RV maintenance is an important part of prepping for your next big road trip. Making the time to ensure your RV is in tip-top shape before you take off will reduce the chances of you breaking down during your journey. Preventative maintenance is key! In this blog, we’ll go over the top 5 items you shouldn’t ignore to achieve peace of mind for the road ahead.
RV Engine
Get ready to check under the hood! Your RV engine is extremely important and you’ll want to be diligent in staying on top of maintenance. If you have a towable, make sure to check your tow vehicle’s engine too! Think of your engine as the heart of your rig–it deserves your attention!
- Battery: first up, check your engine battery! Discovering a dead battery when you have somewhere to be is never ideal.
- Oil levels: top off all of your fluids and oils. Make sure there are no leaks. You should change your oil every 3,000 miles or so, pending your manufacturer guidelines. Check your transmission, power steering, engine coolant, engine oil, windshield washer, brake fluid, and generator oil.
- Belts & hoses: check for holes, corrosion, and cracks.
- Filters: oil, air, and fuel filters can cause problems if they are not clean or are in need of replacement.
Exterior Checks
The outside of your rig is just as important! Ensuring that everything is in order will preserve your investment for years to come.
- Tires: Check the tire pressure, and keep an eye on signs of wear & tear.
- Lights: all of your lights should be working. Having someone check the lights while the other person turns on the RV is always helpful. Clean your headlights as they can become dirty over time, which tends to reduce the brightness.
- Entry steps & front door: are your steps secure, and if automatic, working properly? Don’t forget safety–make sure you have a proper lock and full functioning door.
- Windshield wipers: in some parts of the country it rarely rains, while in others there is more rain than shine. Unexpected rain can happen anywhere and working windshield wipers can prevent an accident on the road.
- Seals: these include slide-outs, windows, lights, doors, latches, water & electricity hookups. These wear down over time. Check that they are in good shape, as faulty seals can result in pricey water damage down the line.
Interior Checks
Being comfortable in your motorhome is one of the many reasons why people choose to RV. Having amenities and working components can truly make your rig feel like home. Before you go on your next adventure, check the items below:
- Black & gray water tanks: make sure your tanks are clean and empty.
- Slide-outs: ensure that the sliding mechanism is properly working and lubricated. Proper slide-out care will allow you to utilize your rig fully.
- Propane gas: check that you’ve filled up.
- Fire extinguisher: safety first! Store it in an easy-access location.
- Hot water heater: no one wants to shower with cold water. Run your water briefly to ensure you have warm water when needed.
- Refrigerator & stove: before you put your food in your fridge, turn it on and let it cool to the desired temperature. This can take a couple of hours, and any issues reaching the desired temp can be the first sign off fridge issues! While you’re checking other kitchen appliances, test out your electrical outlets too.
Accessories
If your rig has additional features and amenities, you’ll want to double-check that they are in working condition. You paid for these features and we want you to be able to use them at their full capacity.
- Awnings: proper care is important. Here are some tips!
- Antenna/ WIFI: if you’re going to need an internet connection or a good signal, test out a phone call and surf the web.
- Generator: a backup generator in case of emergencies will be your saving grace. Check fuel levels and energy input/output.
Clean, Clean, Clean!
If you have not used your rig in a couple of weeks or more, 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. Rid your living space of dust and dander to prevent allergies, and generally make for a more comfortable living environment. 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!
Hit the Road!
Now that you have gone through your RV maintenance checklist, you’re ready to hit the road! Remember, you should do monthly, seasonal, and yearly checks on your rig, and always follow your manufacturer guidelines for required services and preferred timelines.
Maintenance is a great step toward protecting your investment. Unfortunately, most RVs will still need repairs. The good news? Wholesale Warranties can pick up the bill!
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