Helpful Hints

RV HELPFUL HINTS

Awnings
Marine/RV Battery (Deep cycle battery)
What can I do to prepare for this Winter?

Other Helpful Hints and Links

Taking proper care of your awnings

Make sure all windows around awning fabric area are free of mildew. The fabric will absorb mildew from these areas.

Clean the awning fabric using a good awning fabric cleaner ( 4U all-purpose
cleaner or Thetford awning cleaner)

Apply the mixture on top of the fabric and roll the awning up for five
minutes. By rolling the awning up this will apply the mixture to the bottom
of the fabric and allow the solution to remove any mildew or dirt.

Roll awning back out to its fully extended position and rinse off solution
with fresh water. Repeat steps if necessary.

Allow the fabric to dry completely before rolling awning back up.

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Maintenance – Marine/RV Battery (Deep cycle battery)

Your deep cycle battery has the capability of deeply discharging hundreds
of times in its lifetime. Unlike an automotive battery which will only discharge
less than 50 cycles in its lifetime. Your deep cycle battery has many
applications such as motor homes, tent trailers, travel trailers, fifth wheels and
boats.

Factors that effect the life of a battery

  • Battery maintenance
  • Recharging battery depth of charge
  • Battery temperature
  • Cycling use
  • Vibration and overall care and consideration

For longer life of your battery

It is recommended that the discharge level not be less than 50%.Try not
to let your battery go completely dead every time. Its also important to be
consistent when charging your battery.

Charging your Battery

If the casing is hot to the touch immediately disconnect the battery
from the charger and allow it to cool. Overcharging and overheating can
shrink the life of your battery.

Ensure that the charger you have is sufficient to charge a battery within
8-12 hours

When finished using your battery it is important to recharge it as soon
as possible. Allowing the battery to discharge on its own may affect its
performance and recharge acceptance.

For best results the first 5-10 discharges should be shallow, in other
words discharging them 25% or less before charging again.

Confusion?

Many people think that a lead acid deep cycle battery develops a memory
by the way it has been charged or discharged. This is not true, in fact
the battery has the ability to discharge at different levels without a
memory developing.

What size of battery do you need?

  • Determine your total power requirements
  • Determine the approximate time of use
  • Multiply the hours and amp rating on your battery
  • Divide total ampere hours by .5 which is a 50% discharge rate, to
    maximize battery cycle life.

Cleaning and storage of your Battery

  • Before storing make sure the positive and negative terminals are clean,
    free from corrosion.
  • Check fluid levels in each cell
  • Fully charge battery
  • Store battery in cold climate area.

Click Here for more helpful hints!

Information provided by Interstate Batteries. For more information visit
www.interstatebatteries.com

Some of the best batteries we have found are the DEKA series. For more information visit
http://www.eastpenn-deka.com

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What can I do to prepare for this winter?

A general inspection should be done on your trailer each year. In some instances a qualified RV technician should take a look at your trailer. The following are items that should be checked once you are finished camping/traveling for the season:

How to winterize with RV Antifreeze

  • Drain the fresh water tank, holding tanks, and water heater. (Leave the valves open)
  • Bypass the water heater. (Turn bypass kit valves, if you have a bypass kit.)
  • Hook anti-freeze to pump. (Turn valve on pump kit, if you have a pump kit.)
  • Turn pump on. Go to furthest tap. Turn on just until the anti-freeze comes out. Do this to all of the taps; showerhead, toilet and city water inlet.
  • Finally, pour anti-freeze into sink traps, bathtub, and shower traps.

Get your unit ready for winter

    • Clean and wax the unit exterior.
    • Check the tire pressures.
    • Disconnect, charge, and store battery.
    • Winterize the trailer and dump the tanks.
    • Turn off L.P. gas and cover the tanks.
    • Leave the fridge door and cabinets open.
    • Leave the roof vent open ΒΌ” (more if Max air covers are installed)
    • Cover all exterior vents to stop insects from entering (e.g. A/C, water, heater, etc.)
    • Close the window curtains or blinds.
    • Cover the tires if possible.
    • Inspect for roof seams (reseal if necessary)
    • Use a dehumidifier (Dryeze)
    • Do not park in high grass.

Would you like a qualified RV technician to take a look at these items for you? Contact Us

Links

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The Colorado Vacation Directory of cabins, lodges, campgrounds, bed & breakfasts and fun things to do such as fishing, rafting, hunting & skiing. As well as, a detailed regional Colorado map section.

RV Service Link.com: RV Service Link – Locate Your Nearest RV Service

RV Resources DirectoryThe RV world at your fingertips!

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