Category: Maintenance

Looking For Rain In All The Wrong Places

Posted on by paullwesner in Maintenance

RV’ing In Southern Oregon     Fall 2024

By Paul Wesner, Vintage Trailer Land

My jaw dropped as I read a recent forum post by a couple who were proud owners of a brand-new motorhome. They’d carefully chosen a quality brand and even paid for a professional third-party inspection before dropping the big bucks. But on their first weekend outing, rainwater leaked inside the coach in two places! Oh, the horror!

Protecting our roofs from water intrusion is important because moisture leads to mold, rot, and expensive repairs. Through years of exposure RV roofs take a beating from nature’s elements. So if they don’t come with leaks (and they’re not supposed to), they will develop leaks over time. Let’s take a look at preventative maintenance on the top of your RV.

Determine your roofing material. Your owner’s manual should tell you this information. If not available, you will need to inspect and do your research. Common materials are sheet metal (steel or aluminum), rubber membrane (EPDM or TPO), laminated/bonded fiberglass (filon), proprietary products (Alpha), or something else. It’s imperative to know your roofing type to know how to repair or reseal it properly. Using the wrong sealant may create more problems and more work, as some products chemically-react (adversely) to others, and some will not bond to surfaces or stick to existing sealants.

Roof Coating. Your travel trailer will enjoy many more years of roof life by applying a proper RV coating, usually by rolling/brushing or mopping a thick, syrupy liquid on top. Be sure to do your research and find a coating that is specific to your type of roofing material. Don’t use Aunt Jemima.

Roof-to-Wall Juncture. The roof edge, i.e. the corner where the roof meets the sidewalls, is a major place for potential water leaks, especially if there is a seam. If there is, there will be a trim piece along that top edge (it will be some type of drip edge, j-rail, awning rail, gutter, etc.). The epoxy behind it, usually butyl putty, should be checked for decent pliability. If rigid or crumbly, replace. I’ve heard a few slang terms used for this villainous putty; none are appropriate to repeat.

Skylights & Ceiling Vents. Check for cracking and hairline cracking; not only in the middle of the covers, but also along the edges where water intrusion will most likely start, and will least likely be noticed. Replace and reseal as necessary. Be careful where you step on the roof so you don’t accidentally create a new skylight.

Plumbing Vents. These “caps” are sometimes missing because they get weathered and fly off while driving. Replace if missing or brittle. If intact, check the caps for cracks and bases for failing sealant. But also handle them for rigidity and soundness. Most are made of PVC and, although look intact, may crumble into pieces with a little nudging. You didn’t know you were so strong.

Obsolete Components. Archie Bunker isn’t staying in your RV. The old television antenna or satellite dish may still be on the roof, but their only purpose is to provide another place of water entry. Remove, patch, and seal over. This is also true for the CB antenna, good buddy!

The RV industry continues to improve materials for keeping out rainwater, including building products, sealants, epoxies, and more. Perhaps one day we won’t even need to inspect and reseal our new RVs. In the meantime, it is crucial to use quality products made specifically for the RV industry, and avoid household caulking, silicone, spray-on types, mobile home coatings, and duct tape (especially when applied with beer).

Since rain can get through some unexpected places, be sure to protect your travel trailer/RV with these handy tips or take it to a professional. Repair shops, including Vintage Trailer Land, are here to seal and serve. Sing in the rain and Happy Camping!

Call today to learn about our restorations! 541-944-7541

Top Summer DIY Improvements for Your RV

Posted on by paullwesner in Maintenance

It’s a great time to spruce up your home on wheels! These are my top DIY project recommendations to add comfort and style to your camping trips this year!

Revamp Your Flooring

Updating your RV’s flooring can make it look brand new! I recommend durable, lightweight options such as vinyl planks or laminate. Replacing the old flooring is easier than you may think.

Paint Your Trailer Inside and Out

A fresh coat of paint works wonders for your RV’s appearance. For the exterior, choose a high-quality, weather-resistant paint to protect against the weather. Inside, light colors can make the space feel larger and brighter. Repainting just those outdated, 1990s mauve stripes on the exterior can bring your RV into the 21st century!

