Current Location: Covington GA
Next Scheduled Location: SC Early March
The cleaning and waxing of truck and camper is well under
way. I am still working with my WEN
power buffer and when you have little or no obstructions it works great but at
times it’s better to leave it in the storage compartment and use a little elbow
grease.
On the road safety is always a concern and should be taken
seriously. I am not talking about being
mugged or worse that is a whole different topic I am referring to vehicle break
down and tire problems.
One of the biggest potential problems I believe is tire
problems. To reduce this potential I
perform regular inspections of all the tires.
I have two types of inspections that I perform one is the pre-trip
inspection and the other is a on the road inspection.
Three things that could reduce tire problems 1) proper
inflation 2) proper loading of camper don’t overload 3) maintain a speed under 65 mph, trailer
tires are speed rated for 65 mph. If you
follow these three simple rules you greatly reduce potential tire problems.
The pre-trip is a visual inspection of the tires, I look at thread
wear and inspect side walls for any damage or signs of potential failure, i.e.
cracks, bulges, and/or damaged areas.
The lug nuts torque and tire pressure is also checked and adjusted if
needed. I perform this inspection before
every trip and if I am on the road for more than a day or two I repeat the
inspection from time to time. On the
pre-trip I inspect the fifth wheel hitch on the camper and in the truck
bed. Running lights are checked both
pre-trip and at least once a day when on the road.
The on the road inspection is something I do at every stop
this includes fuel stops, rest stops, and end of day stops. This is a quick inspection for any potential
problems. I walk around the unit and visually
inspect the exterior and all tires by placing my hand on each tire and the
center of hub checking for any excessive heat or damage to tire. If the tire pressure is low it will be warmer
to the touch than the other tires. If
you have a bearing problem the center hub with be hot/warmer to the touch. This is not a 100% fool proof inspection but
if done properly most problems can be found early.
I have looked at a TPMS (tire pressure monitoring system)
and the prices are all over the place some 4 tire systems in the $50 range but
a good system that will monitor 8 tires run in excess of $400 dollars like the TireMinder
Smart TPMS with 4 Transmitters for RVs, MotorHomes, 5th Wheels, Motor Coaches
and Trailers. Since 2007 all new vehicle’s
under 10,000 gross weight has a system installed. The 3500 series truck are over this weight
limit. In the end I may regret this
decision not to install a system but I believe as long as I do my inspections
as I described I will be okay…
Some of the items I carry with me in case of a road side
problem are the following.
VIAIR 300P Portable Compressor. This is a 12 volt compressor that is great
for airing up tires. I looked at several
others including a 110 volt unit but for the size and cost this is the best air
compressor for the money. I have used it
several times to top off my tires on the camper it is fast and easy to use.
I also carry a Neiko High Visibility Neon Yellow Zipper Front Safety Vest with Reflective Strips, Blazer 7500 Triple Warning Triangle. Warning Triangle,
and the Slime 1034-A T-Handle Tire Plug Kit.
I have not had to use any of these items but I feel better having them
with me. Last year I was on the Denali Hwy
in Alaska at Brushkana Creek Campground a BLM Campground with the closest
services at Cantwell about 31 miles of gravel road away when I got a knock on
the door…another camper had a flat tire and asked if I happen to have a tire
repair kit. I loaned him the kit and
offered the air compressor and my help but all he needed was the kit about 30
minutes later he had his tire repaired and returned the kit.
Most of what I have covered has been tires and like I stated
I believe that is the area you need to focus on to reduce the chances of
roadside problems. But you cannot overlook
the maintenance on the tow vehicle. I drive
a 2012 Chevrolet 3500 Duramax and personally like to use the GM dealer in the
area I am when the maintenance is due.
By using GM dealers they have the history of my vehicle any recalls or
safety issues that are related to my truck.
I have used dealers in SC, GA, MI, AZ, SD, and AK and have received the
same professional service and pricing at all of them. I have found that all of the customer waiting
areas are different. I plan to start reviewing
the customer waiting areas. I have never
had a bad experience but I have seen some with a coffee machine, some with
nothing, and others with unlimited snacks.
I also perform additional maintenance on the camper but the
tires and axles are the main ones I consider road safety items.
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