RV Vents 101 - What You Need to Know

Stagnate air in your RV is never something you want. Thankfully, your RV is equipped with a ceiling vent that helps keep the air circulating and comfortable. Here is a closer look at what the vent does, how you can take care of it and when it may need to be replaced from time to time.

The Basic Makeup of an RV Vent

Most RV ceiling vents have a similar design. They have a fan with a vent cap that can open, either manually on older models or electronically on newer ones. The fan pulls air out of the RV, venting it to the outdoors. Fresh air then enters through open windows, or the heating and cooling system, keeping the home well ventilated. The vent cap provides a tight seal when needed, such as when you are moving from spot to spot or when it rains. The vent also has a screen on the inside of the RV that keeps debris out.

How to Maintain an RV Vent

RV Vents are fairly easy to maintain. First, when you handle your regular maintenance, check to ensure that the screen on the vent is clean. It can get clogged with grease from the kitchen or just plain old dust and grime. If it looks clogged, consider soaking it in soapy water to clean.

Next, take a look at the fan. Make sure it is not dirty or grimy, and remove any debris that may have fallen inside. This will help prevent future damage. Check it for proper function and unhindered movement.

Where the real problems can occur is with the vent cover or cap. These are constantly exposed to the elements, and because of this they can wear out more quickly than the fan. Inspect these regularly, and if you notice cracks or missing caulking, replace the cover immediately. Faults with the vent cover will provide an open door for water to get in to your RV causing costly damage. If you cannot fix the cracks, you will need to replace the vent cap.

Signs Your Ceiling Vent Needs Replacement

Even with proper care, your ceiling vent will not last forever. You will eventually need to replace the vent. Knowing the indicators to watch for will help you know when it is time for a replacement, and therefore will protect you from a costly problem or hot, stuffy air inside your RV.

If your vent no longer seals properly, it needs to be replaced. This can let moisture into your RV, creating mold and mildew problems. Sometimes you can just replace the cover, but sometimes you will need to replace the entire ceiling vent, including the fan. If the fan has become too noisy or has stopped functioning, then the entire vent needs to be replaced. Without a working fan, the air inside your RV will not properly circulate, becoming stale and uncomfortable.

RV ceiling vents, like all of your RV’s components, are there for a reason. Take time to appreciate the function of this important component, make sure you maintain it properly and be ready to replace it when needed.

Tips for Creating a Preventive Maintenance Schedule for Your RV  

When you own an RV, adventure awaits, but along with that adventure comes quite a bit of cost. One way to help lessen that cost is to reduce your risk of costly repair through a working preventive maintenance schedule. When you pay attention to small maintenance tasks before problems start, you can often avoid expensive repairs down the road. If you are working on creating that schedule, here are some tips to ensure you don’t overlook any important steps.

Create a Log

One of the best ways to ensure you stay on top of your routine maintenance is with an RV maintenance log. Grab a notebook, and keep tabs on what you need to and have done for maintenance. This will help you see at a glance if you’ve overlooked something of importance.

Start with Routine Vehicle Maintenance on the Right Schedule

Keeping the engine in your RV functional is one of the most important priorities. Start here as you create your preventive maintenance schedule. Make sure you perform regular oil and oil filter changes, tire rotations and tire checks. However, there is a difference between your schedule for these on your personal car and your schedule for these on your RV. While with a car you can wait to perform these checks until you have reached 3,000 miles, you may not travel 3,000 miles regularly in your RV. Instead, set a reminder on your calendar to perform these checks and maintenance steps every six months if you haven’t reached that mileage milestone yet.

Take It for a Drive

Next, make sure you have your RV out for a drive every three months, even if you are not planning a trip. Moving parts in your engine can have problems if they are not given the opportunity to move. The more you drive the RV, the longer some of its engine components will last, so work this in to your preventive maintenance schedule. This also gives the batteries a chance to recharge.

Check the Manufacturer's Specifications on the Generator

Your generator is another engine on your RV, and it needs oil and filter changes too. The frequency you will need to do this task will vary depending on the model you have, so check the manufacturer’s recommendations and work this into your schedule.

Check for Leaks

Every single month, check your RV for signs that seams and seals are coming loose. Even while sitting not in use, water damage can cause costly mold and other damage, and the longer it goes unnoticed, the worse this damage becomes. This is a critical maintenance step because it protects you from unnecessary and expensive repairs.

Annual Checks

There are a few things you only need to check once or twice a year, especially before you go out on a long trip. Some of these include:

• Sewer vent
• Professional brake service
• Carbon monoxide and smoke detector checks
• Propane tank maintenance and checks
• Checking all heating and cooling systems
• Checking all electrical and entertainment systems
• Checking and testing all plumbing systems

Remembering whether or not you performed these tasks from year to year can be challenging, which is why that maintenance log is so critical. By creating a routine and having a log in place where you record what you have done, you will quickly get a handle on your preventive maintenance and enjoy all of the benefits that come with sticking to a maintenance schedule.

Source

https://www.jayco.com/blog/maintenance-tips/yearly-rv-maintenance-tips-tricks/

https://rvshare.com/blog/rv-maintenance/

Top RV Maintenance Tips Before Your Next Trip

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.