{"id":3596,"date":"2022-04-05T15:41:46","date_gmt":"2022-04-05T05:41:46","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/truckdealers.com.au\/editorial\/?p=3596"},"modified":"2022-04-05T15:41:46","modified_gmt":"2022-04-05T05:41:46","slug":"travel-trailer-maintenance-the-ultimate-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/truckdealers.com.au\/editorial\/travel-trailer-maintenance-the-ultimate-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Travel Trailer Maintenance: The Ultimate Guide"},"content":{"rendered":"<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Having a <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">travel trailer in Australia<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is great for road trips\u2026 until it breaks down. But you can avoid this fate if you know how to maintain your travel trailer.<\/span><\/h2>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Travel trailers are a great addition to the road trip arsenal.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">And if you love exploring the great outdoors with your family, chances are that you most likely have one. And you may even consider it the best investment you\u2019ve made.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">But this can all go downhill if your travel trailer ends up breaking down somewhere remote.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This is likely to happen if you don\u2019t regularly do <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">travel trailer maintenance<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why is it so important, though?<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">See, like the average vehicle, your travel trailer also has moving parts that need to be in tip-top shape to function well. Luckily, learning how to keep them moving right is a pretty simple process when you know what to do.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">And now that the camping season is near, we\u2019ve put together a checklist on maintaining your travel trailer.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So, before you pack and chuck your bags into your trailer, make sure to follow our maintenance checklist.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Travel Trailer<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> Maintenance Checklist<\/span><\/h3>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inspect for Water Damages<\/span><\/h3>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The very first thing that you want to do when maintaining your travel trailer is to check it for water damage.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">During the rainy season, exposed spots can bring water into your trailer and damage it. And, since different kinds of water damage can put your health and safety at risk, it pays to check the following:<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Window seals<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Door jambs<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Slideout seams<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Windshield seals and weatherstripping<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Exterior and interior<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Roof seals<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Soft spots<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Holes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Body seams<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Staining or discolouration<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rust on exterior screws<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Caulking<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Storage compartments<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Electrical components<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Conduct A Routine Exterior Inspection<\/span><\/h3>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here, you\u2019ll need to keep your eyes peeled for any part of your trailer that needs fixing, like:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Loose or missing nuts or screws<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cracking rubber seals (usually, these parts can be found around hose inlets, hose outlets, and storage panels)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check for cracks in the fibreglass<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Signs of rust<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check Your Roof\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Generally, maintaining your travel trailer\u2019s roof has much to do with inspecting for leaks or cracks and fixing them. If ever a minor flaw does appear, you can fix it by treating it with a sealant that\u2019s compatible with your roof\u2019s material.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do A Light-Pressure Wash<\/span><\/h3>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One thing that most trailer owners don\u2019t know is that maintenance has a lot to do with keeping things clean.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The best way to do this is by giving your trailer a thorough pressure wash to get rid of all the dirt and grime on it. You can also apply a special-purpose wax that\u2019s made for trailers or vehicles to keep its finish pristine.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Clean the Awning\u00a0<\/span><\/h3>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re moving around with your travel trailer often, you\u2019ll need to keep its awning clean. Keep in mind that the cleaning method depends on the kind of awning you have.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To be precise:<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>\n<b><\/b><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>If you have a fabric awning: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">it\u2019s best to clean it with a soap that\u2019s made to treat and preserve its specialised, stain-resistant finish. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\n<p><\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li aria-level=\"1\"><b>If you have a vinyl awning: <\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">it\u2019s recommended that you avoid any cleaners that contain bleach or harsh chemicals. Instead, use vinyl-specific cleaners that will help thoroughly clean your awning while extending its life.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Have A Seals and Seams Inspection<\/span><\/h3>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">One mistake we see travel trailer owners make is that they don\u2019t inspect their external seals and seams.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">To avoid leaks and cracks, we recommend checking these parts and cleaning them.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Do an Interior Maintenance<\/span><\/h3>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once you&#8217;re done with your exterior routine, you can start with the inside of your travel trailer.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Given that you sleep, eat, and live in your trailer every time you go on a trip, it\u2019s important to keep it clean. To avoid any unsanitary situations with your trailer, there are three things you need to do:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vacuum every surface, nook, and cranny<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Dust down hard-to-reach places<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Wipe down areas like the bathroom and other tiled surfaces<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to Do Mechanical Maintenance<\/span><\/h3>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Before you take your travel trailer out of the garage, it\u2019s best to keep things mechanically sound. Here\u2019s what you can do to keep things nice, smooth, functional, and reliable during your road trips:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">#1. Tighten the Wheels<\/span><\/h3>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Many travel trailer accidents happen because people don\u2019t tighten their wheels. To keep your trailer from losing a wheel mid-trip, make sure to tighten its lugnuts before moving.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">#2. Inspect Your Tires<\/span><\/h3>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Another common travel trailer accident is when a tire blows out or runs flat. To prevent this avoidable accident, check your tires and fill them up with the right amount of air.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">#3. Inspect Your Batteries<\/span><\/h3>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When you head out to the woods with your travel trailer, the last thing you want is to have a dead battery. You can avoid this by charging your trailer\u2019s batteries and replacing them every three to five years.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">#4. Inspect Your Hitching and Towing Parts<\/span><\/h3>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Have you ever seen those videos where a trailer breaks loose and causes a big accident?<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Well, you can avoid this by checking your hitching and towing parts. All you\u2019ll need to do is tighten the bolts on your car\u2019s hitch and your trailer\u2019s hitch and grease them when necessary.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Practice Regular <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Travel Trailer Maintenance<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> For Hassle-Free Trips<\/span><\/h3>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Getting a travel trailer can make your camping trips more exciting and memorable. But, it\u2019s also important to maintain it so that you don\u2019t end up running into problems that can make your trip horrific.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you want to keep your trailer in tip-top shape, then you\u2019ll need to start maintaining it the right way both on the inside and outside.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Once you follow all the steps and tips above, you&#8217;ll have safer and smoother trips every time.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2>\n<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Now, if you\u2019re looking to find the right travel trailer for you, g<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/truckdealers.com.au\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">et in touch with <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Truck Dealers Australia<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> today. Discover how you can get the right type of truck that will help you make lasting memories for a lifetime.<\/span><\/h2>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Having a travel trailer in Australia is great for road trips\u2026 until it breaks down. But you can avoid this fate if you know how to maintain your travel trailer. Travel trailers are a great addition to the road trip arsenal.\u00a0 And if you love exploring the great outdoors with your family, chances are that [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1214,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":[],"categories":[12],"tags":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/truckdealers.com.au\/editorial\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3596"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/truckdealers.com.au\/editorial\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/truckdealers.com.au\/editorial\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/truckdealers.com.au\/editorial\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/truckdealers.com.au\/editorial\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=3596"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/truckdealers.com.au\/editorial\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3596\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":3597,"href":"https:\/\/truckdealers.com.au\/editorial\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/3596\/revisions\/3597"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/truckdealers.com.au\/editorial\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1214"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/truckdealers.com.au\/editorial\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=3596"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/truckdealers.com.au\/editorial\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=3596"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/truckdealers.com.au\/editorial\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=3596"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}