do you recommend to put over seams? Thanks a bunch

[crunchman12001]

Originally Posted by Sarge1965

Hey Crunchman20001, Which Eternabind do you recommend to put over seams? Thanks a bunch

Hi,
If you post the make, model, year of trailer you have along with which type of roof surface you have, one of us will tell you which tape will work best for your application.

[Las Cruces]

One of the biggest problem with RVing is tires. Most of your trailer tires are rated for 55 MPR and that's why every one I know has replaced them with LT's. Your tire pressure is very important, I don't recommend you ever run your tires more than 5lbs below the maximum posted PSI on sidewall the tire. I'm sure others will chime in on this, my trailer is undercover so I change my tires out every four year or the first sign of excessive wear. TT tires stored in the elements fail much faster, three years is pushing it. Be safe and enjoy every minute of it.

[bmcevers_13]

Originally Posted by crunchman12001

Hi,
If you post the make, model, year of trailer you have along with which type of roof surface you have, one of us will tell you which tape will work best for your application.

Thank you for the tips. We have a new Flagstaff Micro Lite 25bhs, 2016.
Any advise is greatly appreciated!

[mnoland30]

They now make trailer tires with an M speed rating (81mph) rather than the standard 65mph. If you can upgrade to a higher load rating and speed rating, most of your tire issues will go away. How often do you have flats on truck tires? Almost never. I usually wear out my LT truck tires without having a flat, but trailer tires are famous for blowouts. I had two flats in my 2009 ROO 21ss in the first 4 trips and upgraded. No flats on any of my trailers this year. That is a first.