For owners who are refurbishing a Toyota RV to be safe and comfortable for long-distance travel, we have created a checklist of things to test and tasks to do.??If you can attend to each of these items, it will assure that your RV will be significantly renewed for optimum functioning, leak prevention, road-worthiness, and presentability.??Although the list is quite lengthy (over 200 things), don't be too intimidated -- by going through the list and improving the various items, you can ascertain that your Toyota RV is being well-maintained, both for your personal enjoyment and for maximum resale value.
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REPAIR AND REFURBISHING TASKS FOR TOYOTA RVS
A Comprehensive Checklist (version 5-10-23)
(Note that not every item applies to every Toyota RV.)
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ENGINE/CHASSIS
Test drive for:
- Engine starts readily
- Cruise control functions
- Steering tight enough
- Alignment - drives and stops straight
- Brakes function readily
- Transmission shifting as it should
- Shocks not worn
- Road noises? Rear-end rumbling? Driveshaft looseness?
- Muffler noises?
Check engine for:
- Ticking noises on start up in a 4 cyl = loose valves or worn timing chain guides?
- Exhaust manifold leak noise? (V-6 are prone to it)
- Oil is clean
- Transmission fluid red, not brown?
- Power steering fluid full
- Brake fluid full
- Radiator fluid full – not foamy
- Wiper fluid full
- Air filter clean
- Belts tight, not cracked
- Hoses clamped tight, not cracked (4 cyl engine has a small one at the bottom not to overlook)
- Battery hold-down bracket is tight (very important for V-6 engine so pulley doesn’t gouge the side)
- Missing or broken engine parts -- (replace any of these if necessary)
--- Grill clips
--- Stow clip for hold-open rod
--- Lids to fluid containers not cracked
- Replace hood insulation pad if damaged
Inspect tires (including spare)
--- Add air, according to tire sidewall specs (not original pick-up truck specs)
--- Read date codes; replace if more than 7 years old
--- Replace any missing valve caps
Inspect underneath
- Inspect air springs and filler lines (with soapy water); add air to 50 lbs. as an average
- Muffler and exhaust pipes – check for leaks
- Any obvious oil or fluid leaks from engine components or differential
- Various steering joints, bushings, seals showing any deterioration
--- Steering stops (neoprene acorn nuts) = “groan stoppers;” replace if missing
- Front and rear brakes -- percentage of linings are adequate; adjust proportioning valve to MAX
- Wheel bearings periodically lubricated
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LIGHTS
- Test all lights individually and make to work
--- Marker (clearance) lights
--- Running lights
--- Turn signals
--- Brake lights
--- Back-up lights
--- License plate light
--- Porch light
- Remove and wash lenses, clean fixtures inside; add electrical grease as needed
- Test trailer light wires, if any
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CAB
- Test air conditioning output (use a thermometer)
- Test stereo, CD and/or tape player, Bluetooth, mic, and all speakers individually
- Test radio antenna
- Test 12v cigarette lighter outlet
- Test window cranks -- lubricate
- Lubricate door hinges
- Test seat slide mechanisms
- Check seat belts for twists; fix if needed
- Test that cab ceiling light functions in all modes; swap bulb for brighter LED
- Test wipers, and sprayer for accuracy of spray (clean nozzle with a pin if clogged)
- Test alarm system, if present
- Test back-up camera, if present; or add wide-angle lens on rear window, if none
- Test on-board air compressor for air springs if present
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INSIDE TESTS AND REPAIRS
Test Propane Appliances
- Check refrigerator on all modes for 24 hours after leveling RV (use a thermometer)?
--- Smell for any ammonia leaks; repair or replace cooling unit if needed
--- Replace 110v or 12v electric element if needed
--- Position all interior fridge parts properly, including drip tray at rear
--- Replace freezer door springs if no longer strong
--- Test fridge door seal for leaks (for frost prevention); replace latch or seal if needed
- Check water heater for ignition and blue flame; clean propane lines, if not blue
--- Change anode rod if deteriorated (Suburban models)
- Stove and oven
--- All burners light readily and evenly?
--- Oven lights eventually? (Can take up to several minutes if not recently lit)
--- Thermal sensor is in position in back of oven with proper clip to regulate temperature?
