#5 Easy Travel Trailer Setup Tips

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5 Easy Travel Trailer Setup Tips

Travel trailers are packed with conveniences that make life on the open road and camping easier than ever before. From new technology to sleek designs, it is no wonder why so many people choose this recreational vehicle over other types.

As for setup tips, there are some things you can do before you hit the road to help yourself be safe and secure while also preventing damage to your brand-new trailer. This handy guide outlines five easy ways to do just that:

· Visually Inspect Your Trailer before Each Trip

A quick look around the outside of your travel trailer will reveal a number of places where issues can arise. If you take a few minutes each trip to inspect these potential problem areas, you won’t have to worry about being stranded in an unfamiliar place because your trailer won’t start.

Check Hoses & Fittings: Rubber hoses and fittings can age and become brittle, especially if left outside in the elements during cold weather months. Inspect both gas and electric connections to ensure they are tight and free of cracks or other damage.
Check Exterior Lights: Ensure all exterior lights function properly, including marker lights, running lights, turn signals, brake lights, backup lights, and license plate lights. Replace any bulbs that appear blown out before you hit the road again.
Ensure Jockey Wheel Is Securely Mounted: Many trailers have a jockey wheel on one end for stabilizing the unit while transporting from place to place by a tow vehicle. Double-check that this wheel is securely mounted and in good working order before hitting the road again.
Make Sure Everything Is Spic and Span: Now give the exterior a good once over with a rag and bottle of all-purpose cleaner to remove bugs, dirt, salt, or any other type of grime that may be present. You want your trailer looking its best when you roll into the campground after a camping trip!

· Inspect Trailer Interior Once A Month

Once inside, check for any loose fixings on water lines, furnace blower housing, and gas lines with connectors (individually). Tighten anything that might have come loose during travel with an adjustable wrench or socket set. Also, make sure the battery box cover is secure.

The Furnace: Turn on the furnace and make sure it is running smoothly by listening for any strange noises or rattling that might indicate loose parts. Look at all lights to ensure they are working properly, including the refrigerator light. Also, check faucets for leaks if water lines were disturbed during travel. If you find any issues, turn them off immediately and contact your RV dealer before continuing on your trip.
Inspect Storage Areas: Remove cushions from the seating area to inspect storage areas under bunks or sofa/bed mattress areas for anything left behind by previous occupants (i.e., coins, jewellery, etc.)
Clean Trailer Interior Thoroughly: Give everything inside a good scrubbing using soap and a soft-bristle brush to remove any dirt, grime, or mold.

· Perform Basic Preventative Maintenance Once A Year

Wash exterior with mild detergent (wash in sections), rinse, and dry before applying a good coat of wax. This provides a protective layer on the paint job to keep the vehicle looking like new for many years!

Undercarriage: Inspect undercarriage for any signs of rust or corrosion that might be caused by salt used during winter on roads in some areas. Also, look at all bolts and screws to ensure they are not rusted or corroded, which might mean the trailer is beginning to rust from inside out. If you suspect this, contact your RV dealer immediately before further damage occurs!
Check Tires & Axles: Check all tires and rims for any signs of stress or cracks that may indicate the tire should be replaced. Also, inspect axle shafts and front and rear suspension components for excessive wear and tear. Make sure brake assembly is secure and rust-free, as well as the ball hitch assembly if applicable.
Roof: Give the roof a good washing with mild detergent (wash in sections) to remove dirt, grime, or mold, which can cause damage over time!

· Perform Preventative Maintenance Trailer Electrical System Once A Year

Inspect the Electrical Panel: Ensure nothing loose inside electrical panel such as wires that might create a short circuit. If you see anything, tighten it up before traveling again!
Check All Wires: Inspect all wires from the inside of the electrical panel to exterior lights, outlet wiring, and fuses to ensure everything is secure. If you find anything loose, tighten it up before traveling again!
Check Battery Box: Open the battery box and check both terminals for corrosion that might indicate a potential leak or corrosion of cables which can cause damage over time. If corroded, remove with a wire brush and recharge with distilled water if necessary. If corroded beyond repair, replace the terminal on the spot before continuing on your trip!

