Travel Trailer maintenance

[rwbradley]

I am new to RV'ing and am curious about maintenance schedules for people who do their own work. From everything I have been reading, Tires, Brakes and Bearings seem to be the most important (except maybe winterizing if you are up north). I would like to work out a schedule for checking/maintaining of the Tires, Breaks and Bearings. My questions are (assume I am a lower mileage user):
1) how frequently do you check tires for damage/failure/pressure, and how long on average do quality brand name tires tend to last (mileage or age)
2) how frequently do you check break shoes for wear and how long on average do quality shoes tend to last
3) how frequently do you check bearings, how frequently do you repack, how frequently do you replace bearings and seals
I find that there is a large discrepancy in the frequency... my father replaces everything at least once a year and others I have talked to have answered "you are supposed to check them?"
Thanks

[campigloo]

I pressure check the tires before every trip. I also do a quick walk around when fueling or stopped for some reason. Put your finger on the wheel near the bearing, it should be cool to slightly warm. Repack the bearings every one to two years, depending on how often the trailer moves. If it sits a lot, every year. If you use it a couple of times a month, every month, every 2 years should be enough. When you check the tires, also look at the tread for any separation and the sidewall for any "bubbling". Mostly, do what you can within reason, hit the road knowing that you will have your moments, adjust attitude accordingly and enjoy the thing!

[OhhWell]

1. Pressure inspected before every trip or when I happen to think of it if we didn't head out for a while.
2. Packed and inspected every year. Spot checked while at a rest stop on the road using the back of my had to check for hot wheels.
3. I took a peek every time I did the bearings.

[CincyGus]

Glad mbopp mentioned the roof. I check and clean mine (along with the awning)before the first trip in the spring and again in the fall after that last trip.
Tire pressure before every trip and again before the ride home. Replace when starting to see checking, small cracks. Generally 5 years, sometimes sooner if not taken care of or sitting in the sun too much.
Bearings repacked every two, greased with gun in between like mbopp, replaced as needed along with seals.
Brakes checked every other year unless the previous year looked like they may be getting close.
Camper water system gets a good double sanitation treatment each spring, a new water filter, frig vents, water heater vents, roof frig vent, all get checked for obstructions and a little shot of compressed air.
Plumbing fittings inside get checked for leaks, tightened as needed.
Propane connections get soap bubble tested to see if anything needs rewrapped with tape.
Touch up paint on frame or other painted area's after sanding anything looking like it has a little rust starting.

[fla-gypsy]

If your trailer is under warranty you should follow the makers recommendation to protect your warranty.
1. Pressure check before each trip and visual at every stop. Sooner if something doesn't seem right. A Quality tire will last 5 years
2. I adjust them every year and you should probably inspect every other year or if a problem occurs
3. Most makers recommend annual inspection but I think that is bunk.

[mbopp]

Tire pressure gets checked before every trip.
Bearing repack is on a 2-year schedule. On the off-years they get a few shots of grease.
Tires get replaces when they start to weather-check.
Roof is inspected / recaulked twice a year (but it's stored under cover during the winter.)

[Peg_Leg]

Before every trip I check tire pressure. During trip I use a small thermal temp in a key bob shape and check temps through the wheel spokes. I'm not so much worried about the actual temp as temp differences. My normal temps run in the 100 or less area depending on ambient temps. I've seen higher but I wouldn't be bothered by 160-180 on a hot day right after a long stop.

I normally tow 6-10,000 mi a yr. I adjust the brakes at the first of every year and more often if I feel any change. I repack my bearings every other year, which also requires new seals and brake adjustment. I visually check brake lining thickness at this time. I don't even bother checking magnets since I can buy complete brake assembly plates almost as cheap as shoes alone, and it's easier to replace the whole assembly.

I've not had a brake or bearing failure in over 30 yrs of towing doing this. As for tires I visually check them every walk around and closer upon bearing service time. I don't have a schedule other than replacing all of them when a problem appears.