--- Shelves inserted properly? (black shelf w/ holes at front; wire rack “clamped” on sides)
--- Replace broken or missing stove grate end caps (or grommets on Winnebagos)
--- Replace any missing rubber feet on stove cover if present, so it doesn’t rattle
- Furnace
--- Clean and test furnace; replace circuit board if needed, or motor if squealing
--- Replace wall thermostat with a new digital one for accurate, even temperature regulation
Test Electrical System?
- Alternator charging? (Lights get brighter when engine is turned on)
- Isolator functioning? Circuit breakers to batteries are good?
- Batteries hold charge? Replace?
- Fill battery water to proper level (just barely to “fish eye” in each hole) if required
- Converter charges as it should? Minimally noisy? (Lights get brighter when coach is plugged in)
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TEST OTHER SYSTEMS
- Test roof air conditioner
--- Clean filters in ceiling assembly
--- Repair/replace plastic cover on roof if damaged
- Test Microwave oven
- Test 12v outlets and accompanying fuses; test 110v outlets and GFI circuit
- Test TV and remote control (replace battery if needed)
- Test TV antenna (replace 7-amp fuse behind connector panel, if needed)
--- Check for continuity from antenna head; add HDTV upgrade if none?
- Test all 12v fans (stove, bath) and any high volume ceiling fans in all modes
- Test/replace/add clock; add fresh battery
- Test that all interior light fixtures including porch light have proper bulbs
--- (only 1141 – other numbers burn too hot!)??Or replace with LEDs.
--- Replace burned interior light lenses or deteriorated fixtures with new ones
- Test all tank gauges in all modes
--- Repair ground wires or make other repairs if not functioning
Test water system for leaks and repair all leaks as necessary
- Water pump
- Faucets
- Drain valves
- Exterior city-water fill valve (look for water?leaks?on the side when water pump is on)
- Check internal fresh water filler line to tank (no significant sag to create stagnant water)
- Toilet -- check for broken seat hinges; replace if needed
Service plumbing system
- Drain freshwater tank and sanitize the tank and lines with proper sanitizing solution
- Flush black water tank completely
--- Power spray toilet descending tube and inside of tank if necessary
--- Add chemical
- Flush gray water tank (use degreaser if needed)
- Test sewer valves for ease of opening -- lubricate with Vaseline if necessary
--- Replace leaking valves and/or seals and/or caps if needed
- Check all holding tank straps and sewer drain straps for integrity
Cabinetry?and Hardware
- Check that all drawers and drawer glides work smoothly; repair as needed
- Tighten all screws in cabinet hinges, and piston bases (due to loosing over time)
- Tighten all cupboard handles or replace with new
- Replace missing felt dots on all interior cupboard/closet doors, top and bottom
- Tighten screws around generator/storage compartment from inside if needed (Winnebagos)
Mini-blinds – check for missing parts and replace if needed
- Clips on walls
- End stops on bottom rail of blinds
- Wand
- Broken strings and?bottoms?plugs
- Bells on ends of strings
Other versions of window hardware – check if complete and functional
Shower curtain – replace glides and rings if rusted
Miscellaneous Interior Tests?
- Test propane detector (if present); add an on/off switch if none, to prevent battery drain in storage
- Test smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector; add if none present
- Confirm fire extinguisher is full, or add one if missing
- Check caulking behind kitchen sink, bath sink, and in shower, and recaulk as needed
- Confirm all sinks have crumb cups; replace or add if missing
- Confirm there is a functioning privacy curtain between cab and coach; sew one if necessary
- Test solar panels and charge controller function, if present. (Optimum charging output =14.3 volts)
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OUTSIDE TESTS AND REPAIRS
- Check roof vents; replace if cracked; clean debris
- Check for cracks in roof caulk around edges and vents, and seal with Dicor Lap Sealant if needed
- Paint entire roof with Elastomeric roof coat if needed
- Check roof air conditioner rubber gasket for leaks; replace gasket underneath if necessary
- Check marker lights for leaks; seal with Proflex caulk around base if needed; or replace with new?
- Check for window leaks?
--- Remove and replace windows using fresh putty tape if necessary
--- Remove old putty ooze from around exterior windows?
--- Seal with fresh caulk around window frames – almond or black color
- Reposition (or replace) old rubber glazing on side windows so no gaps are at bottoms?
--- (Use WD 40 to help slide into place)
--- Fill in resulting top gaps with black (or brown) silicone?
