Summer Travel Check List

 

On the Florida Panhandle

Once a year, usually the Spring, I check the condition of the Roadtrek components prior to our first trek.  This year our first trek will be about 2,000 miles. 

I use a list. This is for preparing the Roadtrek 210P when no below freezing weather is anticipated. If freezing weather is a possibility I will either 1) Travel with the water system winterized or, 2) Carry a couple of gallons of pink anti-freeze so if we encounter freezing weather I can winterize while travelling.  We carry several gallon containers of fresh water inside the Roadtrek. We use for drinking, coffee, etc. and replenish on the road.

This list may not be all inclusive.

2012 Chevrolet 3500 Chassis (2013 model year 210P)

1. My vehicle chassis is well-maintained and has about 45,000 miles. It was last at the Chevy dealer about 2,000 miles ago. It has new tires, brakes are good, etc.  
2. Check engine oil level and life remaining (life is currently 72% at about 45,400 miles). I change if more than 9 months old or less than 25% life remaining.
3. Check battery fluid level and electrical terminals.
4. Inspect tires, check pressures.
5. Check the operation of the EZ-Lift and check the spare tire.
6. Check Chassis door latches and electric door locks.
7. Check the GPS, radio, vehicle heat and air conditioner, etc. 
8. Do a test drive at speeds up to 70 MPH (legal limit permitting). 
9. Fill the gas tank.
10. Check the wiper blades, and fluid level. Run the wipers and wiper pump. 
11. Check headlights operation and turn signals.
12. Check mirror controls.
13. Check the front seat controls. 

Roadtrek Body and Interior Drawers/Doors

1. Extend the awning.
2. Check exterior drawer slides and lubricate.
3. Check exterior door and compartment locks.
4. Check keepers for flip-up exterior cabinet doors.
5. Check keeper straps at rear and front fiberglass effect bumpers.
6. Slide underneath and check for loose, dangling stuff.
7. Open and close all windows to confirm proper operation.
8. Check interior cabinet latches. Open and close all interior doors and drawers.

Exterior Door Keeper - Rusted and broken Spring

Roadtrek Electrical Systems

1. Turn on the battery disconnect for the coach. 
2. Connect the Roadtrek to 120VAC power. 
3. Charge the AGM coach batteries (otherwise maintenance free).
4. Check the 120VAC power protection device (Progressive Industries).
5. Check for 120VAC at all receptacles. Test the GFI function.
6. Turn on all lights, the vent fans in the bathroom and coach.
7. Check the operation of the exterior patio light.
8. Check the indicator on the propane leak detector.
9. Check the battery and the age stamp of the fire alarm. Replace the battery. If the detector has expired replace it.
10. Test the refrigerator for proper operation on AC and DC. 
11. Check the TV and entertainment systems.
12. Check the convection-microwave oven operation.
13. Check the Tripplite Inverter-Charger indicator LEDS. Confirm proper charging of battery per the illuminated LEDs.
14. With Coach disconnected from shore power and running on AGM batteries, turn on the Tripplite inverter, check the status LED and confirm AC is present at the designated outlets.
15. Check the operation of the  12V chassis-coach Battery Separator. 
16. Check the back-up camera for proper operation.
17. Check the electric couch worm gear and run the couch up and down.

Tripplite Charge Status Indicator

Coach Water Systems

1. Drain pink anti-freeze from the interior and exterior tanks.
2. Remove the filter from the DC water pump and clean. Reinstall the filter.
3. Move all interior valves including those in the pump compartment. 
4. Verify sink and exterior valves are closed. 
5. Check the condition of the hot water heater anode. Replace if necessary.
6. Add 1/4 cup bleach to a gallon of fresh water, put in the fresh water tanks.
7. Close the hot water heater bypass valve and open the inlet and outlet water valves.
8. Connect the Roadtek to a fresh water source.
9. Test the exterior pressure regulator. 
10. Flush the system with fresh water, run water into the sinks and through the hot and cold water lines (don't forger the exterior shower).
11. Test all fresh water valves.
12. Flush the toilet.
13. Look everywhere inside and outside for any leaks. Open all cabinets that contain water piping or components and inspect for any presence of water.
14. Fill the exterior tank with fresh water (fill of the interior tank is optional).
15. Check the LED fill indicator. It should indicate a full tank.
16. Fill the hot water heater with fresh water (leave a hot water sink valve open to allow trapped air to escape, or open the hot water heater pressure relief valve).
17. Fill the exterior fresh water tank with fresh water. 
18. Run water from all hot and cold water valves at the sinks.
19. Run the water pump and confirm that it pumps and shuts off when the system pressurizes. 
20. Confirm I have a new fresh water filter.
21. Test the exterior water pressure regulator.
22.  Confirm I have packed the fill hoses. in the RT. 

Pressure Regulator

Depleted and New Anode for Suburban Hot Water Heater

Coach Gray and Black Systems

1. Flush the toilet and check the tank fill indicator.
2. Run the sinks and check the tank fill indicator.
3. Run the macerator and verify that it does empty the gray and black tanks.
4. Check for hose leaks. 

Gray Tank Level Indicator

Coach Propane System

1. Check the propane tank level. 
2. Open the propane tank valve. Listen for hissing or other unusual sounds. If I smell propane immediately close the valve and determine the source of the leak.
3. Light a range top burner to confirm propane is flowing and available.
4. Turn on the hot water heater. Confirm the burner ignites.
5. Allow the water to heat, the water heater should automatically shut down when it reaches temperature. Run hot water and confirm the temperature. It should be hot, not warm.
6. Run the refrigerator on propane mode and confirm proper operation.
7. Close the propane tank valve.
8. Fill the propane tank prior to travel.

Testing the propane range top

Onan Gasoline Generator

1. Check oil level.
2. Replace oil and air filter at manufacturer's recommended interval.
3. If extreme weather is anticipated confirm the the generator has the proper viscosity oil.
4. With Roadtrek coach only on battery start the generator and run an hour per manufacturer's recommendation. (Should be run monthly for one hour).

Generator Oil Fill and Level Indicator (See the Onan Manual)

Cool-Cat Heat Pump

1. Clean the interior air filter.
2. Check the exterior area for birds!
3. Run the AC and confirm proper operation and cooling,

Cool-Cat Interior Filter - After Cleaning

Anything Else?

Well, now I can clean everything.   I wipe down the interior of the refrigerator with Clorox wipes, check the condition of bug screens on the side window and rear of the coach, check the condition of the bug screens I added to the interior of the exterior refrigerator vent panels and the hot water heater. I check or replace the batteries in the TV remote, the temperature monitors, the fan for the interior of the refrigerator. Etc, etc. etc.

Original material http://roadtrek210.blogspot.com/