RV Maintenance Tips

In order to keep your Recreational Vehicle (RV) remains in prime condition, you need to give it a moderate amount of maintenance. Most of these items are not difficult to perform and are well worth the small amount of extra effort. Let’s face it, they are preferable to breakdowns and costly repairs. So here is a list of RV maintenance tips that will keep your RV in good shape and only needing occasional repairs:

Maintain the Battery

Since RVs use a lot of electrical energy, battery maintenance is one of the most important issues to look at. Check the water level in a battery once a month. Remember that letting batteries sit for long periods slowly drains them – use a battery charger or periodically drive the RV to keep the batteries charged. Take batteries out in the winter and store them in a warm environment as cold weather can have adverse effects on them.

Care for the Roof

Inspect the roof every few months for leaks. You may need to have your roof resealed. This is usually a once a year job with rubber roofs. It’s important also to clean the roof periodically to remove dirt and debris, bit as a general regular maintenance routine and before resealing.

Maintain Windows

A common cause of water getting into an RV (which is one of the most common causes of damage to the interior) is cracks in the sealant around the windows. Check every few months for cracks in the window sealant. If you see significant damage you can have the windows resealed.

Store the RV under a Cover

To preserve the exterior of the RV, store it under a canvas or even polyethylene cover (such as an ordinary tarp). This will protect the paint job and generally keep the exterior looking better longer. Even if you store the RV in a garage when not in use, the cover will help to protect it still further.

Wash the Exterior

You should get into the habit of washing the exterior periodically. This will also help to protect it from the damage of dirt, dust, grease, and miscellaneous debris.

Maintain Fresh Water System

Color code your water hoses to avoid the fresh and waste water hoses getting mixed up. Change the filters on your hoses periodically – once or twice a year is a good time frame. If there is any doubt about the purity of the water, you may want to boil it and then bottle it afterwards, letting it cool in a refrigeration unit.

Maintain Waste Water System

If your RV didn’t come with a tank flush (a device that completely flushes the waste tank or black tank after you have pulled the dump valve) get one and have it installed. Use drain value lubricant to keep the valves functioning smoothly.