Fifth Wheel Maintenance Questions

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jrshall

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 3, 2009
Posts
71
I've been RVing for many years, but just got my first fifth wheel. Always had mh's before. Anyway, I would like some input on necessary maintenance on a fifth wheel. My fifth wheel is a 2010 Sabre. On the body above the wheels, is a label that says it has Sealed Bearing Systems. Does this mean the bearings don't need repacking at all, or as often? Or is it just a fancy name with little meaning? What about grease fittings? Are there any common hidden ones I should be looking for? Do the landing gear and stabilizer jacks need any special lube? Any bolts or nuts that need regular checking/tightening, other than lug nuts? Any other issues I should watch for?

Thanks in advance for all input.

Jerry
 
Annual checks:

Roof for condition and seals
Lube the front jacks (check the manufacturers paperwork for instructions)
Check propane system and appliances for leaks
Flush water heater and replace anode rod
Check propane heater operation (also run heater at least once in the summer to make sure intake & exhausts are clean and unobstructed)
Check reefer operation and clean flue.
Check and adjust brakes
Check wheel alignment
Bearings...Depends on the manufacturer's requirement. I have Dexter Never Lube so they only have to be inspected annually.
 
Good stuff...You brought up one thing that I have never even thought of or done.

Check reefer operation and "clean flue".

Cleaning the reefer flue sounds like a really good idea. What is the best way to do that and how often should it be done? Thanks.
 
One thing I do twice a year is check all the screws and bolts for tightness, things just naturally rattle loose. Some of the bolts will have torque specifications so if you don't have a torque wrench get one and find out specs for the different bolts. I found the u clamps on my suspension were way under torqued right from the factory. I also always check my lug nuts before a trip.

Cheers Ray
 
BruceinFL said:
Annual checks:

Roof for condition and seals
Lube the front jacks (check the manufacturers paperwork for instructions)
Check propane system and appliances for leaks
Flush water heater and replace anode rod
Check propane heater operation (also run heater at least once in the summer to make sure intake & exhausts are clean and unobstructed)
Check reefer operation and clean flue.
Check and adjust brakes
Check wheel alignment
Bearings...Depends on the manufacturer's requirement. I have Dexter Never Lube so they only have to be inspected annually.

As for the anode rod this doesn't apply to Atwood water heaters.

Wheel bearing should be re-packed every year (in the spring) regardless of mileage.

Addind more.

* Tire condition - checking for weather cracking, tread damage, cuts, etc. Also take note of the age of the tires.
* Sanitize the Fresh Water System - Adding your bleach solution to the tank and flushing according to write up in the library.
* Check you brake controller function - Make sure you brake controller is working properly and capable of stopping the trailer.

Tow Vehicle - Nothing said here but remember you attaching this load to the TV and it got to handle the RV as well.

* Inspect Brakes - Brake fluid, brake pads or shoes, parking brake cable, etc.
* Transmission fluid - this is both manual and automatics.
* Cooling System - This includes any aux. coolers for the transmission or other sub-systems.
 
Thanks for all your answers. Sounds pretty much like what I did for the MH. Never thought of the reefer flue before.

Is anyone familiar with this Sealed Bearing System? I have no paperwork on it, but found some info on bearing failures on some other forums. Lippert website doesn't have any recall info.
 
warsw said:
Good stuff...You brought up one thing that I have never even thought of or done.

Check reefer operation and "clean flue".

Cleaning the reefer flue sounds like a really good idea. What is the best way to do that and how often should it be done? Thanks.

Remove reefer vent cap and clean with a brush then vacuum the bottom. DW has a cow when I goo on the roof so I have it done by my service guy. Annually.
 
jrshall said:
Is anyone familiar with this Sealed Bearing System? I have no paperwork on it, but found some info on bearing failures on some other forums. Lippert website doesn't have any recall info.

Many reports of bearing failures...Lippert has discontinued the SBS, for a good reason. You might consider replacing the SBS axles with Dexter Never-Lube or with another axle with greaseable bearings. I also neglected to mention checking the tires and wheels when the brakes are checked and making sure the lugnuts are properly torqued.
 
Did some more research and found there have been a number of failures with these bearings. Lippert seems to have been good about replacing the axles at no cost, so I may give them a call to see about replacing before a failure.
 
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