Spring has sprung and RVers should be wasting no time getting out on the road and discovering new places! The season is also popular for the tradition of “spring cleaning” and while this would usually apply to brick and mortar homes, RV owners have their fair share of cleaning responsibilities as well. Possessions may be minimal inside the motorhome, but the “spring cleaning” tasks for the modern RVer are more on the maintenance side. Make the most of your spring travels with a clean and safe RV when you follow our Spring Cleaning Checklist:
Refrigerator
Did you know that RV fires and refrigerators are closely linked? This is often due to a lack in upkeep of RV refrigerators. When dust accumulates it can cause moving parts to clog, forcing the device to overwork and overheat, sometimes resulting in flames. Keep you and your RV far from this risk by regularly clearing any dust and dirt as well as looking for cracks in the refrigerator’s gaskets and door seals. Get all of the facts in our blog: Fire Free RVing.
Exterior Seals & Seams
Use this spring cleaning incentive to get on top of your RV, safely, and do a routine check of your roof. Check for any leaks or cracks, and continue this task on all parts of the exterior. Unnoticed leaks can lead to damaging mold, so make sure to run this check after heavy rainstorms as well as a regular checkup.
Generator
Your rig’s generator should be exercised regularly, especially if you don’t RV full-time. Check your generator’s handbook for recommended maintenance techniques; most generators should be run for at least a couple hours each month to decrease chances of buildup. For more tips on RV generators, click here.
Tires
To ensure safe travels, check your tires’ tread depth and inflate to the recommended PSI. Inspect for any weathering, cracks, or lodged items such as nails that could leave the tires vulnerable to future flats.
Hoses and Belts
When looking under the hood, examine both the radiator and heater hoses closely, checking for cracks or vulnerable spots. Belts are just as important, and should be checked for wear and tear. If you do come across any cracks, make an appointment with a trusted repair facility.
Safety Supplies
It is vital for each vehicle to have an emergency kit, therefore make sure to have updated items in preparation for breakdown, such as warning triangles, flashlights with extra batteries, safety goggles, etc. In addition, make sure that each vehicle has a medical kit with sterile items and an up to date fire extinguisher in an accessible spot. Inside the coach, check all smoke, carbon monoxide, and gas leak detectors.
Once finished with the “big” items on your checklist, go through the motorhome and check all appliances, light bulbs, windshield wipers; anything that can often be looked over and may need some sprucing up. We hope you found these spring cleaning reminders helpful and that your warm weather travels get off to a great start!
What is the most important RV Spring Cleaning step you complete each year? Share with us in the comments below or post to our Facebook page.
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