What Hitch does Valley recommend for the best weight distribution and sway control??

The Equalizer uses a 4 point Sway Control

It is 100% American made and it offers the best sway control on the market!

The Equalizer is used as a bridge between your tow vehicle and the trailer to distribute the weight evenly for a smooth ride and tow.

Images provided by : Equalizer Sway Control.

Get your Equalizer hitch at

Get your RV ready for Winter!!

Endure the cold. Eliminate surprises!!

Winterization special for only $39.95 

(Includes most RV’s)

What this entails:

-We drain all the water from your plumbing system

-Blow out the unreachable areas of your system

-Then pour RV anti-freeze into all your P-traps

And don't forget...

 To get a high quality Adco AquaShed SFS RV Cover!

(All sizes/styles)

Mention this blog and get an additional 15% off!!

Ask the RV Tech Q&A

Ask the RV Tech

Question: What kind of maintenance is involved with the battery on my RV?

Answer: Of course, it always depends on what type of battery you have.  Most batteries today are deep cycle and maintenance free. A good indicator if you need to maintain your battery is that it will have removable caps on the top so that water can be filled. The new deep cycle batteries do not need caps. If your RV does have caps, you will need to fill the cells with water monthly to keep them from burning up and to get the best use out of them.

Question: I have not used my trailer in about a year. In a couple weeks we plan to go on a trip. I have heard that there some maintenance that needs to be done to the axles and tires. Is this true? And if it is, what do I need to do?

Answer: That is a good question! I always like to say that RV’s are made to move. If your RV has been sitting for any length of time; the first thing you should do is have the bearings packed. Manufacturer’s recommend that your wheel bearings are packed once a year or every 5,000 miles whichever comes first. When the bearings are not packed and the RV is stationary, grease will slide to the bottom away from the axle and cause a clunky ride. Over time this can cause damage to the axle.

This Motorhome was in an accident and needs a front cap...

We ordered her a new one...

and in no time she will be good as new.

Whatever your Service needs...we got you covered!

We handle all of your Service needs!!

Whatever the issue...

Electrical... Body work...

If you can get it here, we'll fix it!

Jayco's exclusive Magnum Truss Roof System beats the competition!

Did you know that Jayco’s roof is more 50% stronger than its competitors’ roof? During testing, our roof system withstood 4,500 pounds! Now that’s a sturdy roof. That’s why we call it the Magnum Roof System and there are five reasons why our roof is stronger.

1. Screwed, not stapled construction: We screw down 3/8” roof decking at each seam to create a more firmly secured structure and reduce the chance that fasteners will come loose and puncture the rubber roof material.

2. Over-sized nail plates: We use over-sized nail plate joint fasteners on both sides of the trusses to make for a much tighter truss with much less chance of movement.

3. Thicker wood, not thinner aluminum: Our Magnum roof system uses 2×2 vertical studs that are placed to maximize load capacity. To further enhance the strength, we use nail plates on each side of the stud.

4. Safer wiring: The 2×2 vertical studs provide smoother edges to run wiring along and greatly reduces the risk of electrical shorts.

5. 7” header beam: We use 7” header beams between the roof and slide-out openings. A more acceptable material in home construction for load-bearing beams.

*Magnum roof system used on Jay Feather, White Hawk, Jay Flight Swift, Jay Flight, Jay Flight DST, Jay Flight Bungalow, Eagle travel trailer, Eagle HT fifth wheel, Eagle fifth wheel product lines.

How to set up and fold down a Jayco A Frame!

Greg Lovell and the team show how easy it is to erect and fold down your Jayco A-Frame.

Trailer.

Come see... Ask the RV Tech at the Seattle RV Show!

The Seattle RV Show is the biggest RV show of the year!

FEB 6 - 9, 2014
CENTURYLINK FIELD
& EVENT CENTER

Come see Valley RV Supercenter and our largest display ever down at the Seattle RV Show!

We will have "Ask the RV Tech" display on site to answer all your questions regarding accessories and service for your RV!!

http://www.askthervtech.net/

By Dave Helgeson, MHRV Show Director 

Wednesday, January 29th, 2014

Do it yourselfers, gadget lovers and anybody looking to upgrade their RV won’t want to miss this year’s Ask The Tech exhibit at The Seattle RV Show. At the exhibit you will find a fully accessorized travel trailer and tow vehicle equipped with the latest toys and  upgrades. A seasoned RV service professional will be on hand to answer any and all your questions concerning general RV service,  jacks, awnings, antennas and other installed accessories. There is also a great assortment of daily seminars that will take place at the exhibit. Following is a description of the seminars and the presentation times.

http://theseattlervshow.com/blog/

What is included in the Weight-Distribution System for your Travel Trailer?

 Lift Brackets

Mounted to the frame, lift brackets are used to hold the spring bars in place.

