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Tessa
The Ultimate Guide to Fifth Wheel Maintenance: Tips and Top Products
Ohkay sooo—Welcome to the world of fifth wheel ownership! Its where the freedom of the open road meets the coziness and comfort of home. Owning a fifth wheel is an incredible adventure, but with great joy comes great responsibility – the responsibility of proper maintenance. Here are some essential fifth wheel maintenance tips and some top-notch products to keep your home on wheels in tip-top shape.
Fifth Wheel Maintenance: Keeping Your Home Away from Home in Tip Top Shape
1. Regular Inspections and Cleaning:
Regular inspections are your first line of defense against potential issues. Inspect your fifth wheel's exterior for signs of wear and tear, including roof seals, caulking, and tires. Regular cleaning not only keeps your fifth wheel looking fantastic but also helps prevent long-term damage. Consider using a gentle RV wash and wax solution for the best results.
2. Roof Maintenance:
The roof is a critical area that requires special attention. Check for leaks, punctures, or cracks. Clean the roof regularly and apply a quality rubber roof treatment to ensure it remains watertight.
3. Slide-Out Maintenance:
If your fifth wheel has slide-outs, they need care too. Lubricate the slide-out mechanisms to ensure smooth operation and prevent rust. A silicone-based slide-out lubricant is an excellent choice for this purpose.
4. Wheel Bearings and Brakes:
Properly functioning wheel bearings and brakes are vital for safety. Have a professional inspect and grease your wheel bearings regularly. If you're comfortable doing it yourself, consider using a high-quality wheel bearing grease and a bearing packer tool.
5. Electrical and Plumbing Systems:
Inspect your electrical and plumbing systems for any signs of wear or leaks. Keep an eye on your RV's water heater and water pump. A water pressure regulator can protect your plumbing system from high water pressures at campgrounds.
Top 5 Maintenance Products to Elevate Your Fifth Wheel Care Routine:
1. Dicor Self-Leveling Lap Sealant: Seal and protect vulnerable areas like roof vents, skylights, and more with this easy-to-use, self-leveling sealant.
2. 303 Aerospace Protectant: Keep your fifth wheel's interior and exterior surfaces looking like new with this versatile protectant, guarding against UV damage and fading.
3. Camco RV Water Pressure Regulator: Safeguard your plumbing system with this essential water pressure regulator that ensures a steady and safe water flow.
4. Thetford Rubber Roof Cleaner and Conditioner: Maintain your rubber roof's integrity with this two-in-one cleaner and conditioner, preventing drying and cracking.
5. Bearing Buddy Bearing Packer: Simplify wheel bearing maintenance with this handy tool, ensuring proper lubrication and extending bearing life.
6. CRC Power Lube Industrial High-Performance Lubricant: Keep slide-outs and other moving parts operating smoothly with this multi-purpose lubricant, resisting water washout and corrosion.
7. MaxxHaul Trailer Spare Tire Carrier: Be prepared for unexpected tire issues with this spare tire carrier, allowing you to carry an extra tire with ease.
8. Progressive Industries RV Surge Protector: Safeguard your fifth wheel's electrical system from power surges and fluctuations, offering peace of mind during your travels.
Ohkay sooo—this sounds strange but your Fifth Wheel's Well-Being is in Your Hands
Regular maintenance ensures your fifth wheel remains a safe and comfortable haven during your travels. By incorporating these essential maintenance tips and using top-quality products, you'll not only extend the life of your fifth wheel but also make each adventure a worry-free experience. Invest the time and care into maintaining your home on wheels, and you'll be rewarded with countless memorable journeys on the open road.
Top 5 Life Changing Products
Ohkay Sooo--- This past year has been a whirlwind, but there are a few things that have truly brightened my days. Here are my top 5 purchases that have made my life better overall, plus a bonus that brought an unexpected positive change!
1. Breville Espresso Machine - Why didn’t I buy this sooner?
For two whole years, I dreamed of owning a Breville Espresso Machine. It took some convincing, but I finally got my husband on board. Let me tell you, the difference it made is astounding! No more stomachaches from Starbucks' wrong milk choices, no more long lines - this purchase was a no-brainer! Now, I can whip up my favorite espresso anytime. I can make better coffee at home with this! Just over here shaking my head asking, why didn’t I buy this sooner?!
2. Staub Stacking Cast Iron Set - A Kitchen Space Saver!
As a Le Creuset enthusiast, my dutch ovens used to occupy significant kitchen space. But when we transitions into RV living, I needed a more practical solution without sacrificing my options. Enter the Staub Stacking Cast Iron Set - an absolute game-changer! I might ruffle some feathers, but now, I dare say I prefer Staub over Le Creuset. It's been a surprising space saver and time saver to have.
3. Liquid Vitamins - A Tasty Health Boost!
Liquid vitamins aren't new to me, but finding the right brand and flavors truly made a difference. (link the vitamins here) I no longer dread taking my daily dose, and it has improved my consistency in staying healthy.
4. Kindle Oasis - A Literary Oasis of Joy!
Why did no one push me to get the Kindle Oasis sooner? This device is a dream come true! It's incredibly lightweight, eliminating any hand strain while reading. No more squinting under dim lighting - it's perfect! Being linked to the library is a major plus, and the option to remove ads is a game-changer.
