Summer may be winding down; however, there is still time for one more RV adventure. Whether you’re planning a Labor Day getaway or a last road trip before fall, schedule an RV pre-trip inspection. Now is a great time to ensure the miles ahead go smoothly.
At California RV Specialists in Lodi, CA, we help RV owners prepare for their travels with pre-trip inspections, preventative maintenance, repairs, parts, and upgrades.
A little preparation before leaving can help you identify maintenance concerns at the shop instead of discovering them on the side of the road or at your campground.
Start with an RV Pre-Trip Inspection
Your RV has likely already traveled some miles this summer. Heat, road vibration, rough highways, long travel days, and normal wear can all take a toll.
Before your next trip, take some time to inspect the areas that matter most.
Tires & Wheels
Check your tire pressures when the tires are cold and adjust them according to the appropriate specifications for your RV and tires.
While you’re there, look closely for:
- Uneven or unusual tire wear
- Cracking or weathering
- Bulges or other visible damage
- Objects in the tread
- Wheel or lug concerns
- Signs that a suspension or alignment issue may be affecting tire wear
Don’t forget to check the condition and pressure of your spare tire.
Wheel Bearings & Brakes
Your wheel bearings and brakes work hard every mile your trailer travels.
If your bearings are due for service or you don’t know when they were last inspected, consider having them checked before another long trip.
Brake performance should also be evaluated. Worn components, contamination, adjustment concerns, wiring problems, or other issues can affect how your trailer brakes perform.
If something doesn’t feel right when you’re towing, have it inspected.
Take a Look at Your RV Suspension
Get underneath your towable RV and visually inspect the suspension.
Look at the:
- Leaf springs
- Shackles
- Bushings
- Equalizers
- U-bolts
- Spring hangers
- Axles
- Mounting hardware
Additionally, look for unusual movement, worn components, damaged or missing hardware, cracks, or anything that differs from prior inspections.
We also offer suspension upgrades including Roadmaster Comfort Ride and Dexter E-Z Flex systems for qualifying applications.
Check Your Roof & Exterior Sealants
Summer heat and UV exposure can be tough on RV roofs and exterior sealants.
Additionally, inspect around roof vents, skylights, antennas, roof accessories, seams, moldings, windows, doors, and other exterior penetrations.
Look for sealant that is cracking, separating, shrinking, lifting, or deteriorating.
Water intrusion prevention shouldn’t begin when you discover a stain inside your RV. Additionally, Regular roof and exterior inspections are an important part of preventative RV maintenance, including the RV pre-trip inspection.
California RV Specialists offers both RV roof resealing and exterior body resealing services to help with water deflection and protection.
Test Your Appliances Before You Leave
Don’t wait until you arrive at the campground to test everything.
Operate your:
- Air conditioner
- Refrigerator
- Water heater
- Furnace, if needed
- Water pump
- Interior and exterior lighting
- Slide-outs
- Awnings
If something isn’t operating normally, you’ll have time to address it before your trip.
Check Your RV Battery & Electrical System
Hot summer temperatures and frequent use can be demanding on RV batteries.
Check your battery condition, terminals, cables, disconnects, and charging system. Make sure your battery bank is charging properly before you leave.
If you’ve been considering an electrical upgrade, we can also help with lithium batteries, Battle Born batteries, Victron Energy systems, solar, inverters, monitoring systems, and other RV electrical upgrades.
Don’t Forget Your Hitch
Inspect the connection between your RV and tow vehicle.
Depending on your setup, check your hitch, pin box, coupler, safety chains, electrical connection, breakaway cable, tow bar, baseplate, and related hardware.
If you have a fifth-wheel hitch or flat-tow system, make its inspection part of your regular pre-trip routine.
Stock Up on RV Parts & Supplies Before Leaving
A few inexpensive parts and supplies can make a big difference when you’re traveling.
Consider carrying common items such as:
- RV fuses
- Replacement bulbs
- Plumbing fittings
- Fresh-water hose accessories
- Water pressure regulator
- Sewer accessories
- Electrical adapters
- Sealants appropriate for your RV
- Spare hardware
- Basic hand tools
- Tire pressure gauge
- Replacement caps and small exterior parts
Stop by California RV Specialists before your trip for RV parts, maintenance supplies, accessories, and advice.
Let Us Help You Get Ready
If you’ve been traveling all summer, don’t assume everything is still in the same condition it was at the beginning of the season.
A pre-trip inspection gives you another opportunity to identify wear, maintenance needs, or developing problems before putting more miles on your RV.
Whether you need an inspection, routine maintenance, repair, parts, or an upgrade, California RV Specialists is here to help you get ready for one more summer adventure.
California RV Specialists
200 S. Cherokee Lane
Lodi, California
Monday–Friday | 8:00 AM–4:00 PM
Serving RV owners since 2003
Serving RV owners throughout Lodi, Stockton, Galt, Elk Grove, Sacramento, Manteca, Lathrop, Tracy, Modesto, Jackson, Ione, Valley Springs, and surrounding Northern California communities.
Can’t Bring Your RV to the Shop?
If you’re unable to bring your unit in for maintenance or repairs — or if you’re looking to tackle an upgrade as a DIY project — we’ve got you covered!
Visit our Amazon Store for everything you’ll need, including basic parts, accessories, and tools to help you maintain your RV.
Learn More
Be sure to visit our YouTube channel and social media pages for RV maintenance tips, repair education and upgrade ideas.
We believe informed RV owners make better maintenance decisions.
