The weight of snow that an RV roof can hold varies depending on the construction methods. If you live in an area that receives multiple feet of snow every year, consult with the manufacturer to learn the load limit of your RV. Weight is not the only concern with snow accumulation, so here are some things to consider when the flakes start to fall.

Remove Snow Before it Turns to Water

Under the right conditions, the snow on the roof of your RV can melt, and possibly refreeze. If the melted snow seeps into cracks and seams, refreezing will cause it to expand, potentially damaging the roof and creating leaks into the interior. Trapped moisture can cause mildew and mold to grow, presenting a health hazard. Damp wood can also cause the growth of dry rot fungus.

Clear Snow From the Roof Before Use

If you are one of the hearty RV owners that decide to take to the road in the relative quiet of winter, you will have to remove the snow load. Snow flying from the roof of your RV can be dangerous to other drivers.

Put Safety First

The first and most important thing to remember is that you should never attempt to walk on an RV roof that has snow on it. The risk of falling is too great, and you can clear the snow from a ladder instead. Use a snow rake rather than a shovel, and don’t use anything metal. You could damage the roofing material or break roof components that are brittle from the cold. Tip: Take a picture of the roof without snow on it, so you know where all the roof components are located.

Repair RV Cracks to Prevent Water Damage

If your RV has cracks or other damage that could allow water into the vehicle, get them repaired. The earlier you repair any damage, the better off your RV will be.

Interstate Autobody and Truck has been repairing and repainting RVs for 23 years. Interstate is a multigenerational, veteran-run business and is one of the largest and most trusted body shops on the West Coast. We specialize in painting and repairing large vehicles such as RVs. Call us today to schedule an appointment.

The post Snow Loads and Your RV — What to Consider appeared first on Interstate Autobody & Truck.

2019 Washington State RV Shows

Tacoma RV Show

January 17-20, 2019 | Tacoma Dome | Tacoma, WA

Shop accessories and pre-owned RVs and check out hundreds of the most recent makes and models, including fuel-efficient vehicles, luxury motorhomes, campers, fifth-wheels, tent trailers, and pop-up hard wall trailers.

Inland Northwest RV Show

January 24-27, 2019 | Spokane County Fair & Expo Center | Spokane, WA

Six dealers will fill 10 huge fairground buildings with hundreds of RVs and accessories. RV prices range from $7,000 to $300,000, meaning that everyone will find something to fit their budget.

Seattle RV Show

February 7-10, 2019 | CenturyLink Field Event Center | Seattle, WA

The Seattle RV Show has more than just RVs and accessories (although those won’t be lacking). Expand your RV knowledge by attending seminars on topics ranging from RV basics to solar energy and RVs.

Washington State Evergreen Spring RV Show

April 12-14, 2019 | Evergreen State Fairgrounds | Monroe, WA

The Washington State Evergreen Spring RV Show fills three 250,000-square feet buildings with used and new RVs, and has RV professionals on-site to give product demonstrations and answer all of your questions.

Puyallup RV Show

May 2-5, 2019 | Washington State Fair Events Center | Puyallup, WA

If you can’t make it to the seminars at the Seattle RV Show, you can learn about some of the same topics at the Puyallup RV Show. Kids will have fun here, too, with a western treasure hunt, pony and horse rides, and tours aboard antique tractors.

Prepare Your RV for the Shows

If you’re planning on displaying your own RV at one of these attractions, now is the time to start getting it into tiptop shape. Interstate Autobody & Truck has been improving RVs for 23 years, offering both paint jobs and body work. People come from all over the West Coast for our trusted services and honest prices, but as a multigenerational and veteran-run business, we love when we can help local customers prepare their RVs for Washington adventures.

Contact us today with any questions or to schedule an appointment!

The post Get Ready for the 2019 Washington State RV Shows appeared first on Interstate Autobody & Truck.

For many semi-truck drivers, seeing a big rig all decked out with chrome and a nice paint job is a thrilling sight. By paying attention to the details on a truck, a driver can show off their truck as well as their passion for the work. A well painted and sharp-looking truck is a moving billboard for your trucking business and the business you represent, so yes, first impressions count!

First Impressions Last

When a semi is taken care of and looks as good on the outside as it runs under the hood, customers will notice. A shiny truck will show that you are reliable, and care enough to keep it visually appealing, which means you care about your work, your business, and your customers.

