Buying A Trailer: Know Before You Go

Dave Solberg

Class Preview

1:14:12

In-depth Instruction; over 75 mins
On-demand video access anytime
Bonus downloadable PDF resources
Access to class Q&A
Available for purchase: $15.99

Session 1: Introduction

1:07

Meet Dave Solberg and learn more about what’s covered in this class.

Session 2: Grab the Right Stuff

11:20

It is important to know what accessories, tools, and other items you may need to make your RV experience more enjoyable. This session covers accessories such as the proper-sized extension cord, surge protectors, and electrical adapters. You will also learn about water pressure regulators, water filters, wheel chocks, upgraded dump hoses and proper holding tank treatment.

Session 3: DIY Maintenance

18:48

Just like your brick-and-mortar home, there is some preventative maintenance that you can do yourself to reduce breakdowns and extend the life of components like the house batteries, roof material, and decals. Learn about the recommended maintenance for appliances, tires, axles/bearings, and especially the roof sealants to reduce the potential for moisture penetration.

Session 4: Proper Hitching

5:26

Hooking up a trailer is typically very easy and straightforward: back the tow vehicle up and crank down the tongue of the trailer. Learn tips about hitch maintenance that will reduce rusting and binding, the proper way to connect safety chains and the breakaway cable, and how to check all the lights from the tow vehicle to the trailer.

Session 5: Weighing Trailer & Proper Distribution

7:47

Understanding the weight ratings and how they apply to not only your RV but your towing capacity and weight on the tow vehicle. Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) is the maximum weight your RV can weigh with all the cargo you stuff inside, as well as water and LP. You also need to know the Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR), Gross Combined Weight Rating (GCWR) and how find those on your rig. This session will cover the weight ratings, how to find them, properly weighing your rig, and weight distribution hitches.

Session 6: Axle Maintenance

19:55

The bearings of your trailer’s axles should be repacked at least every year or 12,000 miles. Learn the proper method to repack bearings, including lifting the unit, disassembly, inspection, cleaning, and repacking. Additional information covers tire inspection and why not to use Bearing Buddies.

Session 7: Driving & Closing Remarks

9:49

Driving and towing an RV is not difficult, it is just different, and new RV’ers need to practice. The most important aspect of towing is making a sharp right hand turn to determine how the trailer tracks behind the tow vehicle and not clipping the curb, street signs or fire hydrants. This session covers practicing techniques and tips in a parking lot with cones or markers as well as tips such as scanning ahead, maintaining following distance, and being prepared. Additional information covers tips for backing into a campsite.

7 Lessons

1 hrs 15 mins

Overview
Instructor
Bonus Materials
FAQs

We see it all the time: People fall in love with the fantasy of traveling the open road, the places you can go to experience the wonders of nature, history, and all this country has to offer. However they also think they can just walk out of their home and everything in their RV will simply work. Just flip on a switch, plug in a cord, and everything works, just like your brick-and-mortar home. But in an RV, you are combining 12-volt systems with 120-volt, adding liquid propane (LP), and driving it down the road!

This class will provide information regarding accessories you will need, such as a basic tool kit, extension cords, surge protectors, black water tank treatment, and fresh water filters. It also contains information on basic DIY maintenance and tips for hitching your unit to the tow vehicle, including safety chains and breakaway cables.

Periodic maintenance includes cleaning, conditioning, and resealing the roof seams, as well as maintaining the tires, axles/bearings, and house batteries.

Once you get the rig ready to go, it is important to get it weighed for GVWR, GAWR, and GCWR. All these are explained in detail.

And finally, it is important to practice turning, backing up, and basic driving in a safe location such as a parking lot, rather than learning as you are trying to get out of a dangerous situation. The driving tips will help prepare you for a much more enjoyable driving and RV experience.

Dave Solberg

Dave Solberg is the Managing Editor of the RV Repair Club. For over 25 years, Dave has conducted a wide range of RV maintenance and safety seminars, developed dealer and owner training programs, written RV safety and handyman articles, authored an RV handbook reference guide and logged over 100,000 miles on the road in an RV.

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