TRAVEL PREPARATION
Like any vacation trip, pre-planning will pay big dividends. A checklist
is often helpful.
In
addition
to
routine tip preparations such
as
having newspaper delivery
stopped and mail held at the post office, there are now more vehicle-related
preparations than there were with the old family car.
CHASSIS CHECKS
As
with any vehicle, the RVer needs to check the automotive systems
prior to a trip. They include:
Under Hood:
Fluid Levels (oil, power steering, radiator, transmission, windshield
washer, etc.)
Belts (tension and condition)
Battery (electrolyte level if applicable, connections, charge)
Hoses (clamps tight, condition, leakage)
0
Seals, Gaskets (leaks)
Exterior:
Tire pressurelcondition and lug nut torque
Spare tire,
rim
condition, and tools-including jack
Headlights, running and safety marker lights including brake and
turn signal and also any trailer light connections
Rear view mirror adjustment
*
Security of any auxiliary equipment such as TV and CB antennae,
awning, etc.
Windshield wiper blade condition
..
.
Generator compartment
Fresh and waste water connectionsldrains and supplies such as high
pressure hose
e
Liquid Petroleum Gas .compartment/tank
Under Vehicle:
Drive train condition, specifically leaks (U-joints, differential, trans-
mission)
* Brakes including lines, padslshoes, seals
Engine area for pan gasket or other leaks
Anything unusual hanging or tangled with road debris such as tree limbs
Tank
condition (gas, fresh water, waste water)
*
Wheel cylinder seals (leakage)
8
Inside Driver's Compartment:
*
Check operation of all systems, including:
Wipers; Windshield; Horn; Brakes; Emergency Brake; Steering;
Transmission; Heater; Defroster;
Air
Conditioner and Seat Adjustment.
Also idle engine long enough to check cooling system (temperature
gaugellight) and Alternator (charging) operation. Be sure to turn on
headlights and climate controls to see if alternator handles the
additional drain on electrical system (should not show discharge).
RV System Check:
As an RVer you now have the added responsibility to prepare the living
quarters for a trip.
Preparations include:
* Filling fresh water
tank.
In winter be sure that system is freeze protected.
*
Check list of food, utensil and clothing needs and to save weight and
space do not take more than two or three days food supply.
9
Check storage of
all
items, making sure that everything is secured
and that heavy items are stored low so they do not fall.
Check operation
of
stove and refrigerator.
Check paper work such as Owner Registration Card, vehicle registration,
proof of insurance, driver's license and namesiphone numbers of
individuals you are to contact during the trip, such as Ranger Stations.
WARNING:
Pay carefd attention to where and what
type
of flammable materials you
store.
Certain storage areas are
clearly labeled
DO
NOT
SIlORE
COMBUSllBLE
MATERIALS.
Ex-
amplea of apark-producing areas, depending upon RV model, are:
base kitchen cabinets, front dinette base, exterior refrigerator ser-
vice compartment,
as
well as refrigerator cabinet.
Please use your
discretion as to whatpotentially dangerous products your RVcontains while
traveling. Be sure all canister and bottle tops are secure and leak-pee.
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