Community Forums

cmcguire48 · 03-14-2017, 10:35 PM

My Starcraft Launch is 1 year old and was wondering what type of maintenance I should be doing. I don't travel far from home and I have only put approximately 700 miles on it since I bought it new. Appreciate any and all advice. I was also wondering how to clean my black tank sensors. I know sensors are a pain but I completely empty tank and sensor still says 1/3 to 2/3 full.

dustyone · 03-14-2017, 11:30 PM

Well first of all every year you really should check your seams and seals on roof just to make sure everything is nice and tight and no cracks or drying out of putty. I don't know too much about Starcraft but I would definitely have the wheel bearings repacked and brakes adjusted period I think the Starcraft is a single axle trailer if I'm not mistaken but I could be. Either way I would have the axle bearings repacked definitely brake adjustment and check the seals on the roof make sure there's no leaks going to develop. From there I guess would be just look it over well. Safe travels and enjoy the year

marcham · 03-14-2017, 11:30 PM

I wouldn't worry about repacking bearings with such low mileage. Inspect springs & equalizers. How are the brakes working? Can the brake controller lock them up?

Clean fridge, hot water heater and furnace flue / burner. Inspect roof and window sealant, reseal as required.

Do you have a black tank flush connection? They make a rod you insert through the toilet to clean the tank. Sensors never work that well...Fill black tank with water, drive around and dump.

Arch Hoagland · 03-15-2017, 01:36 AM

To clean the sensors add 1 cup of Dawn dish detergent to a glass of water, mix until dissolved and then dump it into the toilet.

Then fill the black tank until it is completely full.

Let that sit in there for at least 24 hours or more and then drain.

I have two black tanks and have been using that procedure on them for the last 12 years and have never had a problem.

After you drain it add another cup of Dawn and about three gallons of water. You don't want that black tank to sit empty else-wise things will harden up in there.

On your next trip that soap will keep things moving.

swagn · 03-15-2017, 04:39 AM

I have used two bags of ice and about 2 gallons of water and drive. The slushing w/ice helps clean them too

Oldman5145 · 03-15-2017, 05:30 AM

Get a short clear sewer extension pipe at your RV supply store. Like others have said, fill the black tank. I add 2 packets of electric dishwasher detergent before I leave home. When I hook up I dump the tank and refill and dump the tank until I see nothing but clear water coming out of the tank. You may have to fill your tank 2 or 3 times to clean it up.
Best wishes and happy trails to you.

lynnmor · 03-15-2017, 06:38 AM

Do clean, inspect and re-pack the wheel bearings and inspect and adjust the brakes. Yes, you have low mileage but you have no clue what is in there. The spindles may not be greased and adjusted well, yes that does happen. You will also find cheap Chinese bearings of questionable quality, I replace them with Timken bearings. After you do it right, you can then be confidant that running it a number of 700 mile years will be OK.