Thermal Detection

A New Tool for Preventive Maintenance

One of the things I enjoy about following RV groups on social media is that every once in a while someone posts something that makes me stop and think,

“I should be doing that.”

That happened recently when someone discussed using a thermal imaging gun to inspect the electrical system in their RV.

It got my attention.

My Current Routine

If you’ve followed this blog for a while, you know I’m a big believer in preventive maintenance and routine inspections.

Whenever we’re setting up or staying at a campground, I make it a habit to walk around the trailer looking for anything that doesn’t seem right.

I check for water leaks.

I inspect the tires.

I feel the electrical connections at both the campground pedestal and where the shore power cord connects to the trailer, looking for excessive heat.

I also check the cover over several electrical relays and switches in the front storage compartment by simply placing my hand on it.

So far, I’ve never found a problem.

But after reading that post, I started thinking there may be a better way.

Why a Thermal Imaging Gun?

Instead of relying only on touch, a thermal imaging gun allows you to actually see temperature differences.

By checking electrical connections, breaker boxes, and other components periodically, I’ll get a good idea of what “normal” temperatures look like.

If one connection suddenly starts running noticeably hotter than the others, I’ll know it’s time to investigate before it becomes a bigger problem.

There’s another area of our fifth wheel that interests me as well.

The main electrical distribution panel is located beneath the bedroom steps. I can see it, but I can’t easily reach all of the wiring without removing part of the stair assembly.

With a thermal imaging gun, I can simply point the camera at the panel and look for unusually warm connections without taking anything apart.

Why I’m Paying More Attention

The post also made a point that really resonated with me.

Think about what your RV goes through every time you travel.

It’s essentially riding through a continuous earthquake.

Every bump, pothole, bridge joint, and rough stretch of road creates vibration.

Manufacturers do a good job trying to secure everything, but vibration has a way of loosening screws, connections, and fasteners over time.

Our drive to Florida this year took about 17 hours.

That’s a long earthquake.

When we arrived, I found several screws that had loosened and even a couple that had worked themselves completely out.

Fortunately, we didn’t have any plumbing leaks or electrical problems.

This time.

I’d like to keep it that way.

Looking Ahead

I haven’t decided which thermal imaging gun I’ll purchase yet.

We’re getting ready to head south in a couple of days, so that’s taking priority right now.

Once I settle on one and have a chance to use it, I’ll share my thoughts and let you know how well it works.

If it helps me catch a loose electrical connection before it turns into a costly repair—or worse, a fire—it will be money well spent.

One Last Thought

The best maintenance isn’t fixing something after it breaks.

It’s finding a small problem before it has the chance to become a big one.

Sometimes all it takes is adding one more tool to your toolbox and a few extra minutes during your routine inspections.