Custom Pride

Truckers take a lot of pride in their semi-trucks, and many people in the industry have taken to customizing them, as well as keeping their paint jobs looking great.  Some of the customizations include chopping the roof, installing suicide doors, and fancy paint jobs.

If you’ve ever thought about customizing your rig, you might like to get some inspiration, so we’ve got some, for your viewing pleasure.

Upcoming Truck Shows

You can still catch a big rig truck show before the year wraps up. Here are a few, scheduled for October 2018:

• TRUCKIN’ FOR KIDS SHOW & DRAGS — October 6-7, 2018  at the Irwindale Event Center in Irwindale, California. www.truckinforkids.org
• LCM SOUTHERN CLASSIC CAR SHOW — at the Leehi Truck Stop in Lexington, Virginia. www.largecarmag.com
• THE ORIGINAL MONSTER STACKS SHOOTOUT — October 19-21, 2018 at Seaside Park in Ventura, CA www.atsc.world or www.dynaflexproducts.com
• CALIFORNIA TRUCKING SHOW — October 20-21, 2018 at the Ontario Convention Center in Ontario, CA. www.californiatruckingshow.com

Feeling Inspired?

When you’re ready to paint your rig, give the folks at Interstate Autobody & Truck a call. Located in the beautiful Wenatchee Valley in Eastern Washington State, Larry and his crew have been operating for 23 years. Interstate Auto Body and Truck is a multi-generational, veteran-run business, so you know you can trust the work and their word. We specialize in painting large vehicles such as semi trucks and other equipment.

Interstate is one of the largest and most trusted body shops on the West Coast and Washington. Larry has customers travel from California to Alaska to have the perfect paint job and body work, at fair and honest prices. Easy access from Highway 2 and I-90, Larry will get your job done quickly, professionally and perfectly.

The post The Appeal of Custom Big Rig Show Trucks appeared first on Interstate Autobody & Truck.

A lot of things can happen while your RV is in storage, such as tires losing pressure or critters making a nest in the engine compartment. You’ll want to make sure that you check all systems, but don’t worry — we’ve compiled a list of the most important ones here so you don’t forget anything.

Under the Hood

• Check fluid levels — engine oil, brake fluid, wiper fluid, and water and coolant in the radiator.
• Look for and remove any nests or other debris that may have collected during storage.
• Check the batteries, but make sure that all powered items inside the RV and the main power switch are turned off. Clean any corrosion with hot water and baking soda. Check the voltage of the batteries with a multimeter.

The Wheels on the RV Go Round and Round

Tires can lose pressure as they sit for extended periods. Check the RV manufacturer’s recommendations, and ensure that all tires are filled. Also make sure that the lug nuts are properly tightened. If the tread looks low, you’ll want to replace all of the tires, even if some look good, to avoid uneven wear. Having a current AAA membership is a great idea in case you get a flat on the road.

Generate Good Times

If you take a gas-powered generator with you, make sure it’s in working order. Give it a test run, check the air filter, clean the connections, and check the oil level.

Check the AC

Imagine a hot summer’s road trip without AC; it’s almost unthinkable. To make sure that everyone is comfortable, fire up the unit to verify that it runs properly, and check the air filters.

Beautiful on the Inside

Don’t forget to check the appliances, water pumps, fire extinguisher, windows, and all the moving parts inside the RV. These are the things that will cause unnecessary grief if they don’t work, but can easily be fixed if caught ahead of time.

Beautiful on the Outside

Walk around the perimeter of the RV and check that all the exterior doors and compartments are functioning and clean. If your RV has suffered body damage or needs a new paint job, you can contact the talented crew at Interstate Autobody and Truck in the beautiful Wenatchee Valley. They can fix any damaged fiberglass on your RV, and they also specialize in painting RVs. They have the largest spray booth in the valley, ready to give your RV a summer facelift.

The post Getting Your RV Road-Ready appeared first on Interstate Autobody & Truck.

You’ve painted your house before, so what could be so hard about painting an RV? You have a lot of things to consider, aside from the type of paint. Here’s a general breakdown of what painting an RV entails.

Types of Paint

Fiberglass and metal — usually aluminum because it’s lightweight — are the two most common materials on RV exteriors. Both of these surfaces require exterior paint for weatherproofing and should be acrylic, polyurethane, polyester, or epoxy. These are not the same as exterior paint for houses and require more than just water for cleanup.

