TIPS FOR HOW TO MAINTAIN AN RV - The Great Outdoors RV Co. Blog

by The Great Outdoors RV | Feb 25, 2022 | Blog | 0 comments

Your RV lifestyle might be the experience of a lifetime, but no one wants additional expenses to derail their trip. Fortunately, you can remain safe and comfortable on the road by knowing how to maintain an RV and doing routine, simple RV maintenance regularly. Create a checklist of these essential guidelines on how to maintain an RV and put it in an easily accessible spot to ensure that your RV remains in the best possible condition and avoid expensive repairs.

GENERAL RV MAINTENANCE

Because your RV is both a vehicle and a home, it needs upkeep similar to that of a house and an automobile. As with other vehicles, each RV will need some regular maintenance. All RVs need periodic maintenance, from oil changes to appropriate cleaning practices. Keep your RV in good condition by following these general care guidelines.

MAINTAIN RV ENGINE

A recreational vehicle (RV) is a large, heavy vehicle that travels long distances on various roadways. This implies the engine is put under tremendous pressure to haul such a massive vehicle. Additionally, many RVs sit stationary in storage for many months throughout the winter. Surprisingly, this may also be detrimental to an engine. Routine maintenance is critical to the condition of your RV engine.

Battery check: It is recommended that you maintain your RV’s battery fully charged at all times. Check your battery’s charge before each vacation and at the start of each season. In general, a battery should last between three and five years.

Check the oil: Because RVs are generally not used daily, you won’t need to change the oil as regularly as you would with a car. Rather than that, oil should be changed every 3,000 to 4,000 miles or once a year. Failure to change the oil regularly causes excessive wear on the engine of your RV, resulting in costly repairs or possibly engine replacement.

Inspect and replace filters: Your RV’s engine systems rely on filters to clean moving components. Each time you change the oil, examine and replace the air, fuel, coolant, and hydraulic filters. As with changing the oil, replacing these filters regularly helps prevent excessive engine wear.

EXTERIOR RV MAINTENANCE

Before you hit the road:

Inspect your tires for irregularities or excessive wear.
Maintain proper tire inflation pressure and do frequent tire pressure checks.
Maintain adequate torque settings on the lug nuts.

When you’re not traveling, use an RV carport or cover to protect the roof and exterior of your RV from sun damage. These are simple to install on your property and cost far less than the cost of rebuilding your RV roof! Inspect your roof for leaks and other problems 2-4 times a year. Regularly clean the roof, and inspect the roof seals and joints at least every six months. Repair and repair any leaks using sealants suitable for the roof of your RV.

Lubricate your slide-out rails once or twice a year to keep them in good shape. Without this routine, low-cost maintenance, slide-out rails may degrade, necessitating costly replacement due to corrosion or rust.

Whether you’re cleaning the sides, roof, or even the headlights, a little external TLC may help keep your RV looking great for years to come.

INTERIOR RV MAINTENANCE

Cleaning your RV after each trip may seem self-evident when it comes to how to maintain an RV. Vacuum, sweep, mop the floors, and use your preferred cleaner to clean the kitchen and bathroom. Before leaving, always strip the mattresses and replace them with new sheets. Routine cleaning can help keep the inside of your RV looking brand new and the pleasure of travel alive.

Additionally, have a supply of extra light bulbs for each fixture in your RV in an easily accessible location. Light bulbs go out at inconvenient times, and if you have spares in the RV, you will never be caught off guard. Always replenish your supply upon return from a vacation or before departing on your next one to ensure that you always have extras on hand.

Maintain fire extinguishers, carbon monoxide, and smoke detectors in good working order. Replace batteries regularly. You cannot put a price on your family’s safety!

PROPERLY STORING YOUR RV

Many RVs are stored throughout the winter months. Properly preparing your RV for storage and selecting the appropriate form of storage is one of the most important ways of how to maintain an RV.

Indoor storage: the most protective storage method since it keeps your RV completely contained in an enclosed structure.

Outdoor storage: often known as open-lot storage, exposes your RV to the elements. When parking your RV outside, it is recommended to utilize some form of cover.

Covered storage: This style of storage protects from the elements through the use of a roof and, in some cases, partial wall protection. When storing your RV in covered storage, park it as far away from exposed walls as possible to reduce UV exposure.

Regardless of the kind of storage you select, it is important to undertake some maintenance duties before parking your RV for extended periods of time.

HOW TO MAINTAIN AN RV DURING THE WINTER

All RVs, campers, and motorhomes located in places where temperatures may fall below freezing should be thoroughly winterized before being stored for the winter. Take the following precautions to safeguard your RV during the winter months.

Completely clean the inside of your RV. This should involve the emptying of cabinets, the removal of linens, and the removal of towels.
Appliances should be unplugged and stored.
Clean and defrost the refrigerator and freezer.
Inspect your RV for holes or openings and seal them with non-corroding metal dish pads to keep mice out.
To prevent bugs, use dryer sheets or cedar chips inside your RV.
Drain all water from your RV’s plumbing system (water lines, toilets, tanks, and water heater, for example) and recharge the system with antifreeze.
Thoroughly clean the outside.
Seals should be inspected for damage.
All doors and windows should be closed and locked.
For outdoor storage, use a fitting cover and tire covers.

MAINTAINING YOUR RV AT THE GREAT OUTDOORS RV CO.

The RV Mechanics at The Great Outdoors RV Co. can perform important RV maintenance, installation services, RV repairs, and a range of RV-related improvements on any RV make or model. Our services include:

Brake controller installation
Installation, maintenance, and accessories/parts for generators
Installation, maintenance, and accessories/parts for satellite TV
Installation, maintenance, and accessories/parts for solar panels
Installation, maintenance, and replacement of weight distribution hitch systems
Covers for RV vents
Winterizing an RV
Diagnosis and repair | slide out
Repair or replacement of an awning
And More!