Community Forums

anewtoi · 11-06-2012, 07:28 AM

So, the wife has made plans for us to take our first real trip. Well be driving from Birmingham to Dallas to be with her family for TG. Taking I-20 straight in. We have a 40' national islander DP. The guy I bought I from told me he'd had engine a gen services 2 weeks before I bought it (2months ago) but if he did, he didn't get the timing belt changed. What things should I get serviced besides oil and fluids for such a long trip. And I am soooo looking forward to the roller coaster ride in a 40'-er thru Jackson ms.

deandec · 11-06-2012, 10:30 AM

I am not aware of a timing belt needing to be changed on a DP?

You might want to check your serpentine belt and AC compressor belt for condition.

Find a Speedco or similar and and have the engine oil, oil filter, fuel filters and coolant filter changed (if you have one). This will give you piece of mind.

Check the transmission oil level. That service likely can be deferred until you have more time to become familiar with your rig's situation.

The trip you describe is not a long trip for a DP, so it is likely that just checking fluid levels in the engine, transmission, hydraulic fluid tank, and batteries is all that is essential.

The largest trip condition concern for me would be tire status.

Once the tires are more than 5 years old, inspect them for cracking as tires age out rather than wear out on a MH. Look on the interior side as well as the outside of the tire sidewall.

A blow out is a safety concern but also may take out some fiberglass at the same time. So tires require a bit more attention than on an automobile.

SarahW · 11-06-2012, 10:44 AM

How exciting! Sounds like Dean has covered the bases, so I'll just say drive safely and have fun.

anewtoi · 11-06-2012, 04:50 PM

thanks dean and sarah. will look into these things asap. i thought the belt would have been timing but now i see its a serpentine belt. thanks again. we look forward to seeing the sights and enjoying the road. theres really no where to park at the inlaws so we may be staying at a park nearby. after looking around, they are really expensive on daily rates. 40-50$ compared to the few ive seen around here 20-35$. any suggestions? DFW area

Spine Fusion · 11-06-2012, 05:23 PM

Just wondering if your a member of Passport America. They give you a 50% discount at all parks their connected with.[and thats a whole lot everywhere] Well worth the price to join.You will get your join price ack the first two nites. Look them up on the internet. they list all the parks their affiliated with. ENJOY YOUR TRIP