This weekend, Labor Day marks one of the last big camping weekends of summer.
Labor Day RV trips attract many enthusiasts.
Many RV owners take advantage of the three-day weekend for one more summer adventure.
Before you hook up and hit the road, spend some time making sure your RV is ready for the trip.
At California RV Specialists in Lodi, CA, we recommend checking several important areas before any extended RV trip. This is especially true after your RV has already traveled throughout the summer.
A pre-trip inspection doesn’t guarantee you won’t experience a problem. It can help identify maintenance concerns before you leave home for Labor Day RV.
1. Check Your RV Tires
Start at the ground.
Check your tire pressures when the tires are cold and inflate them according to the appropriate specifications for your RV and tires.
Take a close look at each tire for:
- Uneven tread wear
- Cracking or weathering
- Bulges or visible damage
- Objects in the tread
- Unusual wear on the inside or outside edges
- Tire age and overall condition
Don’t forget your spare tire.
Unusual tire wear can sometimes be an indication of another problem involving the suspension, axle, loading, or alignment. If you’re seeing something that doesn’t look right, have it inspected before your trip.
2. Inspect & Maintain Your Wheel Bearings
Your trailer’s wheel bearings are working whenever you’re traveling down the highway.
Wheel bearings require routine inspection and maintenance. Depending on your axle and bearing system, service can include removing the hubs, cleaning and inspecting the bearings and races, repacking the bearings with the appropriate grease, replacing seals, and properly reassembling the components.
If you don’t remember the last time your RV wheel bearings were serviced, Labor Day travel is a good reminder to check your maintenance records.
California RV Specialists offers professional RV wheel bearing inspection and maintenance for towable RVs.
3. Don’t Forget Your RV Brakes
Your tow vehicle has an important job, but your trailer brakes need to do their share of the work too.
Before a major trip, make sure your braking system is operating properly.
Depending on your RV, inspect or service:
- Electric drum brakes
- Brake shoes and components
- Wiring and electrical connections
- Brake controller operation
- Breakaway switch and cable
- Hubs and drums
- Hydraulic disc brake systems
If braking feels different, inconsistent, weak, or unusual, don’t wait until after your trip to investigate.
We also install DeeMaxx hydraulic disc brake upgrades for RV owners looking to upgrade qualifying towable RV braking systems.
4. Check Your RV Batteries
Summer heat can be tough on batteries.
Inspect the battery bank and look for loose or corroded connections, damaged cables, mounting concerns, or other visible problems.
Make sure your batteries are charging and holding power properly.
Your RV’s battery system plays a role in many important functions, and towable RV owners should also make sure the emergency breakaway system has the power it requires.
Thinking about upgrading your RV electrical system? California RV Specialists can also help with lithium batteries, Battle Born battery systems, Victron Energy equipment, solar, inverters, and battery monitoring upgrades.
5. Inspect Your RV Roof
Your roof should be inspected regularly—not just when you discover a leak.
Take a close look at the roof membrane and sealants around:
- Roof vents
- Skylights
- Air conditioners
- Antennas
- Plumbing vents
- Roof accessories
- Front and rear transitions
- Roof edges and seams
Look for cracking, separation, lifting, deterioration, punctures, or other areas that may need attention.
California RV Specialists offers RV roof inspections, roof resealing, roof repairs, roof coatings, and complete roof replacement when needed.
Remember: Preventing water intrusion is much easier than repairing extensive water damage later.
6. Check All Your RV Lights
Walk around the RV and make sure your exterior lights are working correctly.
Check:
- Brake lights
- Turn signals
- Running lights
- Clearance and marker lights
- License plate light
- Backup lights when equipped
- Tow vehicle electrical connection
Have someone operate the lights while you walk around the RV.
It’s a simple inspection that only takes a few minutes.
A Few More Things Before You Leave
While you’re preparing for Labor Day, take a few extra minutes to inspect your:
- Hitch and towing equipment
- Safety chains
- Breakaway cable
- Suspension
- Leaf springs and shackles
- Slide-outs
- Awnings
- Propane system
- Refrigerator
- Air conditioner
- Water heater
- Fresh-water system
Test your major systems at home instead of discovering a problem after you’ve arrived at the campground.
Stock Up on RV Parts & Supplies
Labor Day weekend isn’t the time you want to discover you’re missing a simple RV part or maintenance item.
Before leaving, check your supplies and consider carrying common items such as fuses, bulbs, electrical adapters, plumbing fittings, water-system accessories, sewer supplies, appropriate RV sealants, spare hardware, and basic tools.
Stop by California RV Specialists for RV parts, accessories, maintenance products, and replacement components before your trip.
Schedule Your Labor Day Pre-Trip Inspection
If you’re not comfortable performing these inspections yourself—or you find something that concerns you—schedule your RV for service before the holiday rush.
Our team can help with inspections, preventative maintenance, repairs, parts, and upgrades to get your RV ready for the road.
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 from Lodi, Stockton, Galt, Elk Grove, Sacramento, Manteca, Lathrop, Tracy, Modesto, Jackson, Ione, Valley Springs, and surrounding Northern California communities.
Make sure you check out our YouTube channel for more helpful information, and other social media pages.
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.