Number of Steps

Painting an RV involves much more than painting. The process contains multiple steps, and they go something like this:

1. Sanding
2. Crack and chip repair (fiberglass)
3. Sanding
4. Filler application
5. Sanding
6. Cleanup of sanding dust
7. Four coats of primer (no sanding between coats)
8. Sanding post-primer
9. Cleanup
10. Sealer application
11. Basecoat application
12. Clear coat application
    

That’s a lot of work for a DIYer, considering that the average RV is the size of a bus. You’ll need ladders and a lot of elbow grease, at the minimum.

Paint Application

While you can, technically, paint an RV with a roller or brush, it will likely end up looking like you did. RVs are huge, and not only is covering the whole thing by hand very time-consuming but getting a smooth, attractive surface without using a paint sprayer is also almost impossible.

Unless you have an enclosed area large enough to fit your RV, you will have to deal with dust and bugs flying around, messing up all your hard work. The enclosure will also keep the overspray — the fine droplets of paint that land everywhere except the target — from getting on your house, other vehicles, and, worst of all, the neighbor’s property.

Leave It to the Experts

What we’ve detailed here is just a small peek into what’s involved with painting an RV. It’s intimidating, but the fine folks at Interstate Autobody & Truck have all the right tools to get your RV in fine form for making summer memories. Their 60-foot-long spray booth is the biggest in the Wenatchee Valley, and for them, “there is no project too large to paint or too distorted to fix.”

The post Why You Shouldn’t Paint Your RV Yourself appeared first on Interstate Autobody & Truck.

Taking Your RV out in the Snow

If you’re going to use your RV to camp in serious winter conditions, you’ll need to take precautions to make sure it stays warm and nothing freezes over. Right before you go you’ll want to empty out your water tanks and add some RV antifreeze. You might also consider adding insulation to the pipes or buying a holding tank heater to help your system keep from freezing over. Do the same for the water pump! Adding insulation around the RV between the ground and the frame can help keep the bottom of your rig at a safer temperature as well.

In order to keep yourself warm inside, you’ll want to look over the RV and patch up any spots through which you might lose your warm air or get a cold draft sneaking inside. Check the seals on your windows and the stripping on your doors to make sure they’re in good shape. Consider switching out your windows for specially insulated windows, or just cover them over with foam insulation or insulated curtains. Insulated curtains are an easy solution to help you stay warm at night. Add insulation to your ceiling vents too, as those are another spot where you’re likely to lose significant heat.

If you’re going to be out in extremely cold weather, you might want to get a heater for the engine, too. This way, you can let it heat up for a while before starting up. Make sure you have plenty of propane and other fuel and that you know where you can go nearby to get more. Don’t forget emergency supplies!

Getting the RV out of Storage

When it’s time to take the RV out of storage after winter’s over, even if you haven’t used it even once over the winter, you’ll want to run through these steps to make sure it’s prepared to get back out there. First you’ll want to clean the rig out, air out the RV and the ‘fridge, and make sure all the basic parts of the system are still working fine. Look around for damage from animals that may have taken up shelter in there during the winter, and make sure all the lights, batteries and electric connections are still working fine.

Go back through everything you did to get your RV ready for winter. Put the battery back again and make sure it’s charged. Drain out all the antifreeze you added and consider cleaning out your water system, whether or not you’d left water in there before. You can use bleach to sanitize and then keep draining it until you don’t smell the bleach.

Before you go on your first big trip of the spring, you should also double-check all of the tires, replace the fire extinguishers if necessary and consider taking it to the mechanic to look over everything. Then take it out for a test drive or two around town so you can check for any other problems before you get out into the wild again. Enjoy your next adventure!

The post RV Camping in Winter & Tips to Prep Your RV After Winter Storage appeared first on Interstate Autobody & Truck.

Checking the Battery

The first thing you should do is check how your battery is doing. Cold weather puts a lot of extra stress on your battery, and you don’t want to get stuck in an emergency in a big winter storm with a truck that won’t start. That’s why you should check it out before the weather really hits. Make sure everything’s tight and nothing is damaged, and then either run a load test on it or take it to an auto parts store that’ll check it for free. If it’s near the end of its life already, it’s not going to be reliable, and you should consider replacing it.

Keeping Your Engine Cool without Freezing

Look over the radiator, the internal thermostat and the rest of the coolant system for any leaks or worn-out pieces. Replace any pieces that need it, and make sure your coolant levels are right and the mixture ratios are what they’re supposed to be for your truck and your particular weather conditions. If you’re ever not sure about the proper ratio of water and antifreeze, look it up.

