Having an RV sure comes with a lot of fun! The not-so-fun part? Maintenance. Maintaining a healthy RV, even when it’s not in use, can be critical for the longevity of your home-on-wheels. It’s easy to remember regular maintenance checks before and during your RV trips, but it’s also important to do them when you’re not using your rig for extended periods of time. In this blog, we’ll discuss must-do maintenance tips to keep your rig in tip-top shape, even when you’re not traveling!

A Labor of Love

Whether you’re a weekend warrior or a full-timer, there is bound to be a time where your rig will be stagnant. When this time comes, it’s important to know what to do to maintain your rig. On-going

maintenance comes with the territory of owning an RV…the work never ends. Keeping a list of repairs and maintenance dates will help you in the long run. When you’re on top of your RV game, fewer unexpected breakdowns will arise. Oil changes, filter changes, generator service, coolant & transmission checks, and air filters are things you should keep at the top of your list.

We like to think of tires as the foundation of your RV. After all, your tires are the only reason your rig is mobile, allowing you to travel to amazing destinations with the comforts of home. Tire maintenance is not something you should neglect or just think about every 20 thousand miles. They should be monitored during your trips and even when your rig isn’t moving. Monitoring your tire pressure using tools such as a TPMS system. When your rig isn’t moving, keeping your tires clean and covered will extend the life of your tires. Trust us, tires are expensive as is!

Where you store your rig is also important. If you don’t have the ability to store your RV in a shed or temperature regulated spot, you’ll have to take extra steps to protect your home-on-wheels. Consider investing in an RV cover, especially if it will be stored outside in direct sunlight. This will prevent damage from Mother Nature, whether it’s rain, wind, sun fade, and even possible scratches!

Once your rig is nicely stored, make sure your RV’s slide-outs are retracted. This keeps all of the seals and slide-out mechanics safe from the weather. Another reason to keep them retracted would be to keep pests out. Pests are also a real issue in RV’s. When your rig is stored, you’ll want to make sure to remove all food, especially fresher items like fruits and vegetables. Next, make sure to get rid of all water in your tanks and in your fridge if you have an ice maker. This can later create a mold problem. Sink and drain plugs will also help keep bugs and pests out of your rig, no creepy crawlies here! Lastly, make sure your RV is clean! Clean it as you’ve never cleaned it before. Pests don’t like clean places. For more tips click this link here!

Staying Ahead of the Curve

A common misconception of vehicles and RVs is that, when they are stagnant, nothing bad can happen to the rig. Wrong! RVs are meant to be driven/moved and can easily deteriorate when they are not doing what they were designed to do. The tires begin to dry out, gas in your tank can start to break down or evaporate, and moisture can begin to build up in your generator. These machines need to be exercised! Remember, more issues can arise when your rig is not in motion. In fact, a significant percentage of RV failures happen after the rig has been sitting for an extended period of time. If you find yourself in a situation where your rig needs a repair, having an extended warranty in your back pocket is a great way to protect your travel budget.

So what steps can you take to protect your fuel? Whether you use gasoline or diesel, letting both of these liquids sit for long periods of time can cause problems for your engine. Especially in warmer and humid areas. Storing your rig in a cool, dry place is ideal, but might not be possible for every RVer, especially if you’re a snowbird. The solution? Fuel additive!. Old

gasoline can lead to more serious problems such as gumming, varnish, rust, and corrosion. While with old diesel, issues such as microbial growth can happen. This is commonly known as “diesel algae” or even mold. Additionally, filling your tanks to reduce any room for moisture can also help.

Taking care of your RV is definitely a labor of love. Think about nurturing your RV in a fun and positive way. Doing so will allow you to continue traveling and exploring more. Other things to look out for is making sure to run your generator at least once a month, and cleaning up the jacks when they get dirty with residue. Many people also choose to wax the outside of their RV to keep it looking new and shiny.

Do you have any maintenance tips to share with other RV’ers? What do you do when your rig is stagnant for periods of time? Share them in the comment section below!

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