RV FEATURE
3 . RE-GREASE SUSPENSION AND TOWING ATTACHMENTS
TOOLS REQUIRED
• A grease gun ;
• A clean rag ; and
• A headlamp .
WHAT TO DO
Ensure the van ’ s hand brake is on , the stabiliser legs are down and the wheels are chocked .
Crawl underneath the van and look for any grease nipples on the suspension . They are generally located around any pivot points . A headlamp will help you to find them .
Thoroughly clean each nipple with the rag . Attach the grease gun to the nipple . A slight click will confirm the gun is properly attached . Pump the gun two or three times . Remove the gun from the nipple and clean off any excess grease .
Repeat the process with any other grease nipples you find . These may be located on the tow hitch , on your weight distribution hitch and even on the door hinges of an aluminium toolbox .
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I DO IT ?
Once every 10,000km or if you hear squeaking noises emanating from the suspension , your weight distribution hitch or the tow hitch .
4 . CLEAN TRAILER PLUG CONNECTIONS
TOOLS REQUIRED
• A spray can of electrical contact cleaner ;
• A spray can of silicon lubricant ; and
• A small piece of fine sandpaper .
WHAT TO DO
Spray a liberal amount of contact cleaner over and inside all trailer plug connections . Allow any residual contact cleaner to evaporate .
Visually inspect each contact for signs of tarnish , rust or oxidation . If present , remove the contaminant using a piece of sandpaper .
Clean the contacts again with the contact cleaner . Once dry , lightly spray all contacts with the silicon spray , reconnect all the plugs and test lights and other appliances , such as the reversing camera , not to mention the 12V fridge operation and battery charging .
HOW OFTEN SHOULD I DO IT ?
You should inspect the state of the plugs at least once every 1000km but if you have been in humid weather , coastal areas or along dusty roads , you should do this as often as possible .
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