Recreational vehicles, or RVs, don’t require the same amount of care and maintenance that you would give your sedan or SUV. Why is it, you ask? They need more than that. It doesn’t come much of a surprise though because an RV is much more than just a vehicle. It can be your kitchen, office, reader’s nook, or your quiet place. Thus, it is proper for you to exert an extra effort to take care of your RV with some of these expert tips.
Cover your roof
The first thing that you can do to show your RV some love is by covering its roof. This is because the roof of your RV is susceptible to damage caused by harsh environmental conditions such as the extreme heat of the sun. However, the damage in your RV’s roof is often unnoticed simply because you don’t frequently go up there to hang out.
There is really no need to do so if your roof is covered when parked, especially if it is exposed under the sun for a long time. Nevertheless, if you use your RV most of the time, then the best that you can do is to clean your roof on a regular basis to be able to inspect whether there is anything that requires immediate attention, even just a minor damage.
Regularly inspect your windows and door
One of the most common problems encountered by RV owners is faulty weather stripping seals. This is the reason why you need to regularly inspect your door and windows. The seals incorporated in your RV door and windows deteriorate over time and you may not notice this without regular inspection.
Check for any cracks, loose pieces, or even water stains that can be an indication of a damaged sealant. At some point, you may even want to have your door and windows periodically removed and resealed to ensure that no water will find its way into your vehicle. However, during the hot summer season, it is a good idea to keep your vents open because extreme heat can also contribute to the early deterioration of the sealants.
Attend to your tires
When you intend to park your RV for a relatively long period of time, it is a good idea to protect the tires of your vehicle with a cover. This is because the extreme heat of the sun can speed up the deterioration of your tires, paving the way for you to change tires, even if their thread is not yet worn out.
If you are frequently using your RV, then it is a good practice to clean your tires regularly. It is also a good practice to check your tire pressure and lug nuts before every trip. Add pressure to your tires according to the specifications of your vehicle and tighten the lug nuts as necessary.
Check your batteries
It is of utmost importance that you check your batteries, particularly before every trip to ensure that any mishaps may be mitigated. According to calloftheopenroad.com, deep cycle batteries are better than starter batteries in providing you with the assurance that you won’t run out of power while you are on your trip.
However, there are instances wherein the batteries need to be recharged and fortunately, there are already deep cycle battery chargers available. It is important to note though that even if you are storing your RV for most of the year, the lifecycle of your deep cycle battery remains the same. It can be anywhere from three to five years and they should be replaced as soon as they reach their full life cycle.
Change oil and filters regularly
Just like any other ordinary vehicles, the oil and its filters need to be regularly changed, which is necessary to ensure that your vehicle is in a proper running condition at all times. Most manufacturers recommend that you change the oil every 3000 miles, but it is still best to refer to your vehicle’s manual for the proper schedule. Your engine can eventually break down if this maintenance is overlooked.
The air, fuel, coolant, and hydraulic filters of your RV also need to be changed regularly. This is to prevent overheating problems with the cooling system of your vehicle, as well as oxidation in your hydraulic system. It can cost you a hefty sum if your filters are not regularly inspected and changed.
Take care of your RV’s sewer system
The last thing that you would want is a clogged toilet or drain in your vehicle, which is why it is imperative that you take care of your RVs sewer system. Keep your RV’s wastewater system in the perfect condition by using only biodegradable toilet paper, as well as emptying the holding tank periodically. If needed, seek the help of the RV experts in doing so or invest in a stock of RV sewer hoses and accessories that will ensure speedy and efficient waste disposal.
Have your RV serviced by a mechanic
Your car needs to be serviced by a mechanic based on the recommended schedule on its manual. This is also true for an RV. Make sure that your RV is serviced by a mechanic on a regular basis to ensure that it is in perfect condition. This is particularly important in terms of checking your brakes for the safety of everyone on the road.
Document the maintenance processes that are done on your vehicle. For this, you can use an online maintenance tracking tool that will make it easier for you to track when it was last serviced by a mechanic, as well as when it is next due. You also have the option of keeping all other RV-related documents through these online maintenance tracking tools.
Taking care of your RV and ensuring that it is in its top shape may prove to be tedious. Nevertheless, take some time to cover your roof or run your generator. Also check on your window, tires, and batteries. Rest assured that your effort will be worth it in the end because your RV will serve you for a longer period of time if it is properly maintained.
