Annual Preventive Maintenance

[mpking]

I was inspired by this persons Youtube video:
5 Things I Do To The RV Every Year https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6rws1IIVB5I

The short list from the video was:

1. Clean electrical cords with Deoxit to remove corrosion. https://amzn.to/3L8tibH
2. Clean the emerency brake disconnect switch with Deoxit.
3. Repack Bearings / Check Brakes
4. He buys a new hose for freshwater. (He went on at length how all hoses grow stuff, and it's just easier to buy a new one than it is to sanitize. He just takes last years, and marks it as black tank flush, and throws the existing black tank flush away.
5. Check all Smoke/CO/Propane alarms and Fire Extinguishers.

He also mentions he check the roof several times a year, and tires every trip, this was more the stuff he never thinks about.

The only thing I would add to this list is:

1. Check my battery. For me, with a sealed lead acid, I check to make sure it has water, maybe have a stress test on it.
2. Inspect all the silicon seals on the side of the unit. I too check the roof alot, but the sidewalls, not so much.
3. Sanitize the water system. (i usually do this as I de winterize)
4. Clean the AC system. Actually remove the shroud, and get AC cleaner on there. Chad from Changing Lanes has a great video on this https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gbm8hOyZlrU
   1. EVAP Foam No Rinse (https://amzn.to/3JmFJPt) - For the Evaporator coil (for the air we breath)
   2. AC Foam Cleaner (https://amzn.to/3smSdzk) - For condenser coil. Cheaper cleaner for the coils that don't touch the air we breath.

What do you guys have for stuff you only do once a year?

[NoPeeking]

I'm not as thorough on the A/C maintenance as above, but annually also:
- clean/inspect undercarriage which usually involves filling any new gaps in the chloroplast, removing rust from frame and suspension and re-painting where needed;
- inspect, re-torque, and lubricate hitch components; and
- wax, wax, wax until my arm is ready to fall off.

Mike

[Country Campers]

I think once this list is compiled, we should add it to the Reference channel a sticky. (Just a reminder to do this).

Very good list so far.

Brian

[StephenO]

Some of the items off my yearly list of items that hasn't been listed yet

• Rinse out the water heater before de-winterizing to remove any mineral deposits
• Do a pressure test on the plumbing system, although installing a fixed pressure gauge would be better
• Do a soap test on all propane fittings*
• Check for any loose screws, and seal behind the heads on those on the exterior
• On top of checking the chloroplast, I check the tarp type material for any holes
• Soon to be added to my list, grease suspension wet bolts

*Please see the post below by Jlawles2 about doing soap tests too frequently on fittings

[Jlawles2]

Be careful of doing the soap test yearly as the soap and water combination may lead to increased deterioration of the steel piping in the propane system.

[Guest]

Awesome lists. I began greasing the chassis before each trip. Grease is pushed out of the bushings quickly where just a few shots before each trip will help to reduce wear. Check U bolt torque if it has not already been added.

Jim

[Crespro]

Maintenance:
1. Run Furnace, Propane HWH Monthly
2. Replace White Water Monthly
3. Leather treatment on Recliner/Sofa Quarterly
4. Wax and refill propane SemiAnn
5. Wet Bolts (14) SemiAnn
6. Grease axles 12K CW
7. Grease Reese hitch Ann
8. U Bolts 75# Ann
9. Pin Box Annual
10. Tires RV and Truck 4 Years
11. Tires Load+5PSI as needed.
12. Eternabond Roof – Once and done.
13. Torque AC bolts – Once and done.

[NoPeeking]

As a matter of routine, I carry my #2 Robbie when doing any maintenance to snug the, seemingly, hundreds of loose & backed-out screws. I've read in these threads the use of a dab of silicon under the screw head. Does this work, or just create more issue for later?

Mike

[Guest]

As a matter of routine, I carry my #2 Robbie when doing any maintenance to snug the, seemingly, hundreds of loose & backed-out screws. I've read in these threads the use of a dab of silicon under the screw head. Does this work, or just create more issue for later?

Mike

Mike,

This works very well if you can find a screw that is not stripped. Lightly coat the entire thread as well.

Here is one of many methods in repairing a stripped out screw.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b2kni03dn94

Jim

[Jlawles2]

NoPeeking Mike, the silicone thing is to help seal and prevent the steel screws from rusting. It probably creates a bit more of a hassle, but not having a leaking, rusting screw in the exterior to deal with at a later date is probably much easier as a leaking screw can lead to lots of damage due to water infiltration.

Jim, I like to glue my toothpicks in place as this helps to keep them from falling out later if the screw is removed. While in college I saw a guy use zip tie pieces in the screw hole.

[Guest]

NoPeeking Mike, the silicone thing is to help seal and prevent the steel screws from rusting. It probably creates a bit more of a hassle, but not having a leaking, rusting screw in the exterior to deal with at a later date is probably much easier as a leaking screw can lead to lots of damage due to water infiltration.

Jim, I like to glue my toothpicks in place as this helps to keep them from falling out later if the screw is removed. While in college I saw a guy use zip tie pieces in the screw hole.

Joseph,

Yes glue will work better with a filler material. Sometimes, I use an epoxy mix through an injector from west systems. Folks need to be careful with epoxies where they need to be safe for foam. I'm sure you are aware to never apply fiberglass resin to a foam panel as the foam will disappear in minutes. General info to help the members.

https://www.westsystem.com/application-tools/

https://www.amazon.com/Adhesive-Appl...92488877&psc=1

Another project is to purchase stainless screws to replace all on the exterior. I believe Howard may have already did this work and can share a link for screws?



Jim

[howson]

Another project is to purchase stainless screws to replace all on the exterior. I believe Howard may have already did this work and can share a link for screws?

Not me! Not a bad idea for my "To Do", list, though.

[Beachcamper]

[QUOTE=StephenO;n75997]Some of the items off my yearly list of items that hasn't been listed yet
[[*]Do a pressure test on the plumbing system, although installing a fixed pressure gauge would be better[*]*




I would like to know about installing a fixed pressure gauge. Where and how?

[StephenO]

I would like to know about installing a fixed pressure gauge. Where and how?

Hi Vivian, the installation of a fixed pressure gauge has been discussed a few times on the forum, so I am sure you'll be able to find detailed information about it, particularly posted by Cate&Rob

To summarize it though, you can install a pressure gauge anywhere on the cold water piping system, ideally in a spot where you can see the gauge and 'keep an eye on it'. Most likely in the bathroom or kitchen, where you'll have access to the cold water pipe and somewhere to mount the gauage.

To tap into the piping, you can use tee fitting, being mindful of the ID hose issue, also discussed lots here

Again, I am highly summarizing this, but as you know fire any questions away.

[Scott'n'Wendy]

Another project is to purchase stainless screws to replace all on the exterior. I believe Howard may have already did this work and can share a link for screws?
Jim

I do this but very slowly. When I have to remove something, it gets reattached with stainless screws. I keep a varied selection in the garage and in the tool box when travelling.