
Maintaining your camper van is crucial to keep it in good working order and prevent breakdowns. Regular maintenance can save you money in the long run by extending the lifespan of your vehicle and reducing the need for costly repairs. Whether you have a camper van or RV, there are several things you can do to keep it in top condition. This includes ensuring proper tire pressure, regularly checking engine oil and other fluids, keeping the vehicle clean, and addressing any scratches or exposed metal to prevent rust. For RVs, it is also important to consider the type of parking pad you use, as this can impact maintenance and storage.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Purpose | To store an RV or as a guest room |
Cost | $1,550 |
Space required | 1/3 acre |
Materials | Concrete, DG, railroad ties, wire mesh, PVC, electrical wiring, etc. |
Maintenance | Regular cleaning, ensuring proper tire pressure, changing and rotating tires, checking brake fluid quality, keeping the starting battery charged, etc. |
Level of pad | Should have a slight slope for drainage |
What You'll Learn
Ensure proper tire pressure
Ensuring that your camper van's tires are properly inflated is one of the most straightforward maintenance tips. According to the US Government, a 20% underinflated tire reduces the vehicle's fuel economy by 10%. Additionally, 42% of drivers don't know how to identify low tire pressure.
To know if a tire is inflated correctly, check the recommended tire pressure in your vehicle's owner manual or the tire's online product page if you bought aftermarket tires. Additionally, if your tires show additional wear on the outside edges, that indicates an under-inflated tire.
Check your tire pressure regularly and keep a good-quality tire-pressure gauge in the glove compartment. Check for adequate tire pressure at least once a month. It is also helpful to carry an air compressor to inflate your tires when they are running low on air. Maintaining proper pressure in your tires can help you maximize your fuel economy and the lifespan of your tires, saving you money in the long run.
When checking your tires, always measure a tire's pressure when it is cold. A "cold" tire is one that has been driven on for less than a mile and has not been sitting in the hot afternoon sun. This is important because driving at highway speeds in hot weather can raise a tire's pressure by as much as 8 psi. Therefore, it is best to check and fill your tires first thing in the morning when it is coolest. When filling, never exceed the maximum psi value listed on the tire's sidewall.
Trailer tires, which will have an ST in front of the size, should always be inflated to the maximum psi indicated on the tire. Trailer tires usually do not have a recommended and maximum psi indication. On a regular trailer tire, you would inflate it to the max psi indicated on the tire because trailer tires are built with a thicker sidewall to handle more vertical load. If a trailer tire is underinflated, it will generate excessive heat, which can lead to failure.
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Rotate and change tires
Tire maintenance is an essential part of keeping your camper in good condition. Here are some tips on how to rotate and change your camper's tires:
Rotating Tires
It is recommended to rotate your camper's tires every 5,000-8,000 miles. This can be done at the same time as an oil change, but mechanics may charge extra for this service. By doing it yourself, you can save money and extend the lifespan of your tires. Tire rotation is important because it helps to distribute wear evenly across all tires, improving their performance and longevity.
Changing Tires
Knowing how to change a flat tire is a crucial skill for any camper owner. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to change a tire:
- Park in a Safe Location: If you get a flat tire on the road, try to find a wide spot on the side of the road to change it.
- Loosen the Lug Nuts: Before jacking up the trailer, use a lug wrench to loosen the lug nuts on the wheel with the flat tire. They should be loosened just enough so you can turn them by hand once the trailer is lifted.
- Jack Up the Trailer: Place a jack under the frame of the trailer or at a specified jack point on the side with the flat tire. If necessary, add a flat piece of wood, such as plywood, under the jack for added stability. Do not place the jack on the axle to avoid damaging your trailer.
- Remove the Flat Tire: Once the trailer is lifted, use the lug wrench to remove the lug nuts and the wheel. Make sure the affected wheel spins freely.
- Replace with the Spare: Put on the spare tire and tighten the lug nuts in a star pattern.
- Tighten the Lug Nuts: Once the new tire is on the ground, give each lug nut a good tightening. Then, carefully drive to the nearest mechanic or tire service center to get the torque on the lug nuts checked.
Additional Tips:
- Check Tire Pressure Regularly: Ensure your tires are properly inflated to maximize fuel economy and tire lifespan. Keep a tire pressure gauge in your glove compartment and check the pressure at least once a month.
- Inspect Brake Pads: When you remove a tire, take the opportunity to inspect the health of your brake pads. Brake pads typically need to be replaced when they get below 1/8" (3mm) in thickness.
- Rotate and Change Tires Regularly: Mark your calendar or set a reminder to rotate and change your tires at regular intervals. This will help you stay on top of tire maintenance and avoid unexpected issues on the road.
