i recently purchaased a 1987 32' citation tow behind camper. the only downfall is that its been sitting in a campground for 4 years unmoved. im going to start by checking brakes and bearings, i already checked the tires and they are fine. anyone have any other thoughts on things to check up on for the first trip out? im not going far, only about 30 miles from home but i still would like to have a piece of mind.

 

Even if the tires look fine, if they are more than 6 years old, I'd replace them.

Wheel bearings, new seals, clean and adjust brakes, is also a must.

Beyond that I'd check the roof and any opening well for anything that needs resealed, and clean and inspect all the propane appliances to make sure they are safe.

New smoke/carbon monoxide, and LP detector would also be a good idea.

 

I would fire up all the appliances, to make sure they work OK. Clean out the mud dauppers and other stuff from the water heater and fridge. Check the top fidge lid(roof) , pull it off to make sure the air passage is claer, no birds nest. You may want to have a shop check out the propane for safety.
Check the brake lights, turn signals?

 

All of the above is good info. I'd also do a throu cleaning of the black and grey water tanks. Clean and sterolize the fresh water tank. Use an insect killing fogger to kill any spiders and other insects. Along with checking the propane appliances, also turn fridge on with electric for a few days to get it cold (this may take a few days to get cold); then switch to propane and see if colder temps are held.

 

Check the valve stems on the wheels too. They seem to "rot" after they sit around for a while.

 

Check all the plumbing, p traps etc for leaks and freeze damage. Craig

 

First trip out every year (shake down cruise) we only go a very short distance about 5 miles, that way if anything breaks or you forgot something you can always zip home.

 

Air the tires to max PSI and see if they hold over night.
Pull the bearing dust cap and check for moisture.
Jack up each side and spin the tires to see if they still turn free and to get grease set back into the bearings.
Plug it in to your truck and have someone step the brakes while you spin.
supr also stated the easily forgotten, check the lights.
Make sure all the cabinet doors are latched and the fridge is secure.

Remeber the classic sign in the movie RV? IN, UP, DOWN?
Awning in and locked. Steps up and locked. Antennna down and secured.
Don't forget the power, water & sewer hookups.

Hopefully, this parked unit has been used over the years. That should help the appliances being in good shape.

Hook it up and tow it home and keep your speed down around 30 mph for the trip.

 

thanks for all the help everyone. the camper hasnt been moved but it has been used yearly in a seasonal campground... i guess i forgot to mention that . i know that everything works (appliances and such), and i know propane tanks and grey/black/fresh tanks are all in order. any tips to cleaning up brakes? its only about .5 mile from my house so i wont even bother for the trip home but i definetly want brakes for the duration of my camping travels.

 

Both Dexter and Al-Ko have very nice downloadable pdf manuals for free.

Under "Service Information" select complete service manual.

http://www.dexteraxle.com/products___literature

And here, just click on "Owner's Manual".


http://www.al-kousa.com/

It is worth it to save both to your hard drive

 

I was shocked that some trailers (similar vintage) sitting on perm sites at our campground for similare length of time just rolled right down the road (126 mile trip) with no incidents. Check all the items mentioned and you should be fine for 30 miles.

 

Some can sit for a long while and go a long way without a problem. On the other hand, if it is your trailer and your burn out a bearing, it will be an ugly scene for sure. Sitting on the side of the road in harms way is not a good thing.

 

Wheel bearings are much easier to repack at home and without the bearing spun onto the spindle.

Also, you will be able to lay eyeballs on the brakes to clean and inspect, and properly adjust.

The price of an afternoon's time, a tub of grease, and some seals is well spent on the safety and peace of mind IMHO.