TIPS FOR KEEPING YOUR RV READY TO ROLL
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If you are having trouble keeping your RV ready to roll and on the road at all times, you have to do basic upkeep it at least once a year. Though some RV owners camp regularly and others only during summer, the maintenance rule is the same – regular maintenance is the key to a safe trip. By following our tips, you can provide the required care to your RV and keep it in top shape all year round.
Check Your RV’s battery
Most people don’t know that having your RV in the garage can seriously affect its battery. When not in motion, the energy lost can equal up to 10%! If you plan on having a trip soon, it’s highly important to know your battery levels and to charge it if needed. Water levels should be inspected too, but they are often RV specific so you will need to check your user manual. Be very cautious when handling the battery since when mishandled it can cause serious injury. If you don’t feel confident enough to do the maintenance on your own, visit a licensed mechanic.
Take care of the Plumbing
If you’d like to take your RV out on the road in the following months, you should be very cautious with your plumbing. Any remaining water in the system can freeze, so it’s better to drain every last drop. Don’t forget to drain your water heater, but remember – turn it off and wait for the water inside to cool down to prevent burning yourself. Now that you’ve drained the water, it’s integral to check if there’s any tiny holes or cracks in the plumbing. If you notice some leakage, fix it up as soon as possible.
Maintaining the Appliances
To have a relaxing RV experience, your RV should be equipped with working appliances. Many RVs come with propane gas tanks which are used for the kitchen appliances and the water heater. Sometimes they’re also used to heat up the temperature of your living area. However, we recommend you install a diesel truck heater. They tend to be a more reliable and safe option, plus they also provide a superior warm-air distribution.
Now that you’re up to date with your heating, you should quickly inspect your microwave, fridge, and other electric appliances. Make sure that everything is in top shape, keeping your RV ready to roll.
Healthy Tires are a Must
Whenever you use your RV, it’s vital you have healthy tires installed. Faulty tires can cause road accidents, so in order to be a responsible driver your tires should be regularly inspected. If you notice some cracks or general signs of wear-and-tear on the tires, adequately replace them. Just like every vehicle, RVs also have to maintain a certain level of pressure in their tires.
Check the exact value in your user manual, since it tends to differ based on the RV’s size. While you’re at it, you should also examine whether the wheels’ lug nuts are tight. This is very important because having loose wheels is a road hazard and road safety should be your top priority. Take care of every part of your camper means keeping your RV ready at all times! From the tires to the flooring, even the windows!
Always use a cover when not using your RV
RV’s are known to sit in driveways and garages for long periods of time. This isn’t always a bad thing, but the elements and dust can cause some significant damage to your RV. In turn the likelihood of having issues with your camper will increase all while decreasing the value of your vehicle.
Using high quality RV Covers is the best way to prolong the life of your vehicle. Keep the elements, dust and debris off your vehicle when it’s waiting for your next adventure. Make sure you get a waterproof cover if it will be sitting outside most of the time. We recommend getting the best quality cover you can afford, the damage it will stop is well worth the money.
Check the Engine
The engine is the heart of your RV – if it doesn’t operate properly your camper can’t take you to all of the wonderful destinations. The first thing on your to-do list is to check whether the fluid in your engine is fresh. Oils should be replaced once a year, so if you have stale fluid instantly change it.
It’s important to mention that different campers require different engine oils, so be careful to check with the user’s manual if you use the right fluid. When you change the oil, you should make sure that the levels are adequate. While your hood is open you should also pay attention to other fluids such as the brake fluid, generator oil, windshield washer, and transmission fluid.
