Good Sam Roadside Assistance

What Are Brake Controllers?

May 07, 2013

What’s a brake controller? A brake controller is the component that provides power to the trailer’s electric brakes, which comes in different styles and types. In the brake controller world there really are only two types; one type is the proportional brake controller (also known as inertia controllers) and the other is the time delay brake controller. This proportional brake ... Read More...

Tow Truck Drivers Risking Their Lives

April 23, 2013

When you’re stranded on the side of the highway with cars whizzing past, you know it’s a dangerous situation. Fortunately, as a Good Sam Roadside Assistance member, you can have a tow truck driver dispatched to your location. But, have you considered that the tow truck operator is risking their life while assisting you? Unsung heroes of everyday life, tow truck operators ... Read More...

Hitch Maintenance To Avoid A Roadside Breakdown

April 16, 2013

For those with travel trailers and camping trailers, one of the nastier forms of roadside breakdown is hitch failure. Not only will hitch failure strand you on the side of the road requiring you to contact Good Sam Roadside Assistance, but it may also result in extremely costly damage to your towed unit or towing vehicle. In most cases, hitch failure can be prevented by regular ... Read More...

Cleaning Your Wastewater Tank

April 09, 2013

Wastewater tanks aren't hard to keep clean and smelling like roses... well, maybe not roses, but some regular maintenance will help cut down on occasional odors that creep into your RV from time to time. Let’s start with toilet paper; we recommend using single ply because the cheap stuff won’t clog your tank. There is also RV-specialized toilet paper that costs much more, but ... Read More...

De-Winterizing Your RV

April 04, 2013

When it’s time to dust off the RV and get it ready for the road, there are numerous parts to inspect, repair and prepare for your trips. For many, the de-winterizing process can be a bit overwhelming, especially for newer RV owners. Reference this guide for de-winterizing your ride: Wash your RV so that you can carefully examine the siding, roof and window seals for cracks, ... Read More...

Preventing 5th Wheel & Travel Trailer Suspension Failures

April 03, 2013

Good Sam Roadside Assistance has noticed a pattern of suspension failures that might have been prevented by routine inspection and maintenance. Let’s examine a towable’s running gear and what can be done to prevent costly roadside breakdowns. Your travel trailer’s suspension is made up of three primary components: leaf springs, shackles and equalizers. The leaf springs are attached ... Read More...

Inspecting RV Trailer Wheels and Wheel Bearings

March 26, 2013

When considering that few mechanical issues strand drivers on the side of the road like tire and wheel failure, it pays dividends to inspect them before you hit the road. Many RV owners will thoroughly examine their RV’s wheels, but they may forget to look at the trailer. Here are a few tips to help with preventing failure of trailer wheels: Always make sure the tires on ... Read More...

RV Battery Repair Basics

March 19, 2013

Batteries are a necessity for operating a large amount of your RV’s components, and without that power, you might as well be sleeping in a tent. From your refrigerator to your television to your lights, batteries give you the amenities that made RVing so attractive in the first place. When considering its importance, RV owners should know how to maintain and repair their power ... Read More...

How to Inspect and Replace Your RV Trailer Bearings and Wheels

March 12, 2013

Your trailer's wheel bearings play a vital role in supporting the trailer's weight and allowing the wheels to spin without putting excessive stress on the trailer axle. The number one reason for wheel bearing failure is due to improper maintenance, which means your RV trailer bearings must be inspected or replaced according to the service intervals established by the manufacturer. ... Read More...

How To Avoid Tire Failure

March 05, 2013

Underinflated tires are one of the leading causes of tire failure. Every vehicle owner should know that the load rating and PSI for a tire are the most important factors in getting optimal tire life and performance. Tires that are underinflated can get extremely hot, which leads to tire failure. When considering that heat buildup, summertime temps will have a dramatic effect ... Read More...

Good Sam Tech Tips