Spring Bars

Spring bars transfer the load that pushes down on the rear of your vehicle. These bars distribute the weight evenly to the vehicle.  Spring bars  are chained to the lift brackets and attach to the hitch. Most spring bars are made of traditional spring steel, which can flex and "spring" back to its original shape. 

 Head Assembly

The weight-distribution head assembly has a few components that help with connection and stability; the hitch ball platform for attaching sway control, Spring bar attachment, and the Head adjustment for tilting the head assembly for a good fit. The Head assembly provides mounting points for the hitch ball and the spring bars.

Shank

The weight-distribution shank is a part that slides into your trailer hitch and provides an attachment for the head assembly. It helps to ensure that your trailer is level with your tow vehicle when it is hooked up.

Trailer Hitch

The hitch will attach to the frame of your vehicle. It has a receiver opening that the shank will slide into. Trailer hitches will be ranked by their weight carrying capacity.

What Is Weight Distribution and how is it important to an RV?

  

Weight Carrying

Towing a trailer with a rear-mounted hitch will allow all of your trailer's tongue weight to be transferred on the rear axle of your tow vehicle. This means that the back end of the vehicle may be forced lower and the front end may be raised. When this happens, your vehicle's rear axle will bear the weight the trailer and much of the tow vehicle's weight as well. The less weight on your front axle can cause weakened performance in terms of steering, traction and stopping. It can also increase the sway of the trailer and limit the view of the road due to the vehicle's awkward angle.

Weight Distribution

Weight-distribution includes the use of spring bars to help stabilize the issues that often occur with common hitches. By adding spring bars to your towing, it will apply leverage to either side of your system transferring the weight to all of the axles on both your tow vehicle and your trailer. This is an even distribution of weight which results in a smooth, level ride, as well as the ability to tow at your maximum capacity for your hitch.

When do you need Weight Distribution?

• If your trailer weight (GTW) is more than 50 percent of your vehicle's weight (GVWR)
• The rear of your tow vehicle will sag when the trailer is hitched
• If there is any trailer sway
• If your tow vehicle headlights are pointing upward
• If you find it hard to steer or stop your vehicle
• If you need to tow to the highest capacity allowed by your vehicle's trailer hitch setup

Note: Your trailer hitch must be rated for use with weight distribution. Check the weight rating label on your hitch to make sure that a weight-distributing capacity is listed. If no rating is listed, a weight-distribution system should not be used.

Choosing a Weight-Distribution System?

A weight-distribution hitch has two weight ratings; the gross trailer weight and the tongue weight. This is what you must know in choosing the right distribution system:

-GTW (Gross Trailer Weight) is the weight of the fully loaded trailer.
   It is measured by placing the fully loaded trailer on a vehicle scale.
   The rating of weight-distribution system must match or exceed your GTW.

-TW (Tongue Weight) refers to the tongue weight of your trailer and the weight of the cargo that sits behind the rear axle of your vehicle.
  Trailer TW is measured using a tongue weight scale
  Typically, about 10 to 15 percent of the GTW
  Weight of cargo behind the rear axle can be measured using a commercial scale
  Weigh vehicle without cargo
  Weigh vehicle with cargo loaded
  Subtract initial weight from weight of loaded vehicle to arrive at Tongue weight

Tongue Weight (for weight distribution) = tongue weight + vehicle cargo load behind rear axle

The TW rating is very important in determining what size of weight-distribution system you should use. If the bars of the system you choose are too high of a rating for your setup, they can make a rough ride, which can result in a bouncy trailer haul. If the bars are not rated high enough, the system will be unable to distribute the weight, making it useless to have.

Contact our Service department with any questions on weight Distribution.

Troubleshooting your Jensen DVD Player

Here is a quick trouble shooting guide put together by Jensen that may help with the set up and use of your Jensen DVD/CD Player.

If unit will not turn ON 
· Try the reset button. 
· Check fuse. 
· Check 12V+ on battery wire to radio (YELLOW wire). 
· Check 12V+ on accessory wire to radio (RED wire). 
· Check Ground. 

If unit turns ON, but no sound 
· Verify Volume control on DVDB01 is turned up. 
· Verify sound system is ON and set properly (input & volume). 
· Try RESET button. 
· Verify Audio cable is connected from DVDB01 to sound system. 

CD/DVD does not load fully 
· Make sure unit has power and no other CD/DVD is currently inside. 
· Inspect unit’s chassis to verify shipping screw(s) have been removed. 

CD/DVD skips 
· Verify player is installation angle does not exceed 30 degrees. 
· Verify mounting strap is secure. 
· Test with new discs (not home made). 
· Try RESET button. 

CD/DVD does not play correctly 
· Check to make sure disc is inserted correctly. 
· Verify disc is free from dirt, scratches, etc. 
· Check with factory CDs. 
· Check factory original CDs for compatibility warnings (due to various copy-protection, multi-media 
content, etc). 
· Disc skips during playback – verify installation angle does not exceed 30 degrees. 

