Planning an RV Trip? Check Your Hatches First

Planning an RV Trip? Check Your Hatches First  

 

There's much to do when prepping for an RV trip. You need to check the engine of the vehicle, stock the fridge, pack your gear, and perform a number of safety checks. These checks help ensure the rig is in good, working order, and they can protect you from a breakdown or problem on the road. Repairs on the road often cost more because you're camping in a remote location, making access to repair facilities harder to come by. Performing your pre-trip checks will protect against this.

When you start preparing, you may feel overwhelmed by the large number of items on that pre-trip checklist. If you're going by memory alone, it's easy to forget some things, only to find yourself faced with a costly repair on the road. Your hatches are one of those important, but easy-to-forget items.

Hatches are vital to keeping the delicate items on your RV dry and protected from debris. Before you head out on the road, check your hatches to ensure they're ready for the trip. This will protect your rig's most sensitive systems from damage on the road.

Water Hatches

Water hatches protect the valves and water lines for your RV. These are essential to the safety and comfort of the people you're camping with. If you lost a water valve or damage a water line while driving to your destination, your camping trip will be much less enjoyable. Make sure all of the water hatches are closed and locked, and double-check the check valves before you hit the road.

Electrical Hatches

Similarly, protecting the access points to your rig's electrical cables and systems while driving is important. Water or debris can easily damage these, making it difficult to enjoy your entertainment, lighting, and other electrical items while camping. Make sure your electric cable hatches are sealed and locked to protect your rig. Your RV may have the standard square electric cable hatches, and it may have some round hatches. Find and check both types before you leave.

Fuel Hatch

Keeping the fuel hatch locked is just as important as the other types. Not only does it prevent damage while on the road, but it also protects against siphoning while you're parked. Unfortunately, you can't always trust the others you share the campground with to leave your rig alone, so locking the fuel lines is a necessity. Make sure your fuel hatch closes and locks properly, and replace it if it's showing signs of wear.

Additional Hatches

You likely have other multi-purpose hatches protecting sensitive items across your rig. They may close vents, cover switches, or protect plumbing. Regardless of the purpose of these hatches, if your rig has them, you should find and check them before you take off. These items are covered and protected for a reason, so you need to keep them covered and protected in order to protect your rig's systems.

Make a Pre-Trip Checklist

Hatches are just one of many items you should be checking before your next RV trip. Finding and checking all sensitive systems is not always easy. To make it easier and protect your rig properly, create a pre-trip checklist. List all of the items you need to check before you leave, and mark them off as you do. This will ensure that you are fully prepped and ready for the trip, knowing that your RV is as safe and protected as possible.

Remember, a hatch is a relatively affordable item on your RV, but it performs a critical job. Make sure yours are sealed tight, and you'll arrive at your destination without an unexpected and unwanted surprise.