Author: Susan Siewertbr
Source: ezinearticles.combr
br
I dont know about you, but when the snow drifts start disappearing in my back yard, I think spring camping road trip! Just the thought defrosts my winter weary spirit. Day dreaming, exploring and planning my camping season begins with the important task of getting the travel trailer ready for the road. (We own a 1977 Airstream. Keeping current on maintenance is a high priority for us!) Learning the hard way, we begin spring maintenance in the fall while winterizing the trailer for winter storage. As we shut the trailer systems off, we test and inspect each for needed repair. Making note of essential repairs in the fall gives us time to budget funds and schedule repair time before its time to travel. We create a separate wish list for non-essential repairs and upgrades. Pre-planning in the fall has reduced the stress of on road surprises for us.
Our family hates vacation side trips to find a local RV dealer for unexpected repairs. Wasting precious vacation time camping in the dealer parking lot is not our idea of exploring the scenic back roads! By scheduling repairs for early March, we give our dealer plenty of time to complete work before the spring rush. Most often the trailer is left winterized, in case of continued freezing temperatures. De-winterizing, the first weekend out, is a task we can easily accomplish on our own and it doesnt take long to do. That first annual family camping trip is our spring road trip to test our wheels. Although on road surprises still occur occasionally, we are far more prepared to face them with humor, if we have done our fall homework. Sometimes on road surprises become our favorite travel tales. Ive included our RV/Travel Trailer Maintenance Check List. Think Spring! Think spring camping road trip!
Spring Maintenance Check Lis for RVs Travel Trailers, and Campers
1. Pack Wheel Bearings/Inspect Brakes
2. Inspect Safety Chains
3. Inspect Brake Controller/wiring
3. Inspect Tires for Damage and Wear
5. Inspect Hitch Components
6. Torque Wheel Lug Nuts
7. Lubricate Locks
8. Lubricate Coupler Latch and Socket
9. Lubricate Hinges
10. Inspect and Clean Vents/Fans
11. Vacuum Screens/ Wash Windows
12. Sanitize Water Tanks
13. Clean Drapes and Interior Fabrics
14. Clean Battery Cables and Terminals, Check Fluids
15. Test Electrical System
16. Test Furnace/ Replace Filters
17. Test and Clean Air Conditioner/ Replace Filters
18. Replace Broken Light Bulbs
19. Replace Smoke Alarm/ Carbon Monoxide Detector Batteries
20. Inspect/ Test Electronics
21. Inspect Suspension
22. Check All Seams and Openings, Reseal as Needed
23. Check Water System Componenets/ Clean Water Heater
24. Inspect/Fill Propane Tanks
25. Inspect/Clean Major Appliances
br
br
pIf you are looking for unique camping equipment, take a visit to a target=_new href=http://www.4campingcomfort.com rel=nofollowhttp://www.4campingcomfort.com/a for camping, RV accessories and supplies for travel comfort and fun/ppSusan E. Siewert, the author of this article and owner of 4Camping Comfort.com, is an experienced camping and travel enthusiast. Finding new and unique RV and camping accessories is a favorite hobby. The product mix is ever- changing as she explores the camping equipment marketplace for innovative fun camping gear. Visit 4Camping Comfort.com at a target=_new href=http://www.4campingcomfort.com rel=nofollowhttp://www.4campingcomfort.com/a to see what shes found for you/pbr
br