This first newsletter is posted by Tom Jones, Co-Administrator. Article written by Chuck DeShazer, my great partner. He's been under the weather lately, so I'm doing this for him. Wish him good health.

WHO WE ARE: He’s Tom, and I’m Chuck, and between us, we have more than forty years experience with all types of RV’s. Our experience includes buying, selling, owning, and repairing RV’s.

What: The most complete Information source for the RVer.

When: Any time you choose to access this information center.

Where: At your finger tips.

Why: To share the information we have gleaned in more than forty years of RV experience, along with your participation and feedback.

OK, lets get started, today’s subject: SPRING CLEANING!

The first question we need to ask ourselves—are we in shape to do this ourselves, or should we hire a professional? Recently I did the cleaning on our motor home, and amid the soap, water and wind. (I found myself re-evaluating my decision to perform this job myself considering the fact that I am 62, and have had four major back surgeries, and I was standing on a slick surface more than 12 feet above the ground.) Many of us who have been very active or have just been stubborn throughout our lives will find this decision more than a little difficult. So, after you make a more intelligent, or the same decision I made, let’s get into the process that should be taken.

1. Start with the roof, even if the dealer told you that no scrubbing is required, to properly clean requires scrubbing with soap and water, and if you doubt me, think about all that exhaust, dust, and rubber scruff and of course the grime from the rain, that your rig is exposed to out on the high-ways and by-ways. Complete this step by getting the soap residue off with clean water.

2. The next thing that needs to be done is the awning, and once again it takes soap, water, brushing and rinsing.

3. The sidewalls, front and rear of the rig should be washed as described above.

4. Now the next step is the tires and wheels all of which need thorough scrubbing and rinsing.

5. After your rig has been cleaned thoroughly, it’s time for the waxing, which I always thought was almost as much fun as running bare foot over hot coals, but it must be done if you want a good looking rig and particularly if you sell or trade it at some point in the future. RV’s need to be waxed at least once a year with a good grade of wax. My experience is that it doesn’t matter that much which brand of wax you use, they all seem to be as much “fun” as the other.

6. Make sure your awnings are dry when you roll them up, to avoid mold.

7. Proceeding with our spring cleaning, our next step is systems cleaning. Remember, we move around the country attaching our water systems to water sources that may or may not have dirt and calcium or other sediment, which will clog our water storage tank, pipes, and water heaters. To accomplish this step requires the removal of the water tank drain plugs, after we have opened each water valve in the rig, allowing the water to run for at least five minutes. Remove the drain plug in your hot water tank, and depending on the amount or residue you can see coming out of the drain hole - turn off the water.

8. Next, holding tanks, the gray water tank can be cleaned by filling the tank about half full and pour a cup of liquid dishwasher soap. The black water tank can be cleaned with a cup or two of liquid dishwasher soap, then fill the tank about one-third full and add about fifty pounds of ice cubes. Start the engine and go for a drive of at least fifteen minutes. When you return, dump your holding tanks as you normally would.

9. Your next step is cleaning the engine cooling system, which includes flushing the system at least once every two years and using a pressure washer, clean the radiator of any dirt and bugs.

10. Next change the engine oil and filter along with cleaning or replacing the air filter.

11. Re-seal all of your vents and openings with the proper sealant (this one is very important - if you use the wrong product, it will ruin your roof). You’d be surprised at the kind of damage a woodpecker can do to a plastic vent!

12. Finally, your last step is to tell your wife it’s her job to clean the inside of the rig, I recommend you do this somewhere out side - so you can run!

Chuck DeShazer
charlesd

President, Elite R V Services, Inc
Co-Administrator of www.RVInfoCenter.com

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