5. Bible - A Beautiful Guide to Faith and Creativity!
Taking notes in a new Bible used to be daunting for me, but not anymore! My new Bible has separate books with gorgeous foil cover designs, and each book is in a unique shade. It's not only stunning but also helpful in finding specific passages. The blank pages between the books are fantastic for taking notes or expressing creativity through art. It's time to embrace the beauty and start writing in this masterpiece!
Bonus - MacBook - Elevating My Productivity!
Debating whether to include this bonus, but it truly transformed my daily life. Transitioning from working solely on my iPad Pro and an older gaming computer to a MacBook has been a game-changer! From emailing to video editing, blogging, and even day trading - everything is smoother on a laptop. And for Canva or digital editing, my phone comes to the rescue!
In sharing these life-enhancing purchases, I'm really not trying to promoting consumerism. Instead, I hope to inspire you to evaluate what items could bring joy and convenience to your daily routines. Remember, sometimes, the simplest changes can lead to the most extraordinary experiences!
Embracing the RV Life: Our Journey to Finding Home on Wheels
RV Life Chose Us
Ohkay Sooo—we didn’t choose the RV Life, but it chose us. Five years ago, I approached my husband with the idea of traveling the United States in an RV, but he immediately rejected the idea. Little did we know that life would lead us on a different path, and today, we find ourselves living in an RV in our own backyard. Our travel plans began to change during the pandemic and after Hurricane Ian left our home damaged, revealing the dreaded presence of mold, our path was more solidified that we thought. Thankfully, my older sister Leah, a travel nurse living in an RV with her family, stepped in to guide us through this unexpected adventure of living in an RV.
Exploring RV Options
Leah's insights inspired us to explore the world of RVs, and we spent afternoons touring various models on golf carts. On one of our trips we even made a pit stop to visit my dad, as his work was next to Camping World!
Hours of research followed, as I delved into researching different RV brands, lending companies, and layouts while packing up the house. I had extra time on my hands while we were temporary closed at the nonprofit. My husband, unfamiliar with RV living, felt overwhelmed, so we expanded our search at the largest RV lot nearby, Lazy Days RV. Despite facing some consistent setbacks with other dealerships, we persisted in our quest to find the perfect RV for our needs.
The Hunt for the Perfect RV
Through Facebook groups and RV Trader, we narrowed down our requirements to a bonus room/bunk layout with a specific coffee bar shelf and pantry. The espresso machine, a must-have for me, was met with skepticism from my husband. At the time, we didn’t even own this espresso machine, making a stubborn decision on the basis of something we didn’t have was quite a stretch. Hindsight twenty twenty, but your girl has plannnss. Our urgency pushed us forward, and after seven months of shopping and praying, we decided to opt for an loan and started searching for used RVs to broaden our options.
Finding "The One"
Our research paid off when we stumbled upon a listing that seemed promising. I called a listing from RV Trader and they surprisingly picked up! We visited the RV in Tampa and were elated to find it had everything we wanted (and MORE), including the beloved coffee shelf. The owners, coincidentally—or NOT so coincidentally, had been praying for the right person to take over their RV, and we were an answer to their prayers. We closed the deal that day, and my dream of owning an RV finally came true, more though the rest in sleeping in safety was finally possible. (no more mold exposure)
I write this as a reminder to myself, to continue to trust God even in the difficult time and the seemingly urgent time. I was praying Ephesians & Phillipians through this whole season. I am reminded of Ephesians 3:20 "Now to Him Who, by (in consequence of) the [action of His] power that is at work within us, is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly, far over and above all that we [dare] ask or think [infinitely beyond our highest prayers, desires, thoughts, hopes, or dreams]” This RV buying process was an answer to my prayers and this scripture. There were many additional bonuses in this RV that were on my want list in addition to being $30,000 below our budget. Little things like the cool toned color scheme of the RV (fun fact, I don’t like warm colors), having a full size refrigerator, enough kitchen space and storage, a usable loft for my sauna, a washer and dryer, an easy way to have it delivered, and an extra library shelf for my plethora of books. Seriously, I am blown away at the generosity of God. I believe He wants to do this for us all the time, if only we’d have the courage to continually trust Him.
Adapting to the RV Lifestyle:
Upon delivery, we set up our RV with the help of my dad's neighbor, installing an outlet for full time living. As minimalists, the transition was surprisingly smooth, and we didn't have to downsize significantly. The only exception to the rule was my book collection. It was fun handing out new books to my bookish friends! Even though the journey was longer and more challenging than expected, everything fell into place perfectly, reflecting the true nature of Gods timing! To be completely honest, I get annoyed when Christians use this phrase. I see sometimes its use as an excuse of justification of inaction or indecision, I’ve learned to keep my mouth shut as only God really knows! It was a good thing for me to go through this process, to be reminded of Gods goodness even in the timing!
Our RV life began as an unexpected twist of fate, but it turned out to be a blessing in disguise. This has been true with all the havoc Hurricane Ian brought. What started as a challenging search led us to find the perfect RV that matched our needs and future dreams. The adventure continues as we restore our home, embrace the RV lifestyle, and in the future begin exploring new places, and cherishing a different lifestyle!