RV Owner's Manual: A Valuable Resource Covering Topics Relevant to the RV Owner — 2nd Edition

V-BELTS

V-Belts may be the item most overlooked during maintenance, but proper care and maintenance of V-belts and their sheaves (pulleys) can yield great rewards. The nature of V-belts makes preventive maintenance relatively easy. Unlike fatigue or flaws in direct drives that are very often invisible until an abrupt failure, V-belts and sheaves wear gradually and usually give advance warning of failure. Nonetheless, it is important to recognize the warnings.

Before attempting any maintenance, be sure the controlling switch is in the OFF position and lock it in OFF if possible. Other safety procedures - such as blocking - may be required to assure safety.

All belts and sheaves will wear as part of their life's cycle. As wear occurs, the belts will ride lower in the grooves; because the sheave center distance must be increased to compensate, a worn belt is, in effect, longer than a new one.

V-belts grip by wedging in the pulley grooves. Belts that are too loose cause slippage, loss of power, loss of speed and rapid wear to both the belt and the sheave. A howl or squeal indicates that the belt is too loose or the load is too heavy.

WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION AND LOAD CAPACITY

A properly loaded vehicle will perform better and handle more safely. Store heavier items on or close to the floor and as centrally as possible. Lighter items may be stored in cabinets, closets and drawers. Luggage or similar cargo transported inside your RV should be secured to prevent it from causing damage in case of a sudden stop.

Weight limits recorded on the Federal Certification Sticker or the Vehicle Identification Number plate are maximum limits and exceeding these weights must be considered unsafe.

Accurate axle weights are also necessary when determining correct tire inflation pressure. It is therefore extremely important to weigh the vehicle before leaving on a trip.

• Care & maintenance
• Driving motor home or truck camper
• Electrical system
• Hitches
• Leveling and stabilization
• Loading the vehicle
• LP-gas appliances
• LP-gas systems
• Campground courtesy
• Cold weather operation
• Hot weather operation
• Visiting Canada or Mexico
• Potable water system
• Safety
• Supplies and equipment
• Taking delivery
• Tow vehicle
• Trailer towing
• Warranties
• Waste drainage system
• Winterization and storage