How To Keep Up With RV Maintenance
Whether you’re spending time in the great outdoors, road tripping across the country, or just taking a vacation, it’s good to get away from home every so often. But what if you want to bring the conveniences of home along with you? That’s where RVs come in! Campers come in every shape, size, and layout imaginable, so you can bring as many or as few amenities with you as you like. Whether all you need is a more stable and safe tent or you’d like a mobile hotel suite that you can take on the road, RVs make every trip more comfortable.
But that’s only if you take care of them as well as they take care of you! Maintaining your RV means doing preventative maintenance as often as possible and keeping up with more detailed maintenance.
That all sounds daunting, but we here at True Value Trailers & Power Equipment have put together a few of the most important tips for you to get you started. If you want to know more about RV maintenance, or you’d just like to browse through our used RVs for sale, contact our stores in Penrose or Florence, Colorado, today!
Owner’s Manual
Step one is to locate your owner’s manual. It’s not the most exciting read, but it will contain maintenance information, scheduling tips, and ideal products for your model specifically. We can provide you with generalized information that applies to most RVs, but your owner’s manual is the expert on what your rig needs. If you aren’t able to find the manual, go to the manufacturer’s website. They usually have copies of various owner’s manuals that you can download or print.
Inspection
Once you’ve got your manual and supplies, it’s time to do a thorough visual inspection of your camper, inside and out. On the exterior, you’re going to be looking for rust, dents, grime, or water damage. Make sure you check the roof as well as the sides and underbelly, as debris and water can collect on the top and cause serious damage over time. Double-check the roof for cracks, and make sure the vents are all clean.
The interior needs just as much attention, of course. Make sure to check it regularly even when the RV isn’t in use to make sure no problems arise from idling or hidden damage. Check for water leaks, verify all appliances are working properly, test all slide-outs, windows, and doors, and clean up mold, mildew, and debris when you find it.
Slide-Out Care
If your RV has slide-outs, sections that expand from its sides to maximize interior space, they’re going to need special care. The tracks that these use to move can dry out or accumulate grime, which can be dangerous and lead to expensive repairs. Make sure the tracks are lubricated, and while you’re at it, take care of any squeaky doors or windows.
Maintain The Generator
Generators make sure RVs with electrical systems run smoothly, but if they’re left idle for too long, the fuel and oil inside them can go bad and cause damage to the system. Any time your RV is sitting for an extended period of time, run the generator for an hour or so once a month just to keep the fuel and oil in good shape.
Tire Check
Whatever size or style your RV is, it relies on tires to get it to your destination. If the tires have low tread or incorrect air pressure levels, you risk a blowout and the accidents that often occur because of them. Use your tire pressure gauge the morning before you head out to make sure all the tires have the psi listed in your owner’s manual and adjust it as needed. Make sure the tread meets manufacturer recommendations, and that it’s evenly worn on all tires. Then check the sidewalls for cracks or damage. If the tread is unevenly worn, or you find damage in the sidewalls, bring your rig in for maintenance immediately.
Storage And Protection
One of the best ways to avoid serious damage to your RV over time is to protect it from the elements. Ideally, that means storing it in an indoor garage of some kind, away from any corrosive or flammable materials. If that isn’t an option, a weather-proof cover should do the trick. For long-term storage, like putting the RV away for the winter, make sure to winterize it fully and protect it as well as possible.
We hope these tips help keep your RV in good condition for longer! If you want to know more, or you’re on the hunt for a used RV, contact us at True Value Trailers & Power Equipment. We proudly serve the people of Pueblo and Colorado Springs, Colorado—let us serve you today!