DIY Network

In Camp Can-Do Project: Tow Hitch Maintenance Learn how to maintain your RV's tow hitch. From "RV Roadtrips" episode DRVR-107

Join the Cochranes as they set up camp at the Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort. This dog friendly RV destination is set on the water in beautiful Orange Country, Calif., and offers all the amenities of a four star hotel.

Host Gary Bunzer shows Cathy Cochrane how to lubricate the ball hitch and check for damage. He explains how in older trailers the ball hitch can become so damaged it needs replacing.

The Cochranes share advice on RVing with dogs and on-site cooking.

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Gary demonstrates how to take care of an Airstream hitch.

Tow Hitch Maintenance

Materials:

WD-40
steel wool
white lithium grease
cleaning cloth

1. Check the locking mechanism for rust.

2. Use steel wool to remove any rust build-up (figure A).

3. Generously lubricate with WD-40 (figure B).

4. Continue checking coupler mechanism for rust.

5. Examine the ball for correct sizing and damage.

6. Lubricate the ball with white lithium grease.

Figure A

Figure B

	Figure C
	Figure D

Owners' Advice: RVing With Dogs and On-Site Cooking

• Most RV parks do welcome dogs, but some will limit the size to 20 pounds. And others may have restrictions on Pit Bulls and Rottweillers. Make sure you check first!

• The Cochranes bring along grass stakes so that the dogs can be outside and tied to a stake with a long leash. Even in small RV parks it's never a good idea to let your dogs go roaming around off-leash. There are always moving vehicles in RV parks and unsupervised children--and bigger dogs can become territorial.

• Never leave your dogs in the RV unattended. An RV without running air-conditioning and ventilation heats up just like a car, and would be dangerous for a dog left inside. Instead check to see if the park has a day kennel (many do) that will take your pet while you are out on errands or a day trip.

• The Cochranes also have a collapsible food bowl (figure C) they take with them and a sturdy no spill-water bowl. These gadgets are lifesavers when traveling with their dogs.

• Due to the size and layout of the Cochranes' Airstream, they don't yet have a kitchen. In order to enjoy tasty treats on the road they travel with a collapsible Coleman grill (figure D). The size and handy fold-away mechanism makes it the perfect choice while RVing.

RESOURCES :

Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort
Website: www.NewportDunes.com

The Coleman Company, Inc.
Website: www.coleman.com

GUESTS :

Andrew Theodorou
General Manager
Newport Dunes Waterfront Resort
Website: www.NewportDunes.com