If you’re in an especially cold area, you might consider some kind of engine block heater or a grille cover, too. Diesel engines can be especially hard to start in colder weather. If you’re due for an oil change, swap out for a more cold-resistant oil.

All About Fuel

Some elements in diesel fuel can freeze when temperatures drop enough, and that can lead to all sorts of engine problems. Avoid that by buying anti-gel additives to add to your fuel. While you’re doing that, make sure the fuel filter is in good shape and clean out the water separator. Water is another hazard to your fuel system and the whole engine, and – like many hazards – it’s especially a problem during winter months.

Tire Inspection

You’re going to be depending on your tires all season long, so it’s important you make sure they’re ready and have plenty of tread. Look them over carefully for any bubbles or cuts. Make sure they have enough air, and if you live somewhere that requires chains, get those set up and inspect them often to make sure they’re holding up.

Keeping the Windshield Clear

Obviously, visibility is essential. Replace your wipers if needed and fill up on wiper fluid. You’ll need to change the fluid mixture to be ready for the freezing temperatures, too. Check carefully for any cracks or chips in the glass and fix those before the weather gets worse. Even minor cracks can create big problems for you when it’s dealing with extreme temperature changes.

Enjoy the Weather and Be Safe

Pack a kit of emergency supplies in your truck, too, just in case you get stuck out in a particularly wild storm. Then, once you know your diesel truck is ready for action, get out there and enjoy the season. (Don’t forget to wash the exterior after a big storm to get any salt from the road off!)

If something doesn’t seem right, or you’re not confident you can properly run some of these tests, don’t hesitate to take your truck to a mechanic and get some help from a professional. It’s better to ask for help and ensure you’ll have a safe and fun winter.

The post How to Winterize Your Diesel Truck appeared first on Interstate Autobody & Truck.

• Stay right where you are: If you feel that the weather is simply too bad to drive in, then stay parked. Give your dispatcher a call and explain the situation. Ask for the load you’re carrying to be rebooked. A nervous truck driver is a dangerous driver.
• Know what the limits of your equipment are: You should be very familiar with your truck and how it performs in rotten weather. If you don’t believe it will operate safely, then stay where you are.
• Get your windshield warm: When there is ice and snow built up on your windshield, it’s imperative that it is cleaned before you take off. Mix a little bit of brake line antifreeze in with your window washer fluid. This will keep all of the alcohol from evaporating out of the washer fluid, so no frozen fluid is left on your window.
• Keep kitty litter on-hand: It doesn’t take long for the warm tires of your truck to melt the snow underneath when parked on snow, leading to a slip and slide nightmare. In order to negate this process, simply throw some kitty litter under your tires. Not only will you get the traction you need to get moving, but it’s also environmentally friendly.
• Watch your trailer tires: When you’ve just picked up a trailer, make sure the wheels are moving. If the trailer brakes are frozen, then there could be one of two things wrong. First, it could be that the shoes are frozen to the drums. First, tap the drum with a hammer when the red button is pushed in. Second, it could be a valve that is frozen. Some methyl hydrate through the system can help melt it.
• Keep a putty knife and a hammer close by when traveling in a lot of snow. Get under the truck and ensure that there is no ice or snow built up on your air tanks. Compressed air is much cooler, so any way that you can keep the snow or water from building up will keep it from turning to ice.

Cold Weather Supplies Every Trucker Should Have

There are many road supplies that you should keep in your truck during cold weather. These include:

• Plenty of warm clothing
• High quality boots and insulated socks
• An extra sleeping bag or blanket
• Extra food and water
• Fuel conditioner
• Extra fuel filters
• Propane lighter and regular lighter
• Windshield washer fluid
• Chains
• A fully-charged cellphone

These are just a few of the items that you should keep in your truck when you are traveling cold weather routes. Remember that it is better to have something and not have a need for it than to need something and not have it.

Staying safe while driving a semi truck is not only imperative for your safety, but for the safety of other drivers. Easing your stress level while driving will help you stay calm while on the road. Remember that no truck driving job is worth giving your life or costing another person his or her life. Do what you must do in order to stay safe.

The post Safety Tips for Winter Trucking appeared first on Interstate Autobody & Truck.

