Motorhome Tech Tips

A bold few RV'ers use their coaches to enjoy the great outdoors year-round. Cold weather demands additional vehicle preparation and know-how. Begin by reading the owner's manual regarding cold-weather operation, including recommended fuels and lubricants. Synthetic lubricants flow and protect the engine better than conventional oils at low temperatures. Fortunately, automatic transmission fluid works satisfactorily in cold conditions.

Be sure to test engine coolant for freeze protection. Conventional antifreeze should be flushed and replaced about every other year; long-life coolant should be replaced about every five years. Use antifreeze approved by the engine manufacturer; some require low-silicate antifreeze, while certain diesels also require special anti-cavitations additives. Follow directions for mixing and temperature protection. A 50/50 mixture of water and antifreeze protects down to about minus 34 F (the maximum recommended percentage of antifreeze to water is 60/40).

Here are some additional tips:

• If brake fluid is more than two years old, flush and replace with fresh heavy-duty fluid. Motorhomes equipped with air brakes can have moisture in the air lines, which will freeze and cause failure. Some vehicles require manual draining of air tanks and the addition of air-drying chemicals; check the owner's manual.
• Lube and inspect the chassis, including wheel bearings, U-joints and shackles; use grease approved for low temperatures. Inspect all belts and hoses and replace as needed.
• Service the AC generator, including the proper-weight oil; on liquid-cooled models, check antifreeze protection.
• Consider adding an engine-block heater, especially on diesel engines, which can be difficult to start in cold weather. Check the owner's manual for proper cold-start procedures.
• Below about 15 F, diesel fuel may jell if winterized fuel isn't used. Aftermarket fuel heaters are available (such as Racor), and anti-jelling additives such as Nalco Winter Thaw can be found at most truck stops. To prevent moisture from freezing in the tank, fuel lines and filters, keep the fuel tank as full as possible and add a "dry gas" additive. Refer to the engine owner's manual for fuel recommendations.
• Tire pressures drop about 1 psi per every 10-degree drop in temperature, so recheck pressure including the spare. Tire condition and tread depth also must be checked, and mud-and-snow tires are preferred for the drive wheels in snow. Tire chains may be required. Test-fit chains and carry work gloves, adjusters and repair links.
• Lubricate locks with a lock de-icer product.
• Test the windshield washer and fill the tank with windshield-washer antifreeze solution. Never pour hot water on the windshield to melt ice; it may crack. Instead, use spray-on windshield de-icer.
• Inspect and replace windshield-wiper blades, if necessary. Before operating wipers, make sure they are not frozen to the windshield; that can damage the wiper mechanism. In areas with severe winter conditions, install rubber-coated winter blades.
• Some owners fabricate clear plastic storm-window coverings that fasten to the inside and act as double-pane windows. (Kits are sold in hardware and RV stores.) Insulated curtains also keep the coach warm inside. In addition, some motorhome owners install insulation into the roof vents and other drafty areas. You also can apply an anti-fog treatment to the glass.
• When setting up the awning on your RV make sure to keep one end lower than the other. This will let any water that accumulates run off. Even if it is not raining you can still get water build up from morning dew or condensation drip from your roof AC.

Towing Guides

 Vehicle towing ratings can be found in "Trailer Life's Towing Guides" for model years 2007, 2006, 2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000, 1999. Be sure to consult your owners manual or call your auto dealer.