Lazydays chassis expert Vernon Love says he has seen many vacation trips ruined because owners didn’t do proper maintenance on their chassis. Whether you have a motor home that’s gas or diesel, a fifth-wheel or travel trailer, caring for the chassis and its elements will help ensure that you enjoy your travels.
“If something happens inside the house (RV), it’s not going to ruin your trip,” Love says. “It’ll be an inconvenience.” Love gives an example of a shower not working and having to camp where there is a shower. However, he points out that an RVer can choose when to make those repairs, even waiting until they get back home.
A chassis issue, however, can stop your trip in its tracks. The best step an RVer can take is to practice preventive maintenance care for their RV, including the chassis. Here are some maintenance steps Love recommends that every RV owner practice to help provide better care for their chassis:
- Change air filters about every two years.
- Take extra fuel filters and belts with you.
- If you have a diesel motor home, a jug of DEF fluid will be handy.
- Use an antifungal in the diesel tank if the RV is sitting without running over a year.
- Check the air pressure in your tires every time before you drive. It is best to weigh the RV first and then put in the recommended air pressure according to the owner’s manual.
- Both gas and diesel chassis need oil change and lubrication on both front and rear fittings.
- After getting work done on your RV, look it over, if possible, to ensure repairs and maintenance were done properly.
Love points out that a lot of repairs that come into his Bay 52 at the Lazydays Tampa Service department are from individuals who didn’t do the minimal maintenance care. So, if you want to avoid the costs of most major repairs, be sure to stay on top of the regular maintenance.
“If something breaks on the chassis side, it’s nothing that you are going to be able to fix once you get home,” Love says.
