KZ-RV
Article Courtesy Dutchmen RV
When you hear a noise coming from inside or around your home, it’s easy enough to check it out. If the sound is coming from outside of the house, you may even decide to ignore it. After all, you’re safe and snug within a brick and mortar structure. But, when you’re on the road with a travel trailer or fifth wheel, a rattle, beep, or thumping noise can signal anything from a small problem that can be dealt with at a campground to imminent danger.
To help make sure your RV travels are safe and without incident, here are some noises you shouldn’t ignore, and what you can do about them.
Flapping or Scraping Noises
Many RVers – especially those new to RVing – have experienced the following scenario. You pack up your campsite, beverages are in cup holders, everyone buckles in, and you pull onto the highway. You then hear ‘something’ that isn’t right once you get up to highway speed. If that ‘something’ sounds like flapping or scraping, you’ve could’ve forgotten to secure a component rig (like the awning) or an object (like a branch) is caught in or under the rig and it’s dragging.
What to do: Pull over and stop as soon as possible. Walk around the RV to see what the problem is and remove or secure the offending object. If simply tugging on it could cause damage, go to the nearest RV dealer or a service centre to assist you.
How to prevent it: Always do a final ‘walk around’ before you leave the campsite to ensure all components are secure and as they should be. Also, look for anything out of the ordinary and even check under the RV for objects that might get caught as you depart.
Phillip Stewart
Be sure to do a final ‘walk around’ before hitting the highway.
Squeaking, Grinding, or Excessive Road Noise Coming from the Wheels
These unexpected, unpleasant sounds can indicate a problem with your wheel bearings. One or more bearings could be damaged or they may need to be re-packed and lubricated.
What to do: See a mechanic as soon as possible.
How to prevent it: Check your owner’s manual to see how often you need to have the bearings checked and if you think you need them replaced or inspected, make sure the technician gives you the all-clear before a long trip.
Rattling
In many cases, this noise indicates something is loose. When maneuvering at a campsite for that perfect position and you hear a rattle coming from inside the RV, it could be dishes loose in the cupboard or other belongings moving around. But, if the sound is loud enough (meaning you can even hear it from the cab of the tow vehicle), the rattling could be caused by a loose door, window, slider, or vent.
What to do: As soon as it’s safe, pull over and inspect the sides, as well as underneath and on top of the RV to see if any component is loose. If there isn’t, have one person ride in the trailer at a slow speed in the campsite (and never on the road!) to pinpoint where the rattling is coming from. Then, secure or tighten the item(s) that are clattering. If you can’t locate the noise and it seems to be coming from the body of the RV, see your local RV dealer.
How to prevent it: Double check doors, awnings, etc. to make sure they’re firmly shut and/or securely enclosed before leaving the campground. Also always pack and stow your personal and kitchen items using towels, bungee cords, etc. to secure them.
Trailers of the East Coast
While packing up, always be sure everything in the interior is intact and secure.
Squealing or Groaning when Turning
If your trailer uses a sway bar, this noise could be caused by it being too tight or it may need some lubrication. This sound isn’t necessarily an emergency, but it can be alarming or distracting.
What to do: Consult your owner’s manual or RV technician on how to loosen or lubricate the sway bar.
How to prevent it: Make sure the sway bar is installed correctly and is regularly maintained.
Beeping Inside the Trailer
A steady, repetitive beep often indicates a dying battery on a smoke or carbon monoxide detector, or sometimes it could come from an appliance.
What to do: Replace any batteries as soon as possible. Also, avoid removing or turning off the alarm while waiting to replace it—you don’t want to forget about these types of systems.
How to prevent it: Test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors regularly and keep fresh replacement batteries on hand.
While on the road, always keep your ears and eyes attuned to your RV and surroundings, and check your mirrors frequently to ensure your trailer is safe and secure. If you hear something that doesn’t sound quite right, it’s best to check it out and fix it as soon as possible rather than ignore it and be sorry later.