Whether you’re a long-time RV owner or a new owner, there’s one thing you absolutely must do.
If you don’t do it, your dream RV may become a nightmare. Yes, that’s right – we’re talking about RV maintenance.
It may not sound fun, but good maintenance goes a long way in extending the lifespan of your RV – and you’ll need that if you want to get 20 years of fun out of your RV.
Not sure where to start? Our quick guide to RV maintenance will make sure you’re up and running for a long time, so keep reading!
Anticipate RV Roof Leaks
The first thing that you need to know about RV maintenance is that RV roofs are notorious for leaks. If you have an RV long enough, it’s inevitable that the roof is going to leak. No sealant is perfect.
Ideally, when not in use, store your RV under a waterproof, UV-resistant cover to prolong the life of your roof.
You can also apply a new coat of RV roof sealant as an additional way of preventing leaks. It’s much cheaper than the alternative – repairing water damage from a leaky roof.
Common Heating and Cooling Issues
HVAC issues can really hinder your enjoyment of a trip.
If your air conditioner isn’t blowing cold air like it used to, check the air vent filters. These filters are easily replaceable. There are also some simple cleaning tips you can follow to extend their life.
If that doesn’t work, you may need to replace your thermostat. If your thermostat isn’t responding to temperature adjustments or is not correctly displaying information, it may need to be replaced.
But before you attempt a replacement, check to see if your thermostat is powered by a battery. If that’s the case, you can try replacing the battery before attempting a full thermostat replacement.
You can also try replacing the fuse – just make sure you get the correct fuse size. Too many amps will allow too much current – putting you at serious risk of an electrical fire. Too few amps mean the fuse may blow.
Perform Regular Vehicle Maintenance
At the end of the day, an RV is a vehicle, which means regular vehicle maintenance is required. That means regular oil and filter changes (air, fuel, coolant, and hydraulic).
It also means checking your battery before heading out each season. You don’t want to head out and set up camp somewhere remote only to find your battery dead on arrival.
Conduct an Annual Checkup
Whether you use your RV every weekend, or only a couple of times a year, the best way to keep it in tip-top shape is by performing an annual checkup. This will allow you to identify any potential problems and fix them before they happen – or get worse.
Existing RV owners will do good to learn the ins and outs of their RV. For those looking to buy another RV, or first-time buyers, do your research on RVs before buying.
Some RVs run on gas but others run on diesel. There are also different classes of RVs, which determine their size, fuel efficiency, and how they are built. You can see more here and compare and contrast the different RV classes for yourself.
Follow These RV Maintenance Tips to Prolong the Life of Your RV
If you follow our RV maintenance tips, you can spend less time and money on fixing your RV, and spend more time living the RV life. That means more time on the road, more time camping, and more time spent alone or with your loved ones. After all, isn’t that what you really want?
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