Vacation season is right around the corner! There is no better way to get around and see amazing landscapes than with your RV. As the weather gets warmer, you’ll want to start prepping your rig for hot conditions. Maintenance on your rig should run like clockwork, with a familiar schedule of upkeep. Check out these helpful tips on how to prep your rig for your next trip! If your rig has been out of commission for a couple of weeks (or more!), you’ll want to keep this checklist handy.
Tires
First things first, you’ll want to check your tires. Check your tire pressure and make sure they are up to par for their standard. Don’t forget to rotate your tires every 6000 to 8000 miles to extend their life! The last thing you need on your trip is to be stuck on the side of the road due to a blown-out tire.
Batteries and Tools
Batteries are your rig’s best friend, so make sure you are all charged up and have back-up tools just in case something goes awry. Having a tool kit in your storage compartment will be your saving grace when you need it. Your tool kit should include fuses, light bulbs, jumper cables, nuts and bolts, and connectors. If you’re in the market for a great tool kit, click here.
Interior Checks
Before you set off on your long journey, make sure that you’re inspecting what’s under the hood and underneath the RV, not just the exterior side of things. When inspecting under the hood, look at all of your hoses, radiator, and belts. When you are doing these types of inspections, look for plumbing issues, and flush out your pipes. This should be done at least every 6 months. It’s important to run everything inside as if you’re actively using the RV. This way, you can detect issues early on. Check for cracks and reapply a sealant if necessary. You don’t want to have a leaky roof during a thunderstorm.
Fluids Up!
While you’re looking under your hood, check those fluids! This will preserve your rig for years to come. Check your transmission, power steering, engine coolant, engine oil, windshield washer, brake fluid, and generator oil.
Run Your Appliances
Before you set off, make sure to turn on your refrigerator and check the temperature to ensure it’s working well. Nothing spoils a good vacation faster than spoiled food! If your RV runs on propane, make sure you’ve filled up, connections are made with your valves and firing operation. Many appliances run on propane and it’s crucial that you have a leak and gas pressure test each year. You don’t want any dangerous accidents that could have been prevented.
Clean, Clean, Clean!
If you have not used your rig in a couple of weeks, it’s very important that you take the time to clean everything out. Clean out your cabinets, wipe down your furniture and high touch surfaces, and clean your floors. Dust and dander can cause allergies and make you and your family feel unwell. While you’re taking the time to clean your home-on-wheels, you should also clean the items that were temporarily abandoned. These include dishes, rugs, blinds, curtains, and bedding. A solid cleaning will also alert you to any pests that may have taken up residence during your absence, and give you time to deal with them before hitting the road!
Safety First
Explore your options when it comes to safety. This is one of the many necessary RV lifestyle investments for you and your family. Your rig should have a smoke detector, carbon monoxide detector, gas leak detector, and a fire extinguisher. Another safeguard we suggest is 24/7 RV roadside assistance. Having this in your back pocket in case of an emergency will save you time, money, and stress if you run into unexpected issues while traveling.
Upgrade Your Technology
We’re all for buying gadgets that will make your trip easier and more efficient. Look into investing in rear-view backup cameras, tire monitors, and GPS. Having these items during your trip ensures added safety and ease that you didn’t have before. For a complete list of must-have gadgets, check out this link!
Pack in Some Fun
Once you have secured all the important things you’ll be needing on a day-to-day basis, it’s time to pack in the fun! Bring bikes, climbing or hiking gear, s’mores supplies, and other camping items that will make your trip more memorable. If you’ll be traveling with younger ones, bring hula hoops, travel cornhole, or nerf water guns!
Game Plan
And last but not least, have your RV game plan ready! Where will you be going? How long will your trip last, and do you have your destinations set? If you don’t have campgrounds booked already, do you have an RV membership like Escapees or Harvest Hosts that will help you find a safe place to stop? Having a game plan in place will allow you to stress less and enjoy your adventures. Being prepared brings peace of mind, and that’s priceless. Wherever you decide to travel, Wholesale Warranties backs you up with reliable coverage.
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