windborn
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1957 Sportcraft 15
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Post by windborn on Jan 5, 2017 12:39:26 GMT -8
I'm taking my car to the mechanic in a few weeks before I tow my camper down to Texas come February. Is there anything y'all think I should specifically ask him to take a look at?
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Post by danrhodes on Jan 5, 2017 14:13:25 GMT -8
I had similar thoughts and took my car in last month. He checked brakes, all fluids and did a basic inspection. I wanted all the 60k dealer items done but my guy doesn't like to fix things that aren't needed, so he told me to wait to 100k for plugs, trans service, etc.
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mrmarty51
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1972 HOMEMADE
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Post by mrmarty51 on Jan 5, 2017 15:47:00 GMT -8
I'm taking my car to the mechanic in a few weeks before I tow my camper down to Texas come February. Is there anything y'all think I should specifically ask him to take a look at? What make, model and year is the wehicle ? How many miles since the last thorough tune up, Differential lube, trans fluid and filter change ? yes, be sure to get a good safety inspection done too, and anything that may cause a problem a week or a year from now.
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windborn
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Posts: 339
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1957 Sportcraft 15
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Post by windborn on Jan 5, 2017 17:54:10 GMT -8
I'm taking my car to the mechanic in a few weeks before I tow my camper down to Texas come February. Is there anything y'all think I should specifically ask him to take a look at? What make, model and year is the wehicle ? How many miles since the last thorough tune up, Differential lube, trans fluid and filter change ? yes, be sure to get a good safety inspection done too, and anything that may cause a problem a week or a year from now. I'm driving a 2002 Mazda Tribute, which fortunately for me came with a tow package. I just read through my owner's manual and think I have a grasp on the routine maintenance I need. I admit I totally didn't even know differential oil existed until reading it. (I really should have opened the manual 60,000 miles / 6 years ago... :/ ) I was wondering if there's anything related to towing that a mechanic might not focus on. I live in MA so we're required to get inspection stickers. I'm way overdue because I'm a bad car owner. But I'm trying to get better!!
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mrmarty51
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1972 HOMEMADE
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Post by mrmarty51 on Jan 5, 2017 19:32:06 GMT -8
With a repair/service manual You can do most all of the maintenance Yourself with basic hand tools. If You want to save some dollars. If it has been 20,000 since the last thorough tune up definetely have them do that. I know not one thing about foreign vehicles but if it has a distributor I would be replacing the cap, rotor and sparking plugs. If it has been 40,000 miles since the plug wires have been changed then I would install a set of them too. If it has a manual transmission the trans. lube should also be changed. I like to do aall fluids every 20,000 miles. I install a drain plug kit into the transmission pans of My vehicles with the auto trans; that helps to keep from making a big mess by having to drop the pan while it is still full of fluid. Then the filter is changed and trans is topped with new fluid. That four or five quarts of fluid every 20,000 miles keeps the fluid fresh and clean.
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Post by vikx on Jan 5, 2017 21:03:56 GMT -8
Have the TRAILER undercarriage inspected! That's the springs, spring brackets, brake and tow wiring (when exposed) and axle. Check the wheel well cans and tire clearance as well as the brake workings. Re-check lug nuts after just a few miles. Don't forget the tire pressure on all tires. Cold weather can lower the pressure. If it gets too low, the tire will wear out very quickly.
Just recently a member ended up with a broken spring and ripped out brake wiring after a Texas off road experience. They were lucky to notice trailer sag and contacted me. I told them to get to the nearest repair shop ASAP. The tire was OK and Texas is not a bad place to have spring problems. (lots of trailer manufactures/parts there...) 2 new springs later they are back on the road with no other damage.
I always recommend replacing both springs at the same time. With one new spring, the trailer can sag on the other side...
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Post by bigbill on Jan 8, 2017 12:51:14 GMT -8
Before a long trip I start at the rear of the trailer working forward and look for anything loose or separating then check all lights for proper operation. Next lay down on the ground and look for anything hanging loose or out of position. finally check coupler for wear and proper operation, lube all moving parts. As for the vehicle check it completely, including all lubricants and fluids plus brakes, shocks/struts, tires, lights, and don't forget to check belts and hoses. A fluid that is commonly over looked is your anti-freeze, it should be changed accordingly to mfg. recommendations but most importantly make certain that it is at a proper mixture for the climate you are going to be in. It is required for both hot and cold weather that is why it is now referred to as coolant. Also keep an eye on your parking spot for any new puddles they can indicate a pending problem before it becomes a disaster, things like a water pump failure or a hose failing will often start with a small spot on your driveway.
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