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Check brake fluid quality
Checking the quality of your brake fluid is an important part of maintaining your camper van. Here are some detailed, direct, and instructive steps to guide you through the process:
Locate the Brake Fluid Reservoir:
Start by opening the hood of your camper van. The brake fluid reservoir is usually located at the back of the engine bay, on the driver's side. It is often positioned above the master cylinder.
Check the Fluid Level:
Newer vehicles typically have transparent reservoirs with "Min" and "Max" markings. Ensure that the brake fluid level falls between these lines. For older vehicles with metal reservoirs, you may need to remove the reservoir cap to check the fluid level. If the fluid level is below the minimum, carefully add brake fluid of the correct specification, as indicated in your owner's manual (DOT 3, DOT 4, or DOT 5). Always wipe up any spills, as brake fluid is toxic and corrosive.
Inspect the Fluid Condition:
Brake fluid is typically brown in colour. If it appears dark or black, it may be time to replace it. However, further testing is needed to make an informed decision.
Test for Moisture Content:
Brake fluid is hygroscopic, which means it absorbs moisture over time. This moisture reduces the fluid's boiling point, leading to decreased braking performance and increased corrosion. You can use an optical refractometer or an electronic tester to measure the moisture content and determine the boiling point of the brake fluid.
Use a Chemical Test Strip:
Dip a chemical test strip, such as the "Brake Strip Brake Fluid Test Strip," into the brake fluid. This will help you check for the presence of copper in the fluid. As brake fluid ages, its corrosion inhibitors break down, leading to increased copper content.
Test the Brake Fluid Regularly:
It is recommended to test and replace brake fluid at specific intervals, such as every 40,000 miles (65,000 km), every three years, or whenever major brake system repairs are performed. Additionally, if you live in a humid environment, you may need to replace the brake fluid more frequently.
By following these steps and staying vigilant about brake fluid maintenance, you can help ensure the safety and longevity of your camper van's braking system.
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Keep the starting battery charged
Keeping the starting battery charged is essential to maintaining your camper van and preventing breakdowns. Here are some tips to ensure your battery stays charged:
Turn on the Engine
Even when you're not using your camper van, it's important to turn on the engine for about 10 minutes once a week. This allows the alternator to recharge the starting battery and prevents it from losing too much charge.
Connect to a Trickle Charger
If you're planning to park your camper van for an extended period, consider connecting the battery to a trickle charger. This can be done through shore power or solar power, ensuring a constant flow of energy to your battery.
Choose the Right Charger
There are different types of chargers available, such as DC-DC chargers and battery isolators. DC-DC chargers are more expensive and technical to install but offer efficient charging by optimizing input from the main battery. Battery isolators, on the other hand, are cheaper and easier to install but may not regulate voltage as effectively.
Utilize Solar Power
Solar power is an excellent way to charge your battery, especially when wild camping or travelling off-grid. Solar panels have become more popular and affordable, providing a sustainable way to keep your battery charged without relying on external sources.
Understand Your Alternator
Your alternator plays a crucial role in keeping your starting battery charged. However, it may not always fully charge a secondary or auxiliary battery. Understanding your alternator's capacity and limitations will help you make informed decisions about charging methods and additional equipment.
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Clean the chassis
Maintaining a clean chassis is one of the most critical aspects of camper van upkeep. If rust is allowed to develop on the metal frame, an expensive breakdown is inevitable. To prevent this, it is important to regularly spray down the underside of your van. This can be done in as little as 5-10 minutes, and is best performed at a campsite with access to a spigot. Using a collapsible hose with a showerhead attachment, simply give the chassis a good spray to wash off any dirt and salt. If you have been camping near the ocean, it is especially important to rinse off the salt to prevent corrosion.
It is also important to note that pressure washing your camper van is not recommended, as the powerful jet could damage the bodywork and slip into the walls, causing serious damage. Instead, fill a bucket with warm water and soap or car shampoo, and use a toilet brush to reach the more complicated parts of the camper. If you have a helper, soap the camper and then rinse it section by section to ensure a consistent result. If you are working alone, soap and rinse one area at a time to prevent the soap from drying.
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Frequently asked questions
It is important to ensure that your camper pad is level to prevent flooding and puddles in stormy weather. You can achieve this by using a levelling tool and adjusting the pad accordingly.
There are several materials you can use for a camper pad, including dirt, gravel, asphalt, and concrete. However, dirt and gravel are less reliable and require more maintenance. A better option is military-grade geocell material, which provides support and structure while allowing you to maintain the landscape of your yard.
Regular maintenance is crucial to keeping your camper pad in good condition. This includes tasks such as checking tire pressure, rotating tires, and keeping the chassis clean and free from rust and dirt.
To insulate your camper pad, you can use foam insulation or a rubber bed mat. You can also fill any empty space with fiberglass insulation and close it off with marine-grade plywood. Additionally, you can add insulation to the walls and windows to further increase the R-value.