· Perform Extensive Preventative Maintenance Exterior Once A Year

Again, when it comes to preventative maintenance for your trailer’s exterior, start by cleaning it thoroughly until the dirt is removed from all nooks and crannies. After that, give it a thorough inspection to ensure everything is in place.

Ensure All Bolts & Screws Are Secure: Check all fasteners such as rivets and screws to ensure they are rust-free and secure so the trailer frame is not compromised over time which could lead to an expensive fix!
Inspect Paint Job: Give the entire exterior a good rubbing using a clean rag with mineral spirits to remove any built-up wax, grime, or mold, which can cause damage over time!
Apply Good Coat Of Wax: Apply a good coat of wax to keep the trailer looking like new.

That’s all there is to it! These quick, easy tips to make your travel trailer setup go more smoothly are sure to save you time and money in the long run. Remember, before traveling for any distance; perform preventative maintenance on the electrical system by checking all wires from the inside of the electrical panel to exterior lights, outlet wiring, and fuses.

If corroded beyond repair, replace the terminal on the spot before continuing on your trip! Make sure brake assembly is secure and rust-free, as well as ball hitch if applicable. Give everything inside a good scrubbing using soap and a soft-bristle brush before applying a protective layer of wax for many years of a shiny exterior!

Travel Trailer Setup Mistakes you should avoid

There are many mistakes you could make when setting up your travel trailer for the first time. In most cases, these mistakes are likely to be made if you have other things in mind.

It would help if you don’t mix your trailer preparation with other tasks. If you’re a student for example and you’re worried about completing your assignments on time, consider hiring an assignment writing service to help with the papers.

If you’re on a tight budget, insist on cheap essay writing services UK. Doing any of these common mistakes can lead to extended troubleshooting time and delayed departure.

Assuming Aftermarket Trailer Hitches Will Work With Your Vehicle

Many people will assume their aftermarket trailer hitch is compatible with their vehicle without checking; only to find out they need a different type of hitch before traveling. To make sure this doesn’t happen to you, read the instruction manual carefully before heading out on your trip!

Improper Wiring Of Trailer Brake Controller

If you add a brake controller to your travel trailer setup that requires wiring, don’t assume it’s like other vehicles where all brakes go on one wire. Some trailers might require two brake controllers connected in series, while some might only require one, which simplifies installation. If not sure, be sure to check your instruction manual or call an RV dealer before going any further.

Failing To Use Cargo Nets Or Tie Downs To Secure Your Personal Belongings

Securing your personal belongings is a must when traveling with a trailer in tow. Whether you choose cargo nets or tie-downs, make sure they are kept tight to avoid shifting during travel which could lead to serious injury and damage!

Not Inspecting Trailer Hitch Assembly before Traveling Out of Town

Don’t forget to inspect your hitch assembly for rust before heading out on the road! If corroded, contact an RV dealer for repair before using it again. It’s also important to check over all bolts and screws because loose ones can cause problems while driving at high speeds.

Not Checking Tire Pressure Before Traveling

Before traveling, ensure that all tires on the trailer are properly inflated according to tire pressure found in your instruction manual. Under or over inflation will cause problems and possible injury while driving, which you want to avoid at all costs!

The Bottom Line

A little extra time and attention to detail before heading out on the road will help you avoid many problems later down the line. If you follow these 5 Easy Travel Trailer Setup Tips, you’ll be set up and ready for a smooth journey in no time! Other than that, be sure to read the instruction manuals because they contain plenty of helpful information that can help you stay safe from several mishaps along the way.

Author Bio:

Charlie Svensson is a fast, and skilled freelance academic writer providing cheap essay writing service UK. Skilled in dissertation writing, Charlie also oversees content production at AssignmentHolic where he works with top dissertation writers UK. Charlie also has a good reputation of providing professional essay writing service in the United States. When free, Charlie blogs on his favorite topics including social media, education, marketing, SEO, self-growth and motivational blogging.