Full timing and repairs
Have a quick question for the full timers. If something happens to your rig; ie blow a tire and take out the skirting, or whatever. How long do are you expected to wait for repairs? Do you have the...
Forum Discussion
Typically when things break on the road I repair it myself. However, to keep that from happening I do certain things.
Before a trip I crawl underneath my RV and check things out such as fluid levels in the rear end, universal joints, and just visually look for problems.
I have a set of tire minders that monitor tire pressure and temperature. What’s nice is that they not only monitor the tires but the brakes as well since if you have dragging calipers the extra heat from friction will show up in the adjoining tire monitor.
Before I head out I check all fluid levels and poke my head under the front end looking for leaking power steering fluid, brake fluid, engine and transmission seals, whatever. If it needs repairing I repair it.
Whenever I stop, and I mean whenever… I walk around the RV and tow dolly and do a quick tire inspection. I don’t have tire minders on the tow dolly (but will soon) in the mean time I shoot the tow dolly wheel hubs with an infrared thermometer to see if there is any unusual heat buildup from a possible failing wheel bearing (I almost lost a tow dolly wheel 2 years ago and am a bit paranoid, even though I’ve since replaced all the bearings and races in the tow dolly).
While I’m driving I stay very aware of any odd mechanical sounds as well as odors. Typically parts don’t suddenly fail, your machine will tell you it has a problem, you just have to listen and respond.
Hopefully, my mindfulness will keep me out of trouble but if not I carry an excellent tool kit and shop manuals. Driving older vehicles all my life has made an expert at get-me-home repairs.
Steve
Before a trip I crawl underneath my RV and check things out such as fluid levels in the rear end, universal joints, and just visually look for problems.
I have a set of tire minders that monitor tire pressure and temperature. What’s nice is that they not only monitor the tires but the brakes as well since if you have dragging calipers the extra heat from friction will show up in the adjoining tire monitor.
Before I head out I check all fluid levels and poke my head under the front end looking for leaking power steering fluid, brake fluid, engine and transmission seals, whatever. If it needs repairing I repair it.
Whenever I stop, and I mean whenever… I walk around the RV and tow dolly and do a quick tire inspection. I don’t have tire minders on the tow dolly (but will soon) in the mean time I shoot the tow dolly wheel hubs with an infrared thermometer to see if there is any unusual heat buildup from a possible failing wheel bearing (I almost lost a tow dolly wheel 2 years ago and am a bit paranoid, even though I’ve since replaced all the bearings and races in the tow dolly).
While I’m driving I stay very aware of any odd mechanical sounds as well as odors. Typically parts don’t suddenly fail, your machine will tell you it has a problem, you just have to listen and respond.
Hopefully, my mindfulness will keep me out of trouble but if not I carry an excellent tool kit and shop manuals. Driving older vehicles all my life has made an expert at get-me-home repairs.
Steve
