October 5, 2024
Maintain Your RV

Having an RV can super exciting, especially if you love traveling. RVs are a must if you want to explore various parts of the country and beyond.

No more paying for motels or expensive flights. RVs, like Crow Survival, can cut down your travel costs significantly. But, not being careful can do the opposite.

Owners who don’t maintain their RVs regularly pay a heavy price. What if you RV breaks down in the middle of a much-anticipated trip? Your plan of spending a cheaper vacation can turn disastrous.

Play it safe with these top 10 tips to successfully maintain your travel trailer.

Do Regular Check-Ups

If one thing breaks down inside an RV, it can have a domino effect. The entire system functions interdependently. A minor issue becomes a major problem very quickly.

Just as we do our regular check-ups at the doctor’s to see if everything is running smoothly, we should check our RVs too.

Various leakage can damage the roof, so make sure you check it every few days. Find the starting point of the leakage and seal it with a caulk that suits your RV.

Check the filters, batteries, lights and the cable connecting the trailer to the engine. Be sure to check every component of the RV. Take it to the mechanics every 6 months for a professional check.

Maintain Battery Health

Your battery runs every electrical aspect of your RV. Maintaining battery health is crucial.

Find a functional deep cycle battery. A battery life cycle on average lasts for 4 to 5 years. Proper maintenance can give it an extra 2 to 3 years.

Your battery is prone to weather change. In winter if your battery is not properly stored, it will freeze. Thunderstorms can bring your battery down, in fact, lightning can even melt it!

Check the connections and the fluid level of the battery. Keep a can of distilled water in the RV so that you can refill it even on the road.

Eyes on the Tires

A long road and heavy load are not exactly tire friendly. Tire maintenance is vital for avoiding hazardous situations. Keep your tires in prime conditions at all times.

The air pressure of the tire must remain balanced. Too much and it will explode on the road. Check for leaks beforehand and make sure your tire is not deflated before you start your RV.

Invest in durable heavy road tires. Weather check it for cracks from exposure. Your tires can become smooth with heavy use, so change the tires when its time is up.

Observe the Filters

There are so many filters in an RV. Not keeping an eye on them can cause serious damage. Damage control is always expensive.

The key to keeping your RV in top shape is constant vigilance.

Clean your air filter every few weeks and change them when needed. Make sure the water leakage from your air conditioner is being drained properly.

Change the engine oil filter when necessary and change the oil frequently to keep it running smoothly.

Keep an eye on the hydraulics filter as any malfunction can damage your RV.

Keep the Outside Neat

Most RVs look old and rusty before its time because of poor maintenance.

The outer exterior should be washed every few days.

The frequency of wash depends on how often the RV is exposed to the outdoors. Even if it is sitting indoors for weeks, wash it every month to avoid dust stains.

Windows are prone to getting foggy and stained, so washing them is a top priority. Wash the window and door seals with soapy water.

Polish and wax it every 6 months. Waxing will make your RV look as good as new. Take extra care of the roof as it becomes prone to leaks.

Maintain Indoor Hygiene

RVs are great for family outings. Your children can learn a lot from the experience. But, children tend to be messy. If there are crumbs lying about or open boxes/packets of food, it can call for trouble.

Your RV can become infested with ants, roaches, and rats. The scenario would be attracting raccoons or even bears!

Let’s keep our RVs as clean as we keep our homes. It does become our temporary home on the road.

Keep the floors, lounges, beds, counters, and walls clean. Clean each side of the windows and the seals properly.

Avoid moisture build up inside the RV as it can turn it moldy. Regularly vacuum the indoors and use a disinfecting air freshener.

Sanitation Management

While it is magical to carrying a bathroom on the road, understanding how the sanitation system works is vital. Know about all the water tanks.

The freshwater tank is the main water source for the RV. The grey water tank carries dirty water from the sink and the shower system. The black water tank carries semi-solid wastes from the toilet.

Make sure your toilet doesn’t get clogged by overuse. Drain out the black and grey water tank at frequently at sanitation stations. Invest in chemicals specialized in treating different systems.

Learn how to clean the system most efficiently here.

Be Prepared for Any Situation

Even with proper maintenance, your RV can breakdown on the road. It is utmost important to carry proper tools in case of a breakdown.

On the long road, it will be hard to find mechanics so take some time to learn the basics. Buy a good toolbox with all the tools you need.

Make sure you have screwdrivers that match the nuts in the various parts of your RV. Carry spares of everything: nuts, bolts, filters, tires, etc.

Check Your Brakes & Lights

Brake failures are a very common cause of highway accidents. Always remember to check your brakes. Change your brake oil when needed to keep it running well.

Sometimes the connection can come loose. If you are facing any brake-related problems, take it to a mechanic immediately.

Lights can go off without warning. Never travel with a faulty light as it can be life-threatening. Keep the lights in constant check and replace immediately if they show signs of dying.

Keep it Well Protected When it’s Unused

Try to keep your RV well covered. An uncovered RV will have to endure rain and snow, which can cause the metal to rust. It’s outside will age faster without a cover, causing leaks and other internal damage.

Invest in a good quality cover that will protect your RV from exposure during harsh weather conditions. This one protective measure can save you a lot of money and time.

Finally

Taking a little time and trouble to take care of your investment can reduce your expense. Now that you are well prepared for maintaining your RV, get out there and explore the great beyond!