Written by the Motorplex Team
Providing RV repair and motorhome maintenance in Auburn and Spokane, Washington
After a summer of road trips, camping and exploring, it’s tempting to do a simple winterization of your RV and park it until next spring. The end of the typical RV season is one of the best times to catch up on maintenance, address minor repairs and prepare your motorhome for its next adventure.
Recently, the technicians at Motorplex by FleetEasy completed maintenance and repairs on a 2016 Winnebago Sunstar motorhome built on a Ford F59 chassis. The customer came in with a handwritten note of everything that needed to be looked over, and we went from there.
RV Repairs for a Well-Loved Winnebago
The 2016 Winnebago Sunstar arrived at the Motorplex shop with several maintenance needs and smaller repair concerns. We completed a broader courtesy inspection covering the engine, brakes, tires and roof. This helped identify maintenance priorities and evaluate the motorhome’s overall condition. Then we compared that with the customer’s notes and made a plan.
The work included routine chassis maintenance, fluid services, slide-out and levelling system lubrication, lighting repairs and interior repairs. It didn’t require any major repairs, but sometimes all the little things can add up.
RV Engine and Chassis Maintenance
Motorhomes are heavy vehicles that place significant demands on their engines, transmissions, brakes and suspension systems. For this Winnebago, Motorplex changed the engine oil and filter using manufacturer-recommended oil. Technicians also replaced the engine air filter, lubricated the chassis and checked fluid levels, belts, hoses, lighting, tire condition and pressures.
Additional RV maintenance services included:
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- Transmission fluid and filter service.
- Cooling system flush and coolant replacement.
- Brake fluid flush.
- Inspection of major chassis components.
These services help maintain the systems that keep a large motorhome operating reliably. For RV owners, maintenance intervals should be based on the chassis manufacturer’s recommendations, mileage, operating conditions and time since the last service. Even an RV that hasn’t travelled many miles may require maintenance because fluids and other components can deteriorate over time.
Don’t Forget Your RV’s Living Systems
Unlike a typical passenger vehicle, a motorhome has additional mechanical and electrical systems that make it comfortable for travelling and camping.
These components also need regular maintenance.
Motorhome Slide-Out Cleaning and Lubrication
Slide-outs create valuable living space, but their moving components can collect dirt and debris over time. Keeping these tracks clean and lubricated helps prevent damage from friction and wear, and reduces frustration when you’re setting up camp.
Motorplex technicians cleaned and lubricated the Winnebago’s slide-out mechanisms using PTFE lubricant. We also checked for uneven movement or difficulty when the slides came in and out. Addressing these issues can prevent breakdowns.
Automatic Leveling System Maintenance
Automatic leveling systems help stabilize a motorhome when parked at a campsite. On the Winnebago, technicians cleaned and lubricated the leveling equipment.
Depending on the RV’s system, maintenance may also include inspecting hydraulic components, checking for leaks and testing jack operation. Addressing problems before storage can help prevent unpleasant surprises when setting up camp next summer.
Air Conditioning and Interior Repairs
Motorplex also serviced the Winnebago’s house air conditioning system. Technicians removed the covers, cleaned the condenser and compressor areas, and cleaned or replaced interior filters. Keeping the air conditioning system clean supports airflow and efficient operation during hot summer trips.
Inside the motorhome, the team repaired loose molding in the rear closet using adhesive installed according to manufacturer procedures. These smaller repairs may not affect whether an RV can drive, but they contribute to its comfort, condition and long-term upkeep.
Lighting and Safety Repairs Matter Too
Exterior lighting is particularly important on large motorhomes. Clearance lights help other drivers recognize the vehicle’s size, especially when travelling in darkness or poor visibility. During the service, Motorplex addressed several lighting concerns. We inspected and repaired the exterior stair light, replaced three clearance lights and completed the necessary rewiring.
The team also diagnosed an inoperative PRNDL gear indicator. This is the visual display or shifter label that shows the current transmission mode for an automatic gearbox. Without it, you don’t know the transmission position, and it can create a safety risk. The repair required disassembling the steering column and replacing the indicator cable.
Burnt out exterior light
Broken cable on gear indicator
Check for RV Recalls
Another important part of RV maintenance is checking for outstanding safety recalls. You can see if your motorhome is part of the recall by using its VIN and manufacturing information. Sometimes with slightly older RVs, this is something that is easy to miss.
You can check for open recalls through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration or contact your motorhome manufacturer.
Recall repairs are generally completed at no charge through the appropriate authorized manufacturer or chassis dealer.
Make End-of-Season RV Maintenance Part of Your Routine
Before putting your motorhome away for winter, consider scheduling a comprehensive inspection and addressing outstanding maintenance. Along with mechanical servicing, RV owners should check batteries, inspect roof seals and follow manufacturer recommendations for seasonal storage
While things don’t freeze up too terribly in western Washington, RVs in colder climates should winterize their plumbing systems. Water left to freeze in your plumbing, tanks, or fixtures can cause expensive damage.
Taking care of these tasks in the fall also gives you more time to arrange repairs and order parts before the spring rush. You don’t want to delay your road trip next season!
Schedule RV Repair and Maintenance with Motorplex
Motorplex provides commercial vehicle and RV maintenance and repair services through the FleetEasy Company of Family, with shop operations in Auburn and Spokane, Washington.
Don’t wait until your next adventure to discover something needs attention. Book your RV repairs and maintenance today!