Just like your vehicle needs regular servicing to keep everything in order, so does your Adventure camper.
Some points to considor before each trip are:
Tyre pressures
If you have not used your camper in a while check the tyre pressures which for bitumen 38psi is recommended and don’t forget to also check the spare tyre.
Wheel nuts
Check that you can undo your wheel nuts and readjust them by hand not with a ratchet gun or you may over tighten them.
TREG tow coupling
There are two grease nipples which should be cleaned along with the main shaft then regreased. If to much grease is used it will just come back out again.
Axle
Some of the later model campers now have a grease nipple on the dust cap which is on the end of the axle. It is still best I feel to remove the dust cap and visibly check the condition of the grease on the wheel bearings. If the bearings require more grease you should totally remove all of the existing grease before applying new grease especially if the grease you have is of a different brand than that already in the bearings. A high temperature marine grade grease such as Caltex RPM SRI-2 should be used. If you have any doubts about the condition of the bearings change them and keep the old ones for your spares.
Axle “U” bolt nuts
As we know the trailers can work very hard and it is for this reason that it is worth checking that the “U” bolt nuts are tight. This will eliminate the possibility of the axle moving.
Battery
Over discharging your trailer/tray top battery can have undesired effects on the capacity and life term of the battery. It is advisable to run the battery charger for 12 hours every 4 -6 weeks to keep the battery cycling and stored in a charged state.
Water tank(s)
When your camper is not in use it is best to keep your water tank full.
12 volt water pump
The water should always be primed to the tap first by the hand pump once the water is at the tap the 12 volt pump can then be used. This will prolong the life of the 12 volt pump considerably.
TIP
When packing your tent away always remember to leave the windows open allowing the air to move in and out of the tent for setting up and packing away.