Top RV Maintenance Tips Before Your Next Trip
Owning an RV means the freedom to travel whenever the desire strikes. Yet that doesn’t mean you won’t need to put in a little work first. Just like a pilot does a pre-flight checklist, you will want to do a pre-trip maintenance check for your RV. Before you hit the road, make sure you tackle these important maintenance tasks.
1. Look Under the Vehicle
It’s easy to forget about the components underneath your RV, but out of sight out of mind is a dangerous way to approach RV maintenance. While you may not be a mechanic, you should learn what the underside of your RV looks like. Crawl under there and check for problems like nuts and bolts that need to be tightened or replaced. Look for obvious signs of wear and tear or rust on the undercarriage components. If something looks amiss, have a qualified RV mechanic check it out before you head out on the road. A breakdown on the side of a mountain road that requires a tow and emergency repair is a costly problem which a little look under the vehicle can prevent.
2. Check the Exterior
Once you have completed your check of the chassis underneath the vehicle, take a good, close look at the exterior. Check for any gaps in the window and door seals that need to be repaired. You don’t want water to get inside the RV and cause mold damage. Replace any seals that seem dry or cracked. Roll out the awning and check for tears.
3. Inspect the Propane Tank
If your RV has a propane tank, make sure it's ready for the trip. Check to see that it's not expired or low. Next, spray soapy water on all of the fittings, then watch them. If the water bubbles, you have a leak. Replace the fitting or get a new tank before you leave town.
4. Spruce up Your Interior
If it’s been a while since you’ve taken your RV out, or if you didn’t clean well after your last trip, then take some time to clean the interior well. While you’re cleaning, check all of the furniture and flooring for signs of moisture damage. If you need to, dry out your stuff and inspect for mold. Also, check the plumbing for any signs of leaks. If you have a plumbing problem, pick up the supplies to fix it before you head out.
Next, test all of the electrical switches and outlets to make sure they're working. Make sure the water pump is functioning properly, and check all of the appliances. Test the batteries and generator to ensure they’re all charged up and in good, working order.
Once you are sure the mechanical are in good, working order, check the hardware in your closets, shelves and cabinets. Make sure all the locking mechanisms work well so nothing is damaged from doors or drawers opening while you are en route. Catches and latches like theseare particularly important to ensure the drawers and doors stay shut tight.
5. Prep the Tires
Tires are critical to keeping your RV on the road well and provide traction when you hit wet weather. Before you leave, visually inspect the tires and rims for signs of wear. Make sure the tires have at least 6/32-inch of tread, and replace if needed. Finally, check the tire pressure and make sure the tires are properly inflated.
Getting your RV ready for your next trip does take a little bit of time, but it’s time worth investing. RVLocksAndMore.com supplies everything an RV owner needs to get their RV in top shape. By spending a weekend on this prep list, you can hit the road confidently, knowing that your rig is ready for the rigors of the road.
