Dell's Desk - Dell Sanders, General Manager

 By now most of the snowbirds have left us for points north and west. Are you among them? Or are you now preparing to take that summer trip of say, two weeks to 2 months?

Our customers and friends travel far and wide. One spent a summer in Maine and provided us with this image from a car trip north to New Brunswick, Canada. Rather peaceful, don't you think?

Maybe your headed out west rather than north? When many of us think of California we think of the big coastal cities. Well, there is much more to see on the other side of the mountains.

Near Barstow, California in the Mojave Desert is a a formation named Rainbow Basin. Our friend sent us a photo of the basin he took a few years back ...

Do you take photos of the places you visit in your RV. We'd love to showcase them here. Send them to jdsandersrv@gmail.com. Be sure to include information about where and when.

Service Desk - Mark Maness, Service Manager

Many of our customers ask me about periodic maintenance. They want to know what should be done and when. I've touched on many maintenance issues in the Digest of the last few years. But, to help you get a feel for the timing of these events I offer the following:

Each Trip

• Check drainage system for leaks and road damage.
• Check GFCI circuits
• Remove food and ice from refrigerator after each trip (unless your rig is always plugged into 110v power)
• Test smoke detector operation
• Vacuum carpeting after each trip (especially if you have pets)
• Be sure your rig is within specified load limits & weight distribution (have you weighed your rig?)


Every Month

• Wash you RV with warm water and mild detergent
• Check vinyl seals when washing the exterior
• Inspect and reseal as necessary
• Check hoses, fittings and connections for leaks and signs of wear
• Clean fan blades and wash filter on range exhaust hood
• Check for obstructions and dirt on exterior appliance vents
• Check fire extinguisher pressure and condition
• Clean pre-finished panels and wood (interior)


Every Three Months

• Check seals for damage and repair as needed
• Lubricate door hinges and step components (WD40)

Every Six Months

• Wax rig with liquid or paste wax
• Inspect roof and roof components and reseal as needed
• Check torque on axle bolts (towable)
• Check brake operation and tires for uneven wear (towable)


Each Year

• Lubricate roof vent mechanism with light oil and clean completely
• Adjust and lubricate window latches with powdered graphite or light oil
• Lube door locks and strike pocket, including external storage and access doors
• Have a qualified RV technician check LP gas pressures and complete system
• Winterize water and drainage system as local conditions warrent
• Clean smoke detector components
• Repack wheel bearings on all towable RVs

As Required

• Check LP gas system for leaks and road damage
• Sanitize water and drainage system
• Perform maintenance on generator (if so equipped) - refer to your generator manual
• Check battery levels and service as needed
• Clean carpeting
• Lubricate all seat mechanisms and inspect for proper operation
• Check all seat buckles, release mechanisms and belt webbing
• Follow chassis lubrication and maintenance procedures and schedules