Preseason Maintenance

[Mooney 78865]

I haven't had anything to post about is some time so I thought I would throw out some preseason maintenance.
Unlike last year where there were a number of issues getting the coach ready for the travel season, this year was a piece of cake.
Changed oil and filters on both the engine and generator, replaced the anode rod and flushed the hot water heater. Installed a new filter for the freshwater system and finally, did a chassis lube.
It's amazing the things you do over time to make things a little easier.
Last year I installed a quick drain for the engine, making oil changes a snap. This year, I treated myself to a pneumatic grease gun, (to go with the new compressor the wife bought me for Christmas)
I ran every system, both ACs, both heaters, both heat strips, hot water heater on both propane and electricity, along with inside and outside entertainment.
About the only thing needing replacement was the extension and retraction gear for the entrance steps. While we were in New Mexico I believe, the steps would fail to stop trying to retract at the upper limit due to a stripped main gear. I was able to install a temporary "stop" that prevented the gear from getting to the stripped area, that allowed us to get home. Upon inspection this week I found that the steps were binding as they reached the upper limit. That explained why the gear stripped. (Actually, why I probably had to replace the step motor last year) Anyway, I did get the steps straightened out using the winch on the front of the Jeep. I have no idea how they were tweaked, but there you go.
Looking forward to getting back on the road. I think this is the longest we have been at the house since I retired two years ago!

[cmulvey]

Nice rig!

[Mooney 78865]

Originally Posted by cmulvey

Nice rig!

Thank you! I had been using Nu finish for the wax for a few seasons but changed it up to Chemical Guys Banana wax last year. Huge difference, easier to apply and seems to keep the shine a lot longer.

[NXR]

My list in case it helps:

Periodic and Annual Maintenance Items

- Replace the Camco XL water filter.

- Generator oil and filter change every 150 hours, 2.1 quarts. The last quart goes in very slowly. Also inspect the air filter.

- Engine oil and filter change every 5,000 miles, 7 quarts of 5W20. NOTE: Hot oil from filter will melt through a grocery bag. NOTE: Take watch off and wear gloves.

- Grease the front end. Wheels to the driver side to do one drag link zerk.

- Wash radiator down with a hose.

- Sanitize the water system, replace the KW1 filter, change the anode rod, and flush the water heater.

- Clean the generator spark arrestor.

- Apply PTFE to all SlimRack pinion gears.

- Apply seal conditioner to slide seals.

- Clean and wax the tops of the slides.

- Clean both Maxxair vent fan screens and blades.

- Lube all exterior locks.

- Check water in the chassis battery.

- Lube engine hood pivot points.

- Lube Kwikee step mechanism.

- Lube both awning pivot points.

-Clean and lube tow bar using silicone spray.

- Snug up basement door frame, hinges, and latch screws. Need to do each Robertson screw twice.

- Snug up Rotocast screws to side walls. May require emptying the compartment.

- Snug up roof ladder rungs and standoffs.

- Clean the air conditioner coils.

- Check under the roof unit covers for nests. WD-40 the cover screw holes.

- Check that the eight air conditioner mounting bolts are not loose. Use an 11/16 socket. The bolt torque is 6 Nm or 4.4 ft lbs.

- Inspect undercarriage closely. Look for and correct any leaks or chafe points.

- Inspect for and correct any significant areas of rust, especially on the hitch and on the fridge tubes.

- Check all hitch bolts for proper torque: 80 ft lbs. Use a 3/4 socket.

- Check torque on sway bar bolts. Should be 66 ft lbs. TeJay plates are 19mm. Links are 15mm bolt head and 18mm nuts. Bracket bolts are 15mm.

- Check for propane leaks with the bubbly stuff.

- Clean the outside end of the white fridge drain line of any accumulated brown gunk.

- Check ATS and PI EMS connections for tightness.

- Inspect both gutters inch by inch, especially at seams. Run a toothbrush in each gutter to remove accumulated stuff.

- Snug up slide and slide seal screws.

- Snug up topper screws.

- Snug up all window shade and valance screws.

- Snug up all window frame screws.