Upgrade to LED Lighting

Many old RVs still have halogen light bulbs that are less efficient, produce heat, and are a fire hazard. LED lights are also brighter, and you can choose how warm or cold you want the lighting. Warm white light (3000° to 3500° Kelvin) creates a cozy, inviting atmosphere, and cold white light (5000° to 6000° Kelvin) is best for a modern, sleek design. 

Install Air Conditioning

Climate control is a must-have for trips during these hot summer months! Rooftop air conditioning units are efficient and stay out of the way, while window units can be creatively hidden. Mini-split HVAC systems are energy-efficient and quiet, making them a great option for those with a higher budget.

Whether you tackle a complete RV makeover or just change out a few lightbulbs, these improvements will add comfort and style to your summer adventures. Happy camping!

Find Your RV Tribe!

Posted on by paullwesner in Maintenance

RV’ing In Southern Oregon     June 2024

There are countless ways for Recreational Vehicle (RV) enthusiasts to build community online and on the open road! Whether you’re cruising in a modern Winnebago or towing a vintage Airstream trailer, finding an online community tailored to your specific RV can enhance your journey in more ways than one. The internet has revolutionized how RV owners connect, share knowledge, and build relationships. You can tap into this virtual world by joining online groups dedicated to your RV’s make and model. These communities serve as digital campfires where members gather to swap stories, troubleshoot problems, and offer invaluable advice.


So, how do you grow your online RV tribe? Facebook and Reddit have fantastic communities as well as many blogs from RV owners, collectors, and adventurers. Use specific keywords related to your RV, specifically it’s make and model. You’ll most likely find your exact owner group (Ex: “Vintage Shasta Compact Trailers”). If not, broaden your search to terms related to the type of RV you own (e.g. “folding campers”). Don’t be afraid to introduce yourself and share your RV stories! These sites are very welcoming and can give you ideas for fun trips, DIY trailer tips, maintenance info, repair advice, events/rallies happening, and more!


Being part of an online group dedicated to your RV offers several benefits. Firstly, you gain access to a wealth of knowledge regarding maintenance tips, improvements and repairs. Find out where the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) is hiding, view photos of new flooring replacements, and learn which failed part has a better replacement upgrades. Secondly, learn about recommended campsites, travel routes, parks, roadside attractions, and more. Lastly, many online RV groups organize real-world meetups and rallies. These gatherings often include fun activities such as potluck dinners, group excursions, games, music, and more.

Oregon has many annual vintage trailer rallies! The 2024 Tiffin owner’s rally is in July in Newport, OR. Two vintage trailer rallies in Oregon are held every July: ‘All American Vintage Trailer Rally’ in Brooks, and ‘Rally On The River’ in Brownsville!


As you start your journey to find your RV online community, remember that the beauty of RVing lies not only in the trips but also in the friendships you make along the way. Your RV tribe awaits… happy camping!

By Paul Wesner, Vintage Trailer Land

De-Winterize Your RV

Posted on by paullwesner in Maintenance

RV’ing In Southern Oregon     Spring 2024

By Paul Wesner, Vintage Trailer Land

Those cold and damp days of winter have passed, turning our attention to upcoming and exciting outdoor adventures! But how do you know your Recreational Vehicle is ready for its first season’s run into the great outdoors? Whether you winterized your RV last fall or not, here is a list of tips you can follow to awake your camper from its winter hibernation.

Step Inside

If you’re like most RV owners, your house-on-wheels has not had much of your attention in the off season, including regular inspections. So it’s time to go inside and check for any obvious issues; namely, signs of rodents, leaks, moisture, and other problems that need to be addressed. Like, did you forget to clean out perishable food and do the laundry after last trip?

Plumbing System

If you or a shop winterized your water lines, you’ll need to flush the antifreeze out of the plumbing system. To do this, follow your owner’s manual (or find instructions online), which will detail how to service the water heater, tanks, toilet and faucets.

