What to Do When Your RV Breaks Down

Any time you experience a breakdown on the road it is not a good thing but when it is your RV, it can be an even bigger deal.  One thing an owner can do to try and prevent a roadside breakdown before it occurs is to keep up with routine maintenance and not put off any needed repairs.  Get in the habit of taking the RV to your dealership to have the yearly tune-ups and service done by their experienced, certified RV mechanics.   

Do keep in mind that if you do have a breakdown and call for roadside assistance; be sure to let them know the type of RV you have as it will require special equipment to tow it.  Now the next question is where do you tow it to have the work done?  If you own a Class A motorhome with a diesel engine you can have it brought in to a repair shop that works on trucks.  Basically what you are looking for is the services of a qualified, heavy-duty diesel mechanic. 

For a Class C or gas-fueled Class A motorhome, an auto service center or car dealership should be able to handle the repairs.  If you have a travel trailer that has broken down, it may be something to do with the wheel bearings, axle, or lights.  This type of work can be handled by most any repair shop.   

As a precautionary measure, many RV owners opt to purchase a separate insurance policy to cover towing fees for the RV in the event of a breakdown.  At Pikes Peak Traveland, we offer customers the opportunity to join our new 24/7 Roadside Assistance and Technical Support program known as Roadside/Tech24.  Once you become an RV Club or Roadside/Tech24 member, you will enjoy a 10% discount on every night you camp at a KOA campground, the world's largest network of family-friendly campgrounds.

Source:

http://rv-roadtrips.thefuntimesguide.com/2008/08/rv_roadside_assistance.php

Pikes Peak Traveland has been one of the top Colorado Springs RV dealers since 1982 and a partner in the national Route 66 RV Network. Whether you are in the market for a new or used RV, want to consign one, or need parts or service, we can help.  We only sell the top names in RVs and offer some of the best prices around.  Please come out and take a look at our extensive inventory of quality RVs for sale. 

Tips for Towing a Travel Trailer

Particularly for new RV owners or when using a different tow vehicle, it is a good idea to review tips on how to safely tow a travel trailer as the experience can be like learning to drive all over again.  Experts recommend that you take the time beforehand to practice maneuvering the RV in a parking lot to go over basics such as parking, backing up, and making turns.  One thing to remember is every maneuver you make should be done in a deliberate manner.  Try to eliminate any sudden moves and consciously be aware of the weight you are pulling behind you. 

Check to make sure your tow hitch is rated to handle the weight of your trailer.  If not, be sure to replace it with a higher class hitch.  The California Department of Motor Vehicles has published a helpful pre-trip inspection checklist that drivers should go over before getting on the road and towing a travel trailer.  Their recommendations are to make sure that:

·         The pin securing the ball mount to the receiver is intact.

·         The hitch coupler is secured.

·         Spring bar hinges are tight with the safety clips in place (load equalizer or weight distributing hitches).

·         Safety chains are properly attached.

·         The electrical plug is properly installed.

Another suggestion from experienced RV drivers is to have your brakes inspected by a mechanic a few weeks before your trip as they are an essential part of your safe driving.  Once on the road, be sure to allow plenty of space between you and the vehicle ahead of you to give yourself adequate time to stop.  Additionally if your trip will take you through steeply graded roads, downshift the vehicle while going both up and down hills as well as lower your speed. 

Sources:

http://auto.howstuffworks.com/auto-parts/towing/vehicle-towing/trailer/travel-trailer-towing2.htm

http://dmv.ca.gov/pubs/dl648/dl648pt12.htm

Pikes Peak Traveland has been one of the top Colorado Springs RV dealers since 1982 and a partner in the national Route 66 RV Network. Whether you are in the market for a new or used RV, want to consign one, or need parts or service, we can help.  We only sell the top names in RVs and offer some of the best prices around.  Please come out and take a look at our extensive inventory of quality RVs forsale. 

Load Your Travel Trailer Properly

It is important when towing a travel trailer that you load it properly to avoid trailer sway and give yourself more control over the trailer.  By taking the time to evenly distribute the weight when loading the trailer you can help to alleviate any problems.  According to Aol Autos, “If you ever notice the trailer starting to sway or whip, let off the gas and hold the steering wheel straight.  Do not brake, speed up, or try to counter the sway.”

One way to effectively load a travel trailer is to spread the weight from side to side and from front to back based on your trailer’s load specifications.  According to the Your RV Lifestyle website, weight distribution is critical and you should, “know your Gross Axle Weight Ratings (GAWR), obtain measurements of specific wheel position loads and set tire pressure appropriately.”  You are also trying to keep the center of gravity low and have all cargo secured to prevent it from shifting while the trailer is moving.   

The California Department of Motor Vehicles says that hitch weights for travel trailers should be on average at least 10% of the trailer’s gross weight to ensure smooth handling and can go 15% or higher in some cases.  If you tow a large travel trailer, your hitch weight is determined by capacity of the tow vehicles and the hitch.  Heavy trailers should be towed by a pickup truck or heavy-duty van.  Always keep in mind that if you do not follow your specific recommendations, you may find yourself in the unpleasant and potentially dangerous position of a trailer fishtailing across lanes. 

 

You can research on the Internet or check the yellow pages to find a public scale where you can bring your trailer in to have it weighed.  Furthermore remember that the suggested speed for safe towing is no higher than 55 MPH and it is the law in many states.  Be sure to take your time and enjoy the trip along the way to help guarantee a safe arrival. 

Sources:

http://autos.aol.com/gallery/towing-tips/#!slide=51302

http://www.your-rv-lifestyle.com/towing-tips.html

http://dmv.ca.gov/pubs/dl648/dl648pt12.htm

Pikes Peak Traveland has been one of the top Colorado Springs RV dealers since 1982 and a partner in the national Route 66 RV Network. Whether you are in the market for a new or used RV, want to consign one, or need parts or service, we can help.  We only sell the top names in RVs and offer some of the best prices around.  Please come out and take a look at our extensive inventory of quality RVs for sale.