- Snug up the clothing hanger bar mounting screws.

- Check power bunk track bolts for tightness.

- Tighten the inner tire valve extensions using a 7/16 open end wrench.

- Replace smoke detector batteries and remote control batteries. Replace Bauer door lock batteries (four Lithiums).

Ray

[Mooney 78865]

Originally Posted by NXR

My list in case it helps:

Periodic and Annual Maintenance Items

- Replace the Camco XL water filter.

- Generator oil and filter change every 150 hours, 2.1 quarts. The last quart goes in very slowly. Also inspect the air filter.

- Engine oil and filter change every 5,000 miles, 7 quarts of 5W20. NOTE: Hot oil from filter will melt through a grocery bag. NOTE: Take watch off and wear gloves.

- Grease the front end. Wheels to the driver side to do one drag link zerk.

- Wash radiator down with a hose.

- Sanitize the water system, replace the KW1 filter, change the anode rod, and flush the water heater.

- Clean the generator spark arrestor.

- Apply PTFE to all SlimRack pinion gears.

- Apply seal conditioner to slide seals.

- Clean and wax the tops of the slides.

- Clean both Maxxair vent fan screens and blades.

- Lube all exterior locks.

- Check water in the chassis battery.

- Lube engine hood pivot points.

- Lube Kwikee step mechanism.

- Lube both awning pivot points.

-Clean and lube tow bar using silicone spray.

- Snug up basement door frame, hinges, and latch screws. Need to do each Robertson screw twice.

- Snug up Rotocast screws to side walls. May require emptying the compartment.

- Snug up roof ladder rungs and standoffs.

- Clean the air conditioner coils.

- Check under the roof unit covers for nests. WD-40 the cover screw holes.

- Check that the eight air conditioner mounting bolts are not loose. Use an 11/16 socket. The bolt torque is 6 Nm or 4.4 ft lbs.

- Inspect undercarriage closely. Look for and correct any leaks or chafe points.

- Inspect for and correct any significant areas of rust, especially on the hitch and on the fridge tubes.

- Check all hitch bolts for proper torque: 80 ft lbs. Use a 3/4 socket.

- Check torque on sway bar bolts. Should be 66 ft lbs. TeJay plates are 19mm. Links are 15mm bolt head and 18mm nuts. Bracket bolts are 15mm.

- Check for propane leaks with the bubbly stuff.

- Clean the outside end of the white fridge drain line of any accumulated brown gunk.

- Check ATS and PI EMS connections for tightness.

- Inspect both gutters inch by inch, especially at seams. Run a toothbrush in each gutter to remove accumulated stuff.

- Snug up slide and slide seal screws.

- Snug up topper screws.

- Snug up all window shade and valance screws.

- Snug up all window frame screws.

- Snug up the clothing hanger bar mounting screws.

- Check power bunk track bolts for tightness.

- Tighten the inner tire valve extensions using a 7/16 open end wrench.

- Replace smoke detector batteries and remote control batteries. Replace Bauer door lock batteries (four Lithiums).

Ray

Dang Ray, that's a nice comprehensive list! Looks like i need to drag it back to the house for a bit better job.
I see you have "Lube engine hood pivot points" Does your hood actually stay up? I use a 3/8 dowel to keep mine up when servicing. I keep looking at the springs wondering if there would be any benefit on replacing them with heavier ones.

[NXR]

Originally Posted by Mooney 78865

I see you have "Lube engine hood pivot points" Does your hood actually stay up? I use a 3/8 dowel to keep mine up when servicing. I keep looking at the springs wondering if there would be any benefit on replacing them with heavier ones.

Look closer.

On the passenger side hinge you should have a plate that will slide towards the center to hold the door open. Ours is black on black so yeah, someone else had to show it to me.

Ray

[Mooney 78865]

Originally Posted by NXR

Look closer.

On the passenger side hinge you should have a plate that will slide towards the center to hold the door open. Ours is black on black so yeah, someone else had to show it to me.

Ray

That would be fantastic! 4 years and I can't tell you how many times I've bumped scraped and banged around under that thing and I've not come across it!