9 Maintenance Tasks to Prolong the Life of Your RV
Is your idea of a great vacation hitting the open road in your RV? There's nothing quite like exploring the country on your own set of wheels. But with many states struggling to get back on their feet after the COVID-19 outbreak, maybe you've decided to postpone or delay your vacation. If that's the case, you still want to make sure your RV is in top shape when the time comes to get her back on the road. While it's always a good idea to stay on top of RV maintenance issues, here are some tasks to prolong its life while you wait to get back out there.
Routine Maintenance Tasks
Routine maintenance checks can easily prolong the life of your RV. These tasks can make your RV run smoother and keep it in good shape for when you're ready to hit the road. Whether you're delaying using your RV until next year or postponing trips for another time, keep this maintenance checklist handy.
Run the Generator
While it may seem odd to run a generator when you don't need it, do it anyway. The gas can start to go bad after a month, so it's important to get it moving. The rule of thumb is to operate the generator at 50% capacity for a few hours to ensure trouble-free service.
Check Seals
Regularly assessing seals, especially around the roof and vents, can prevent leaks and water damage to your RV. Use a seal lubricant to keep them from drying out or for signs of cracks and separation.
Many of these seals are found if your RV has a slide-out. While slide-outs are designed to be low maintenance, you still need to check the sweeper seals and also double-check if the slide-out needs any lubrication, allowing for smooth movements.
Check Tire Pressure
It's important to check tire pressure once a month. Also, make sure the lug nuts are tight and in good condition. The appropriate tire pressure can be found on the inside door or in the owner's manual. Low air pressure can lead to tire blowouts and extensive damage to your RV. Don't forget to check the spare tire too!
Keep Waste Water System In Check
Hopefully, before you winterized your RV you thoroughly cleaned and sanitized your wastewater system. This helps to rid the system of bacteria and any unpleasant odors it can cause. Flushing the system also helps to keep the pipes clear and free from buildup. Depending on the type of system you have, either black or grey water, there are special products geared towards each.
Scan Engine and Fluid Levels
It's important to scan the engine at least every other month to make sure nothing is leaking and the clamps are secure. Review fluid levels (engine, brake, transmission, radiator) and top off if needed. It's also the appropriate time to check for any leaks and make repairs as necessary.
Change the oil if it hasn't been done in a year or depending on the number of miles driven.
Quick Visual Scan
A simple scan of the RV can highlight problems immediately. While this may not be needed if you keep your RV in a storage facility, it's still helpful. A simple walk-thru can bring to light roof damage, tears or holes, signs of pests, and much more. Working to eliminate these problems quickly can keep it from turning into a bigger issue and costing much more money.
Replace Filters
Replacing air filters on a timely basis ensures that your air conditioning will run smoothly and cuts the risk of it overheating. A problem like that could leave you with a pretty large repair bill. While checking the filters, also clean and vacuum the vents for air conditioning efficiency.
Check Batteries
There's nothing worse than being all set to go and finding out you need a new battery. While batteries last anywhere from 3-5 years, it's still important to check them out each year, especially if you have an impending trip. Keep in mind that some batteries run parallel with each other, so if one needs replacing, the other might too.
Update Your Toolkit
Performing regular maintenance is the perfect time to update your RV's emergency toolkit. This can include everything from a tire gauge to batteries to spare fluids. If you've used an item in the past, make sure to replace it. Even adding a list to the toolkit of everything in there is helpful. That way, you can cross off anything you use and know what needs replacing.
If you can't get out on the road this year and need to store your RV without worry, Storage Max is a great choice. A locally owned and operated facility, we offer units big enough to house your RV, with access to it seven days a week. With 24 hour surveillance, there's no better option. Contact us today at 662-430-3202 for more information. Rent now!