What is the most commonly overlooked maintenance item on a travel trailer?
The roof. Sealants on travel trailer roofs are exposed to UV radiation, heat, and weather constantly, and they dry out, crack, and fail over time. Once a sealant fails, water finds its way in — and depending on the construction of the trailer, water damage can spread quickly. This is one of the most important things a certified inspector checks, and it is one of the items most commonly missed by owners who do not get on the roof regularly.
How serious is water intrusion on a travel trailer?
Water intrusion can be one of the most costly issues on a travel trailer. Many entry-level and mid-range trailers use wood framing, and when wood framing gets wet, it rots. Once the framing begins to rot, structural integrity is compromised, and repairs can be extensive and expensive. A moisture meter is a standard tool in a certified RV inspection for this reason — it detects elevated moisture in walls and floors before visible damage has occurred.
What is the difference between stick-and-tin and laminated construction?
Stick-and-tin construction uses a wood frame with aluminum siding attached to the outside. It is the most common construction method on entry-level trailers and the most vulnerable to water damage — if moisture gets into the wood, rot begins quickly. Laminated construction sandwiches a layer of rigid foam insulation between a fiberglass exterior and an interior wall panel. Laminated walls are more water-resistant, better insulated, and generally more durable. It is an important distinction when evaluating a trailer's long-term value and repairability.
Should I get a 30-amp or 50-amp travel trailer?
Thirty-amp service is standard on most travel trailers and is sufficient for most camping situations with one air conditioner. Fifty-amp service gives you significantly more power capacity, supports two or more rooftop air conditioners, and gives you flexibility at campgrounds that offer it. Some trailers come with two rooftop air conditioners on a 30-amp service and include a load-balancing system that manages the power draw — temporarily turning off one AC when the microwave runs, for example. Larger travel trailers tend to come with 50-amp service as standard. If you camp in hot climates or want maximum comfort, 50-amp is worth prioritizing.
What are wheel bearing issues and why do they matter on a travel trailer?
Wheel bearings allow the trailer's wheels to spin freely on the axle. They require regular greasing and inspection — typically at least annually for trailers that are driven several times per year. Bearings that have not been maintained can rust, seize, and generate extreme heat. In a worst-case scenario, a failed bearing can cause the entire wheel assembly to separate from the trailer while in motion — a serious and dangerous situation. This is especially a concern on trailers that have been stored in one place for extended periods before being put back on the road.
How do I know if a travel trailer's bearings need to be repacked?
Without disassembly, it can be difficult to assess bearing condition by sight alone. A certified inspector will check for play in the wheel, listen for unusual sounds, and look for signs of heat discoloration or grease contamination. If a trailer has been sitting for an extended period or has no documented service history, the bearings should be inspected and repacked before use. This is a relatively low-cost maintenance item compared to the cost of a failed bearing on the road.
What size travel trailer can my truck tow?
To determine what trailer your truck can safely tow, you need to know your truck's tow rating, payload capacity, and hitch rating — all three matter. The trailer's gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) when loaded should stay within your truck's tow rating. The tongue weight of the trailer — the downward force on the hitch ball — should not exceed ten to fifteen percent of the trailer's loaded weight, and must stay within your truck's payload capacity. When in doubt, consult your truck's owner's manual and err on the side of caution. Overloading a tow vehicle is dangerous.
