retiredtraveler
Woodstock Il --- GO HIKING!!!!
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Joined: 08/16/2002
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I'm not too mechanically inclined, and this is the first RV I've ever had, but I'd like to see if I can learn to do basic work on the PUP. Adjust brakes, repack bearings, and find out where/how to lube the squeaky suspension I have (PUP is squeaking a lot in the springs someplace).
Any good links to learn how to handle these basics? Or, do most people let the pro's do this? I've used the PUP 2 full seasons, and probably have 8000 miles on PUP itself. Just went to Canada for a month and towed over 3500 miles just on this trip. I have the E-Z lube axles, surge brakes.
Thanks.
Pup: 2007 Jayco 1206 w/slide-out + shower
surge brakes, 54w solar panel
TV: 2005 Nissan Xterra 4X4, manual trans
25 years tent camping, 4000+ miles of hiking, lots of biking
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Lucky Mr H
Creston, IA
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Joined: 07/29/2008
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I say if you've got a basic set of tools, search in the forums on here and you'll find just about everything you are looking for. I would rather do it myself and know how the job was done than take it to someone that I do not know for certain what they did/didn't do.
For stuff that is too much, then take that item for service.
Just start on the small stuff and go as you learn.
Good luck!
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JudoJeff
Southwick, MA
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Joined: 08/06/2008
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I do it all myself, what are you going to do when in the middle of nowhere and it needs fixing?
Get the RV Repair & Maintenance manual by Bob Livingston, and RV Handbook by Bill Estes. You don't have to understand all of it, only what applies to the systems you have in your PUP.
Besides tools and parts, pick up a tire repair kit for under $20, and small air compressor, so you can fix flats.
Adjusting brakes and repacking bearings is easy after doing it ONCE. Doing it at home means you can ask around if you don't understand something.
Basic mechanical advice: Look at how it went together BEFORE taking it apart... it's not a plus to have parts left over when you're done!!!
K1BE Jeff
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david_42
Oregon
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Joined: 04/08/2005
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I might add digital cameras are a great aid for DYI. A series of pictures as you dismantle something new cannot be beat when it's time to reassemble.
I've also found it handy when shopping for parts.
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mike4947
N. Syracuse, NY
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Joined: 08/26/2002
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I will note that the squeaky suspension should not be lubed. It's caused by metal to metal contact between the spring leaf ends and the next larger leaf. "lube" temporarily stops the noise but collects dirt and the problem gets worse.
The correct fix is to pull the springs; check for shiny spots; and grind relief of the offending spring leaf tips.
We leave it to local brake/spring shops. For a nominal amount and a couple of hours the remove/replace the springs and add urethane sheet spacing as well as relieving the "hot spots".
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They say you learn by your mistakes, in that case I must be a genius.
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eubank
Angel Fire, NM, USA
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Joined: 01/17/2004
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None other than Trailer Life markets an "RV Repair and Maintenance" book. I haven't looked at it, so cannot verify its quality (anybody else?), but it might be just the thing to you.
http://www.trailerlifedirectory.com/Trav........egory=RV%20Tech&focus=bd&subcategoryid=1
Lynn
http://forum.aardvarkrv.com/blog/
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retiredtraveler
Woodstock Il --- GO HIKING!!!!
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mike4947 wrote:....The correct fix is to pull the springs; check for shiny spots; and grind relief of the offending spring leaf tips.
We leave it to local brake/spring shops.....
Ok, I'm ignorant. "Local" brake shop meaning a place that does automobiles?
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mike4947
N. Syracuse, NY
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Should have said spring shop, not brake shop. Your average passenger car brake shop will look at you as if you were crazy if you ask them to redo the springs...LOL
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3ontheGo
Coastal California
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Joined: 12/16/2007
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I have to laugh that you used "DYI" instead of "DIY" because that's one of our family jokes. We say that when it comes to repairs some people are DIYers (Do it Yourself) while others are DYIers (Do Yourself In).
All depends on your skills, experience and aptitude.
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retiredtraveler
Woodstock Il --- GO HIKING!!!!
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3ontheGo wrote:I have to laugh that you used "DYI" instead of "DIY" because that's one of our family jokes.
I'm laughing now too. Besides leaving off the 'f' on 'for', I didn't even see the DYI. No, not a Freudian slip....
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