| RV Maintenance: Water, Gas and Electricity |
From "Weekend Mechanic"
episode WKM-309 |
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As a matter of routine, check and test smoke detectors (figure H) and carbon monoxide detectors. It's a good idea to go ahead and put in fresh batteries before you hit the road. These safety items are important safety items for any RV.Open the outside panel that allows access to the back of the refrigerator (figure I). Check for debris or any signs of problems. There are no serviceable parts in most RV refrigerators. If there is a problem, you'll need to have a qualified technician service the unit.
Check the gate valves are working properly on the grey- and black-water holding tanks. Check to ensure that there are no leaks.Check the city-water connection (figure J) to make sure that the inlet filter is present and unclogged, and that the gasket is in good shape.Check to ensure the pressure relief valve on the water heater is closed (figure K) and that the drain plug is in place.
Check all the way around your trailer to ensure that all lights are operating properly. On ours, we found a running light that was not working. After removing the cover, using a test light we were able to verify that the light fixture was receiving power (figure L), indicating the problem was likely a bad bulb. In this case, once the bulb was replaced the light worked fine.In the segment that follows, we check to RV roof for leaks and replace a leaky roof-vent. Important: Included in this segment are the steps in this automotive procedure as shown in the episode. These steps are general guidelines that are applicable to most vehicles. With any particular vehicle, there may be procedures, specifications, settings, tolerances, components, etc. that are specific to that vehicle. There are also variations according to the type and brand of repair-kit you select. Always consult your vehicle's service manual when undertaking significant automotive repairs, and read and follow the manufacturer's directions and precautions that come with your kit or replacement parts. Safety Alert: As a standard safety precaution, always disconnect the vehicle's negative battery cable before you begin work on any electrical or mechanical components. Safety Alert: Always dispose of automotive fluids (antifreeze, motor oil, transmission fluid, etc.) and other toxic substances responsibly. Most auto center offer recycling of automotive fluids.
RESOURCES :
The Complete Idiot's Guideto RV'ing
Author: Brent Peterson
ISBN: 002864171X
Publisher: Alpha Books
The Rv Handbook: Essential How-To Guide for the RV Owner
Author: Bill Estes
ISBN: 0934798664
Publisher: Trailer Life Publications
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