Tow Vehicle Maintenance - Tires

I feel one of the most important parts of any vehicle are the tires.  Last year, when we towed our rental, I felt like I was driving on marshmallows.  I thought an LT tire was going to be in my future, but in the size that I wanted, 245/70R16, the choices were slim.  Then, this winter, when I went to pick up the Roo, I had my Firestone Winterforce P245/70R16 tires on.  I noticed no marshmallow feel over my stock Goodyear Wrangler ST P225/75R16 tires.  That is when I opened up my search to both P rated and LT rated tires.  My tire finalist were Falken Wild Peak LT, Cooper Discover AT3 LT, BF Goodrich Rugged Terrain P-Rated, Firestone Destination AT P Rated, and the Hankook Dynapro ATm P-rated XL Load.  All seemed to be good by the reviews.  But, some of the best reviews went to the Hankooks, and that is what I got.

I can't tell you right now how they tow, since I only have less than 50 miles on them.  But initial impressions are good.  No noticeable increase in road noise over my stock tires (sound of the diesel may be drowning it out).  The tire feels good.  And, I like the fact that it is good for 50PSI and 2403lbs of load (Load Index of 111)

 Nice aggressive tread pattern.  Good for a bit of off road trails.

 I wanted the white lettering out.  That was my preference.

 Extra Load Baby, with LT high pressure valve stems.

 Rated at over 2400 pounds!!!  My gross axle rating is 3150, and the CAT scales says I am about 3000 while towing.  More than enough.

I got a 5th tire on the way to replace the spare.  But, the spare marshmallow is rated at less than 2000 pounds.  And, there is a 6 pound difference between the tires.  It will suck for fuel mileage, but I didn't buy the Diesel just for the fuel mileage.

Trailer Mod - MaxxAir II Roof Vent Cover

One thing that I wanted for my trailer was roof vent covers.  First one to be put on was the one for the bathroom.  Since this one already had a high powered fan, I decided to put on a MaxxAir II cover.  Installation was simple, and was complete in less than one hour.  Any handy RV person, who is not afraid to get on his/her roof (yes, I am afraid, but grew a set and got on there) should be able to complete this project.

I was hoping that this was going to be more simple than it was, since the previous owner had roof vent covers and had removed them.  WRONG.  Difference brand/style of covers, and the holes didn't line up.  So, I had to make my own holes.

 First, attach the hinged side.  I took my time, making sure everything was correct.

 After 2 screws, I took the cover off to get to the other 2 screws.  The instructions said to use the self tapping screws for installation in a Fan-Tastic fan installation.

 I then put the cover on, and mark where the brackets lined up for the clip side.I then drilled and installed the 4 self tapping screws.

Finished Product.

My other roof vent will get a MaxxAir TurboMaxx fan.  That, is a bit more expensive, and a bit more work.  I hope to have that installed by the end of summer.

RV Maintenance - Cleaning the Roof

One thing that has to be done a few times a year, is cleaning the roof of your RV and inspecting the seams.  This being my first RV with a rubber roof, I asked Rousseau's RV what to use.  They recommended BEST Rv Roof Cleaner with UV Protectant.  Just say, it worked quite well.  I am going to do it a few times a year, especially since I park under a tree at either my house or Jen's.

I used a spray bottle to spray it on at full strength.  The bottle suggested full strength for annual or semiannual applications, and 1:1 dilution for more frequent use.  I will be using the 1:1 for the monthly and/or pretrip washes. 

 Rinsed the roof off first.  The shine from the water makes it look better than it was.

 Good example of how dirty it was.

 Here is a 50/50 look.  Top is unwashed, bottom is washed.  Damn, what a difference!!

Another look at the clean side.

 This is the dirty side, looking over at the clean side.

 Finished product!!!

So much better looking now!!!

Trailer Mod - Range Hood Exhaust Vent

Last weekend, I washed and waxed the Roo.  While washing it, I noticed that the flapper for the range exhaust vent was missing.  Come to find out, the Heng exhaust vents are known for it, and they sell replacement flappers.  I was happy that it was going to be a sub $10 fix until I cut and cracked the housing while trying to cut and pry the caulking.  So, it turned into a $20 fix..plus cost of the mod.  Luckily, these were in stock at my Friendly RV Supply, Rousseau's RV.

I saw on the Forum that someone used mini hinges to fix theirs.  Well, I took that person's idea.  I cut up a brand new Hengs Range Vent and modded it to last.

While shopping for the hinges, I had to pick up a rivet gun, since I didn't have one.  A good rivet gun is a must for RVing.  There is so much that can be riveted in an RV.  But, my local Ace, Schwartz Hardware, had everything I need.  Actually, I prefer them 99% of the time over the Big Box Stores.

Here are some pics and explanations of what I did.  Sorry about the poor quality, as all my cameras were being borrowed, and I had to use my DROID Bionic.

 Here is the Flapper for the Heng's Vent.  Those 2 little hinge tabs are very weak.

 This is the flapper after I did some cutting.  I had to make notches for the new hinges. 

 Flapper installed onto the main part of the assembly.

Here is the back side of the assembly. 

Installation onto the camper was not too hard.  Butyl tape and Proflex RV Sealant Caulking is all it takes.  I still am not that good at shaping the Caulking.  But, I am getting better at it.  The finished product works great!!