--- (Or add additional inches of rubber seal – Winnebagos)
- Check for missing weep hole covers under windows; replace if needed
- Clean all window channels, outside and in, for smooth operation
- Test and service generator, if present; check oil and test for proper voltage output
- Test awning operation; is awning pole present??
--- Lubricate mechanism; repair or replace parts as needed
- Lube all locks and test all keys
- Check end of electrical “shore power” cord; repair with proper sealing tape if wires are showing
- Inspect sewer hose for leaks and faulty end pieces; repair or replace
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REFURBISHING OF EXTERIOR
- Repair blemishes (dents,?delimitation)?in outside paneling
- Polish fiberglass siding (polishing not recommended for painted aluminum siding)
--- Remove oxidation, then use multiple coats of PoliGlow (or Zep or similar) for a nice shine
- Remove and replace exterior vinyl stripes if too faded and “shabby” (use an eraser wheel)
- Touch-up white spray paint as needed (match with “Colonial White” or “Wimbledon White”)
- Touch up black spray paint for windshield wipers, windows, step, bumper, etc.
- Install new screw-cover molding (AKA “vinyl insert molding”) - also "Colonial?White" color
--- (Use 3/4” for Sunraders, 1” for all others)
- Replace screw-cover molding around door and compartment door frames if needed
--- (hard plastic strips if rectangular; 3/4” vinyl if oval)
- Replace or add compartment door hold-opens if needed
- Replace cover cap and/or tether to city water line inlet if needed
- Check entry door hold-open; add new, or clean off rust and replace bumper if needed
- Check that entry door closes and latches properly with no annoying rattles
--- Replace weather-strip if needed (only use correct thickness and width)
- Tighten or replace loose screws around entry door (Winnebagos especially)
--- (Spray paint screw heads off-white to match)
- Add appropriate size weather-strip to compartment doors where missing (i.e. water heater, battery)
- Replace porch light lens if needed
- Check all screens for sagging, holes, or damage; tighten or replace if needed
- Replace missing rear or front wheel hub covers; or add 14” full wheel covers
- Check coach battery – clean all connections; replace retaining strap if missing
- Test the pull-out entry step for sturdiness; improve if needed
- Add a second holder for the shower wand of outside shower (if present) for when in use
Refurbish mirrors
- Clean mirror backs – use FINE steel wool if plastic; or spray paint if metal
- Replace edge gaskets, or flip and swap mirrors side to side to show the fresher side of the rubber
- Replace center mounting brackets and all screws that are rusted
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CLEANING/DETAILING
- Clean interior of all cupboards, closet, and drawers; add new shelf liners throughout
- Clean underneath cabinetry where accessible and especially underneath sofabed if present
- Vacuum and detail cab, especially dash, under seats, glove box, and in door pockets.?
- Clean stove; remove and check underneath cook top where items fall in that could catch fire
- Clean inside oven and microwave
- Degrease underside of stove hood, and vent screen, and fan blades when screen is removed
- Clean all ceiling vent fans (remove cover to access blades)
- Clean refrigerator and freezer
- Clean bathroom, shower, sinks, and faucets
--- remove putty ooze from around sinks and plumbing fixtures (use box cutter, then acetone)
- Clean fingerprints from all soiled heavily-used locations
--- light fixtures, handles, door edges, tank gauges, and other switches and appliance knobs
- Clean dust from tops of cabinet doors and any other horizontal surfaces
-?Refresh wood cabinets and paneling with furniture polish to cover blemishes?
- Clean fire extinguisher and holding bracket
- Remove and wash all curtains (including shower curtain) and reinstall; or replace with new
- Clean mini-blinds or other window coverings
- Vacuum and steam-clean all upholstery
- Steam-clean carpet if present?
- Clean/vacuum all window screens and screen door
- Clean inside all exterior compartments; add indoor/outdoor carpet lining
- Clean all exterior access doors
- Clean jack and associated jack tools
- Scrub awning fabric on any awnings
- Clean sewer hose and accessories; power flush bumper hose storage area
--- replace end caps if missing
- Clean and detail engine compartment – clear organic debris
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OTHER TASKS
- Organize owner’s manuals – order Toyota Truck Owner’s Manual on eBay if missing
- Organize all service records
- Make 2 complete key sets
- Make an extra key to hide in magnetic holder in outside compartment
- Fill with propane
- Fill with fresh water
- Fill with gas
- Fill with furnishings
- Fill with food and drinks
- Fill with travelers and pets
- Go Camping!
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