RV Maintenance Tips

RVs are a big investment and require a lot attention as it is your home on wheels. Even if you don’t use certain systems on a daily basis, your RV still needs some TLC throughout the year to keep it in tip-top shape. Follow these handy tips to protect and help you maintain your RV throughout the year.

Maintain Your RV’s Seals and Tires

• Check Roof Seals and SeamsHave you heard the saying “out of sight, out of mind”? That philosophy can cost you big time when talking about your RV roof. It’s easy for problems to go unseen up there simply because it’s out of sight. Roof leaks can not only cause damage to the interior of your RV, but can cause damage to electrical wiring along with mold and mildew build up on the walls. You should have your roof inspected by a certified RV professional at least a couple times a year.

• Manage Slide Outs and Seals
  Slide outs should be regularly cleaned so you don’t have dirt build up around the seals. A lack of cleaning can cause problems sealing your RV. Expand your slide outs and clear out any dirt build-up that has accumulated. There are lubricants you can use for window seals and the rubber to help keep them fresh and allow easy movement.

• Check the Tires
  Before embarking on your RV adventure, do a thorough check of your motorhome tires to prevent unexpected circumstances that could leave you stranded on the side of the road. Your tires should be given regular maintenance to ensure they are safe to drive on. It’s also important to check your RV’s tire pressure because overinflated tires may explode, while underinflated tires can create control problems and cause more resistance on the road, which can affect your gas mileage. If your RV will be parked for an extended period, coat the tires with UV sunscreen and cover them as it helps extend their life.  

Keep Up With Regular RV Maintenance

• Maintain Brakes
  It is important to maintain your RV’s brakes for the safety of you and everyone else on the road. Make sure your brakes have enough material on them so they’re working properly, and lubricate the RV’s wheel bearings regularly. Your RV’s brakes may have to be replaced more often than you think. Replacements usually include a repacking of wheel bearings and replacing the seals.

• Monitor Your Battery
  The last thing you want to happen on your camping trip is a dead RV battery so make sure it is charged before every trip. With the right maintenance, an RV’s battery may last 5-7 years.

• Change The RV’s Oil
  An RV sits a lot, so it is important to do oil changes on a seasonal basis to make sure everything is lubricated and running to the best of its ability. If you don’t, it can lead to excessive wear and tear on the engine and may require expensive service. Refer to the RV manual guide to determine how often the oil should be changed.

• Replace Filters
  Similar to changing your RV oils, you need to change the filters on a seasonal basis. Have a professional inspect and replace the air, fuel, coolant and hydraulic filters in your RV.

• Clean Your RV’s Awning
  It’s important to keep your RV’s awning clean so you don’t get mildew and mold buildup. By inspecting it on a regular basis, you can catch and repair any possible tears early before they start to get larger. When the RV is not in use or you are expecting bad weather, wrap the awning up to protect it.

• Manage the Water and Toilet System
  Maintenance of your RV’s waste water system includes using chemicals that are designed to work with each system. Flush the system on a regular basis to keep the pipes clean and eliminate excessive buildup that can cause failure of operation and clog the system.

RV repairs can be time consuming and costly. Make a maintenance checklist to help keep up with your year-round maintenance to avoid some of these problems and potentially lessen the amount of repairs.