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 Hello
Andy:
We have had our truck and fifth wheel for a couple of years
now and this summer we will be making our first big trip,
which will be to the east coast from Alberta. Would you
be able to give us a list of things to have checked before
we take this trip? Our truck is a 2000 GMC with a 6.0 Liter
and a 4.10:1 axle ratio. It has 50,000 kilometers on it.
We tow a 1996 30' Hitch Hiker fifth wheel.
Thank You
Steve Hird
Hello Steve:
The east coast is a very nice trip and likely one you will
want to repeat. Being from Alberta, I imagine you have already
done some mountain driving, but what you will encounter
in the East are hills that though not as long they are steeper
than any you have encountered in the west. Good brakes are
a great place to start. By the way on your truck the transmission
will not shift into first gear if the selector is in second.
On the Cabot Trail or The Gaspe you will need first.
Here is the list:
1) If it has not been done since you purchased your fifth
wheel, have the bearings packed and the brakes checked and
adjusted. Make sure the shop replaces the seals with the
best quality ones available and be sure that they wash and
dry each bearing. When the job is done the only grease in
the hubs should be new.
2) Your Hitch Hiker likely has grease fittings on the spring
shackles so these can be greased at the same time. If you
do not have grease fittings, you might want to consider
upgrading to the heavy-duty greaseable shackle system. This
kit is available from Dexter Axle through any RV parts store.
Check the shock absorbers for leaks as well.
3) While the unit is in the air check the electric brake
wiring, Make sure it is all fastened neatly and that none
of the wires are hanging down where they might snag something.
4) I think your coach also has an enclosed undercarriage.
Take a look for any loose metal or missing fasteners. (Page
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5) Check your tires for uneven wear, bulges or cuts and
of course check the pressure. When the wheels have been
off it is not a bad idea to recheck the lug nuts after driving
60 Kilometres or so.
6) The next thing to check would be the trailer and truck
7-way plugs for corrosion. If you have an electronic Brake
Control adjust the gain to maximum. Then try to get the
breaking smooth with the pendulum adjustment.
7) On the truck you will want to make sure all your maintenance
is up to date and take along a couple of litres of oil.
Your truck has semi-synthetic fluid in the transmission
and a transmission temperature gauge. As long as it never
has been overheated the fluid should be fine, but do check
the level.
8) The rear axle would be due for a fluid change and I would
consider changing to synthetic. We have found that rear
axles run much cooler and last longer with synthetic oil.
9) As on the trailer, check the tires for uneven wear,
etc. When towing a larger fifth wheel set the rear tires
at the maximum pressure and the front tires at the recommended
pressure.
10) If my memory serves me, your truck came with gas charged
shock absorbers when it was new. If it had standard shocks
they would be getting due for replacement now and I would
suggest gas charged.
11) Check the bolts that hold the fifth wheel to the frame
and the bolts holding the hitch together. Your hitch will
likely have a couple of pivot points that should be greased,
lube the latch mechanism and grease the groove on the trailer
pin.
12) If your normal use of the fifth wheel is in parks with
full hook ups, it would be a good idea to check your self
containment systems. Check the charge line circuit. An easy
way to do this is to unhook the trailer battery and the
hydro cord, plug the truck in and see if the lights work
in the trailer.
After five years it would be a good idea to have the igniter
and burner cleaned on the water heater, refrigerator and
if applicable the furnace. Fill the fresh water tank and
test the pump.
For those of you reading this with a motorhome or travel
trailer, many of the same concerns apply. With a travel
trailer check the hitch attachments and possibly readjust
your torsion bars.
Try and do your preparation a couple of weeks before you
are scheduled to leave. You don't want to discover two days
before your vacation that you need a part with a 10-day
delivery time.
One more thing, pick up our current campground directory
and have a great time. (Page
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