I hope that your summer RV Trip is filled with happiness and great memories. I am writing this post to hopefully help you avoid any potential Trip ending disasters. I have found that most disasters could have been avoided. This last summer ended with us on the side of the road in our 2010 Fleetwood Discovery 40G with Radiator Fluid pouring out the end of the Motorhome and all over our Jeep.
I can honestly tell you that this could have been avoided. When I first saw the radiator fluid and belt (shredded) in a million pieces I assumed the water pump had seized. I was shocked to find that the water pump was totally ok. So there I am sitting on the side of the road with my wife, kids, two dogs, computers, all of our misc stuff in the middle of Alabama. Its Saturday and we need to be in Dallas, TX on Sunday night.
Needless to say that was very frightening. The end result is that the belt broke and cut through the radiator lines and fan clutch wiring. We called Good Sam for a tow but went to the auto parts store purchased new radiator lines and replaced the belt (on hand) which I had already ordered. It fired up and we pulled away just as the tow truck arrived. It was 8 hours later at approximately midnight and we had three hours to our next stop in Jackson, MS.
We made it to Dallas on Sunday evening. We were dog tired and my wife arrived on time for training for her new job. I told Good Sam we were planning to “self solve” this issue. Either way the belt had been squeaking for about 3000 miles. I chose not to change it because getting into the top of the motor required completely disassembling the closet. The Discovery 40G is horribly designed for engine access. We have since fixed that problem.
We have built a door like you find in most motorhomes that doesn’t require the disassembly of the closet. I can get to the top of the motor in about minute depending on how much stuff we have in the closet. I have another post being written to document our improvements.
To make a long story short. Most RV Trip disasters are avoidable. Had I just disassembled the closet and replaced the “squeaking” belt I could have avoided my beside the road adventure. Here is a picture from my brother in law on the side of the road. His tire blew and when I checked the date code the tire was a 2003.
Sorry Bro, I love you!!!
End of Winter and beginning of Spring is when you should pull that RV out and go through all of the systems. Listen for what its saying. If it sounds different now is the time to investigate. Here’s my recommended list of checks:
- Oil Changes
- Check Tire Date codes, pressure and appearance (replace don’t wait)
- Run generators – Check voltage, hertz, and AMPs (listen to the idle and under load)
- Run your Air Conditioners
- Open your awnings and check fabric
- Check your slide outs (don’t add lube unless your manufacturer recommends which most don’t) it causes problems
- Batteries (You should have been charging them over the winter) terminals and clean them
- Wheel Bearings (Trailer types)
- Check roof and windows for broken caulk Don’t wait until your roof looks like the following:
Happy Travels and I hope your Summer RV Trip is full of Happiness and Great Memories
All the Best,
John
RVHelp.net