Windows & Vents

Waking up to rainwater dripping on your face is not the ideal camping experience. Take time now to carefully check the condition of the windows, vents, seams, and roof. Clean and replace seals or sealants that are weathered, cracked, or missing. Be sure to use proper RV sealants; not household types found at home improvement stores. Vacuum fridge vents and clear all vents from leaves/debris and old wasp nests.

Batteries

Test and charge as needed. If you don’t own one, purchase a battery maintainer ($15-$50). Pull the covers and check the battery fluid.

Engine & Running Gear

In the case of a motorhome, perform required maintenance & repairs. For all other RVs, check the running gear including tire condition, tire pressure, axle bearing grease, suspension lubrication, etc. Few things are as frustrating as a mechanical breakdown on the family vacation, so adhere to the old adage, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.”

Appliances

Test your stove, oven, microwave, comfort heater, air conditioner, generator and other appliances and components. This will require you to turn on the propane system and on-board power systems (test generator, solar, and plug in shore power). Make sure you have plenty of propane in the tanks.

Make your first outing as smooth as possible by de-winterizing your RV. If you don’t feel confident with any of these inspections, maintenance, or repairs, contact your local RV shop. Tip: call and get on their schedule today, lest you get stuck in a backlog of seasonal scheduling. Now that your RV will be ready to go, the great outdoors awaits you… happy camping!

Call today to learn about our restorations! 541-944-7541

How to Care for the underside of your RV/Travel Trailer

Posted on by paullwesner in Maintenance

By Paul Wesner, Vintage Trailer Land

“Out of sight – out of mind” is never more true than with the underside of your Recreational Vehicle. There are good reasons to inspect under your RV throughout the year. Whether you’re going to store your RV for the winter, or keep venturing out during upcoming colder months, you’ll want to pay attention to a few critical workings underneath your RV.

Areas Of Rodent Entry

An Airstream owner complained their shore power wasn’t working. When we inspected, we identified rats had crawled into the underbelly and chewed completely through the electrical wires. Any hole in your RV underbelly is an entry path for rodents and insects. This can result in a small nuisance, from having to clean up contaminated food in the cupboards, to costly repairs like damages inside walls, and, worse yet, potentially serious health issues. The remedy: carefully inspect and repair any hole larger than the size of a dime using rodent-resistant materials such as sheet metal, hardware cloth, steel wool, sealants, tapes, etc.

The Frame

Support frames are made of steel. Although strong, the steel and joining welds can experience fatigue, leading to cracked welds or broken bolts. Be sure to inspect welds/joints starting from the hitch, the “A-coupler” (named after its shape), and continuing under the RV living space (i.e. the “box” or “body”) all the way to the rear bumper. Also look for rust, worn bolts, and stressed brackets that hold components, such as water tanks. We recommend protecting the metal frame with a quality chassis coating.

Tires

Your RV’s “shoes” need to be inspected for more than ample tread. Look for sidewall cracking or bulging on the outside face and the inside face. Also look for uneven tread wear. If you want to know how old your tires are, find the DOT code on the sidewall; the last two digits provide the year they were manufactured. You can check more information online using the entire code. This is important because tires can appear “good,” but age alone can deteriorate rubber and cause them to fail quickly on the road.

Running Gear

Good tires are paramount to your RV’s transportability, but have you had the rest of the running gear checked and properly serviced? This includes axles, axle bearings, axle grease, brakes, wheels, shocks, mounts, suspension, and more. There are many harrowing stories of trailer wheels shearing off and shooting into (or through) the trailer’s wheel well. These disasters can be caused by excessive friction and heat, but can be prevented by routine lubrication.

Don’t procrastinate… take care of the underbody before the days get shorter and the weather gets colder. Most tire and/or RV shops can perform these necessary inspections and maintenance. Perform upkeep now so you can spend time making family memories instead of wasting time dealing with the cost and ordeal of breakdowns. Happy Camping!

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Look no further! Our shop specializes in everything from minor fixes to full-scale frame-off restorations. Your vintage journey starts here! Call us today at (541) 944-7541

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