RV Maintenance

Jul 22, 2020 - Back to Blog

Checking your RV is not only smart but can save you money and frustration in the long run. A major repair can often be avoided by performing an inspection from time to time. From the top to the bottom, there’s some things we’ll discuss that will extend the life of your vehicle. Whether you’re hitting the road for the first time or performing a regular maintenance check, here’s a few things to check on your RV.

Seasonal Check Up

If you’re like most RV owners your vehicle may be sitting for a while. Unlike your typical car or truck the idle engine of an RV should be serviced seasonally. The next time you fire up the engine you’ll want to check and/or change the oil and filters. Filters to check include the fuel, coolant, air, and any additional filters your specific model may have. On more complex RVs the hydraulic filter should also be inspected. Neglecting an oil or filter change can lead to unnecessary repair costs.

Checking the fluids is important, especially in the wastewater system. The chemicals used and regular flushing help keep you from an unwanted mess. Much like the rest of the machinery on an RV if it’s not used there can be buildup and system failure which is not what you want (especially with the black water system). When in use, single ply toilet paper is often preferred along with a sanitization of the holding tank after the contents are dumped.

The elements can damage an RV’s frame and cause roofs and panels to leak. A visual inspection should be done every few months for these issues. Any small opportunity for water to get in can lead to serious damage, but can typically be stopped with a sealant. Check around any openings (windows, doors, edges) for discoloration or warping in the materials. If there is a significant problem it’s best to handle it right away to prevent further damage. Performing this check before, during, and after storing your RV will stop any unwanted surprises from ruining your RV and potential road trips.

One of the best things about an RV are the perks that run off of the batteries. If it’s been a few years since you’ve last had your RV Battery replaced it may be time to run a diagnostic to ensure it hasn’t lost capacity. If your RV has been sitting for months and the batteries are older you may need a jump. 3-5 years is the typical life of a battery depending on use and the RV model.

Schedule Service

If you’re in South Florida and need a complete pre-trip inspection we’re happy to schedule a free consultation! Our pros have seen and fixed hundreds of RVs with issues large and small.