DVD plays sound but no video 
· Make sure the video cable is routed from the video output (yellow RCA) to the input on the 
television. 

Unit does not respond to Remote Control 
· Verify that you have a clear line of sight for the IR signal. 
· Check the batteries. Replace as needed. 
· Test remote for operation by viewing LED through digital camera view screen while pressing 
remote buttons. The LED should blink rapidly. A cell phone camera will work to perform this test of the remote control.

Valley RV Supercenter Service

Many in the Pacific Northwest are aware that Valley RV Supercenter has the largest and one of the best Service departments in Washington state. They handle everything dealing with Motorhomes, trailers and travel trailers.

Some of Valley's greatest services are:

Seal Tech: this is a thorough inspection to find any leaks your RV may have.

Winterization: It's good to get your RV winterized and protect your coach before the cold seasons come.

Complete inspection: This is a thorough inspection of your RV to find any potential issues.

Our service Department in addition to doing full service repairs on RV's they also educate our customers with our PDI (Pre delivery inspection). They will teach on how to hitch and use every appliance and control in your RV. 

Our Technicians are not just repairmen they are RV enthusiasts. That is what makes us stand out at Valley RV Supercenter.

Think of us for all your RV needs!

What type of RV's are out there??

1. Class A: Class a is a motor-home built on a motor vehicle chassis. Class A's are the largest of RV's and most desired by full time RV'ers for their features and spacious living.

2. Class B: A Class B is a compact motor-home with the look of a van. Class b's are popular because of their smaller size which makes them easier to drive and store. (Note: a Class B cost more per Sq. Ft. than a Class A).

3. Class C: Class C's are built on a van frame with an attached cab. Almost always there is a bed that hangs over the cab which makes it easy to identify.

4. Fifth Wheel: Fifth Wheels are pulled behind a pick up truck with a special hitch. very similar to travel trailers, yet they may be a bit more roomy. These are the most stable to tow.

5. Camper: Campers are built for trucks. The dwelling area sits on top of the truck bed. These tend to be the cheapest of RV's and can easily be removed from your vehicle if needed. Campers are compact but can have many features.

6. Travel Trailer: Travel trailers are the most common of RV's. They are towed behind an SUV or truck and have a spacious dwelling. There many different styles, sizes and features.

7. Tent Trailer: The tent trailer is usually a collapsible RV that is towed behind an SUV or truck. It will resemble a travel trailer but the walls may be made of tent material.

Duratain protection for your RV??

From the land of protective sealants.

Since 1988, they have been a leading provider of protective vehicle sealants sold through automotive and RV dealerships. We are recognized as the only provider with on-call, on-site, mobile application teams, that service customer vehicles directly.

No matter where you travel or how you travel, you can say good bye to

• oxidation
• fading
• stains
• corrosion

Your vehicle and your investment is secure with DURATAIN. Our sealant application services are performed by company trained technicians and backed by a 5-year service warranty.

VS-1 Paint Sealant

What does it do for you?

• stops black-streak staining
• preserves color and shine
• eliminates the need for waxing
• easy to maintain

How does it work?

Our advanced formula polymer actually penetrates the surface of the paint, creating a tough, high gloss, transparent barrier that is easy to maintain.

The exterior finish is protected from atmospheric corrosives, UV rays, tree sap, and bird droppings, while it magnifies and maintains the original paint luster of your coach - keeping it beautiful wash after wash.

VS-2 TEXTILE Sealant

What does it do for you?

• prevents staining
• preserves color
• protects fiber
• easy to clean-up

How does it work?

Textile Sealant coats each fiber with a resin based formula that won't wash out, prolongs the life of the fabric, improves fiber tensile strength, and reduces wear by up to 60%.

Its superior water and oil resistant qualities make the clean up of liquids, foodstuffs, mud, and grime exceptionally easy.

When dry, DURATAIN VS-2 is odorless, nontoxic, and enhances the feel of fabrics and carpets.

VS-3 Leather, Vinyl and Awning Sealant

What does it do for you?

• prevents staining
• protects against fading
• prevents cracking
• protects against mildew

How does it work?

Transparent cross-link polymers bond to leather and vinyl surfaces creating a protective barrier against oil and water based spills, mold & mildew, aging and cracking, exposure to UV rays, and light scuffs.

VS-4 UNDERCARRIAGE Sealant

What does it do for you?

• prevents rust
• seals joints and seams
• inhibits road noise
• provides extra insulation

How does it work?

Our asphalt based sealant is engineered to withstand the harshest environmental conditions, and meets or exceeds military specifications for this type of product. (Federal spec. TT-C-520B).

DURATAIN VS-4 protects metal surfaces from road salt, condensation, temperature extremes, and abrasion, while insulating the passenger compartment from road noise.

Guaranteed not to crack or chip, it provides extra insulation for air-conditioned and heated vehicles. Safe and effective for use on plastic and non-heat conducting metal surfaces such as holding tanks.

At Valley RV Supercenter