TT: Maintenance

bls8195 wrote:
I have a 2006 StarCraft Travelstar XLT travel trailer and was wondering what kind of general maintenance should be done on a monthly basis. I plan to get a extended warranty and I will have to keep good logs and just want to make sure everything is in order.

I didn't know if there was a checklist of things that should be check regularly.

Thanks for all the help.

Here is a post I made on my blog detailing what I do.

Cheers Ray

I've never done a pressure test, but I do check plumbing connections (pipes and water lines) and tighten if necessary. Ours tend to loosen up a little after long trips. I check a couple times per year.

bls8195 wrote:
I only really ask because I live in my travel trailer full time for the moment and have a extended warranty and if ever an issue I don't want them to deny my claim, although I hope I don't ever have an issue. I know they said make sure AC area is always clean and behind the fridge there is a panel that needs to be cleaned out and things like that. But I was always told the ac's on the TT don't really need to be serviced unless out of Freon. Not sure how true that statement is.

You may want to check on how your extended warranty is with regards to living in it "full time".

Ok I appreciate all the help. I have been checking roof and sealing all areas, and now working on the sides just to make sure everything is in good order.

bls8195 wrote:
I have not done a pressurized leak test as of yet.

I am doing my annual one, right now. I discovered about half a dozen new ones since I did it last year. IMO, it's the best preventive maintenance you can do, a leak will destroy a lot in short order. I use a furnace blower directed into a window and tape/seal off any vent openings, fan covers,etc, anyplace that can exit air. There is a commercial testing system, Sealtech, that is made for this purpose and operators usually charge around $100 to test for leaks.

Having an extended warranty may give you a sense of security but if the roof leaks, you're going to be in for a fight with the warrantor because age and deterioration aren't covered.

If the air conditioner leaks Freon to the point it needs to be filled, you are probably looking at replacement unless it is a joint that has come loose or is ill-fitted. Cleaning the coils is one of the best things you can do to increase longevity.

Here is my checklist

Yearly- Spring prior to first trip.
**************
Check/Repack Bearings manually, check seals, check brake drums and pads
Check/add Grease to power jack head

Every 6 Months- Spring prior to first trip, fall after last trip.
**************
Clean roof and awning with spic and span, rinse well
Wash Trailer, dry and wax
Check roof for cracking dicor, leaks, anyplace that needs repair.

Monthly
**************
Walk around trailer, checking sealant around windows, trim pieces and looking for any other undiscovered damage that needs repair. Fix as needed.
Check battery water levels, top off as needed.

Before each trip
****************
Check tires for cracking, bulging, damage. Check air pressure.
Check Lug Nuts for rust, tightness.
Check brake lights, turn signals, marker lights once hooked to truck.
Scan and check bottom of trailer for any issues underneath (Hanging coroplast, loose drain cover, loose wires, etc.
Check W/D brackets for tightness
Spray stab jacks with silicone lub before leaving.
Dab of grease on hitch ball if needed.


Plenty of other camping checklist things but this is my list for the minimum before I pull out.

I have not done a pressurized leak test as of yet.

I only really ask because I live in my travel trailer full time for the moment and have a extended warranty and if ever an issue I don't want them to deny my claim, although I hope I don't ever have an issue. I know they said make sure AC area is always clean and behind the fridge there is a panel that needs to be cleaned out and things like that. But I was always told the ac's on the TT don't really need to be serviced unless out of Freon. Not sure how true that statement is.

Have you done a pressurized leak test?

On a "monthly" basis you really don't have ANY maintenance to do unless you have something that is not working correctly. On an ANNUAL basis however, you need to sasnitize your water system, check your brakes and bearings on each wheel, inspect the roof for physical damage and check caulking for signs of deterioration. Pay special attention to cracks and places where caulking is pulling loose from around a through roof fitting. Most everything else is entirely optional but most like to be sure the RV is kept clean for cosmetic reasons and that includes cleaning the roof with a mild detergent that does not contain mineral spirits or petroleum distillates, then rinsing it well. Some was the siding and repaint around safety chains or battery boxes also but those are really "as needed' items rather than annual.
Good luck / Skip