Like any motor vehicle, Jet Skis require some ongoing maintenance to ensure ideal performance. Take time to familiarize yourself with the suggested maintenance in the owner’s manual, then make sure to stay in compliance with these recommendations. Doing so will improve its function next year and reduce the potential for a non-working Jet Ski or costly repairs in the near future.

Things You Do Every Time You Ride

In order to expand the life of your Jet Ski, there is a minimum amount of maintenance required each time you take it out for a spin. It’s important to regularly clean your jet ski, regardless of what type of water you keep it in.  

Whether you use your ski in a freshwater lake or salinated ocean water, the potential for corrosion and water damage is there. Wipe down the exterior, seat and windshield. Make sure it is dry before you cover or store it. If you store it at a marina, be sure to use a lift that floats. This will prevent damage due to prolonged water exposure.

Before you take it out again, always check for loose or obviously damaged parts. Things happen in storage and transportation that could result in bigger issues down the road. Look at the throttle cables and the trim. Replace anything that’s obviously come loose or gotten damaged.

If you can smell fuel, there could be a leak or something loose. Seek professional help right away and do not attempt to start the Jet Ski. Check and top off all engine fluids, including fuel and oil, before starting it up.

Take Steps to Winterize

Ideally, you will drain all used fuel from the Jet Ski before storage. If you don’t know how to do this, call a local small engine mechanic for help with draining and disposing of the fuel. If you can’t drain the fuel for some reason, be sure to add stabilizer to the fuel tank before putting it in storage. When you start it up next season, be sure to add fuel cleaner to the tank, just in case.

Doing annual maintenance is important, too. Be sure to change the oil and the oil filter. Make sure to drain the pump oil and replace it with new. Take the time to carefully grease the seals and fittings for the bearings on your Jet Ski. Lubricate any moving parts that need it. These include metal hinges and handles.

You want a waterproof cover and a secure storage location. Although you may not be taking it out in the upcoming months, you should check on it once in awhile. Small rodents have been known to chew exposed wires or destroy seats. Keeping an eye on your Jet Ski reduces these risks.

Be sure to take good care of your jet ski this winter so it will be in top shape when next summer comes around! For help with Jet Ski Maintenance in Central Washington, contact Interstate Autobody and Trucking today!

The post Does Your Jet Ski Need Post-Summer Maintenance? appeared first on Interstate Autobody & Truck.

Here are our top tips for cleaning your RV after a summer trip.

Clean and Fix Scratches on Wood Surfaces

Scratches and scuff marks covering your wood surfaces? Rub them out with a mixture of ¾ cups olive oil and ¼ cup of vinegar. Dip a rag into the mixture and wipe down the surface with the marks.

Clean the Grime out of your Window Sills

No one likes a dirty window sill at home, and that stands just as true in your RV. Vinegar and paper towels will do the bear of the work cleaning these down. To touch up on those hard to reach places a q-tip is just the right size.

Disinfect your Washing Machine

Because of the moisture and dirt inside washing machines become a breeding ground for bacteria. So, how do you wash your washing machine?

Start by filling your washing machine with hot water with the setting for the heaviest load you can use. Pour two cups of bleach into the water and leave it sit for about one hour. After the hour’s up, run the washing machine through a normal cycle.

Once the cycle is complete, fill the washer again. This time, add two cups of white vinegar. Once again, leave the washer sit for one hour before having it run a normal cycle.

Once the second cycle is complete wipe down the inside of the washing machine with a microfiber cloth. The difference will be like night and day.

Clean your Vacuum Filter

In the dishwasher! That’s right, clean your vacuum filter in the dishwasher. You don’t want to be fighting with a weak vacuum on the road, and that’s just what you’ll get with a dirty filter. So, load your dishwasher up with just the vacuum filter and the normal soap pods you use to clean your dishes with and have it run.

Cleaning the Cabin Dash

Between the dust of camp site roads and the smoke from a s’more roasting camp fire, you’re going to have plenty of reason to clean out the AC filter. This trick works not only for the AC vents on the dash, but for all of the dust and dirt that collects on the dash in the cabin. Keep a vacuum hose in one hand and a feather duster in the other. Suck the dust right up as it is loosened and you won’t just be displacing a mess.

These tips will get you started spiffing up your RV to have it ready for next summer. Better yet, many of these tips can be used outside of your RV, too. No reason to only have a clean washer in the RV. Now that’s useful.

Image courtesy of Pixabay.com.

The post Five Tips for Cleaning RV’s After Summer Travels appeared first on Interstate Autobody & Truck.