8 RV Care Tips to Keep Your RV Like New

If you’re a new owner of an RV, then you’re not alone. Thousands of people are turning towards RVs this year as a new way to live and explore the world.

As a new owner, there are several RV care procedures you need to know so that your RV stays in tip-top condition. Maintenance is a vital part of keeping your RV running smooth and staying away from any expensive repair costs.

Listed down below are all the necessary RV care tips all new owners should know!

1. Protect Your Roof

Although it’s not a place we often think about, the roof is an important part of RV maintenance. Throughout the seasons, storms and sunlight can cause damage to your RV’s roof.

The main problem is that you don’t often see the top of your RV. When damages do occur, you likely won’t see it until the problem becomes worse which leads to expensive repairs.

That’s why it’s a good idea to always keep your roof protected from the elements whenever possible. Inspect the roof often so that you know its condition and if you need to adjust something.

2. Change Oil

The inner workings of an RV are much the same as any other vehicle. Because of this, RVs need regular oil changes to continue functioning at top performance.

Without fresh oil to keep the engine running, it’ll seize up and cause a breakdown when you least expect it. Engine problems end up costing a lot of money to repair, but keeping up with your oil changes is one of the best RV maintenance tips to avoid this problem.

Keep track of your last oil change so that you never fall behind!

3. Replace Filters

RVs come with a lot of filter systems that all need changing throughout the seasons, including the air, fuel, and hydraulic systems. When you fall behind on installing new filters, you end up wearing down these intricate systems. Dirt and debris find their way into the air and fuel, which slows down the performance of your RV.

Over a long time, this creates bigger problems that could damage the RV irreparably.

With every change in the seasons, make sure you switch out your old filters for new ones to stop this from happening.

4. Inspect the Water Systems

Inside your RV are a lot of water systems that filter and wash out waste. Without proper maintenance, your water could become toxic and create a terrible stench within your RV. It’s also possible that the water will back up through the pipes, causing indoor flooding that will lead to even more damage.

Keep up with flushing out the water systems and checking that all the right chemicals are running through the correct areas. You don’t want to mix up your black water system with your gray water system, for example.

Maintaining your water systems ensure that all of the water inside your RV is safe for use!

5. Treat the Rubber Seals

Untreated rubber is notorious for drying up and cracking. It becomes brittle and doesn’t keep your RV sealed from rain or snow. Water leaks into the RV, causing damage, stains, and even mold growth.

Without proper rubber seals, unwanted cold or hot air seeps into the RV and makes your systems work even harder to maintain the right temperature inside.

Your rubber seals will break down over time, but by treating them every three months or so, you slow down this process. Once you begin to notice cracks and other signs of deterioration, start thinking of getting those areas resealed. Otherwise, you’ll need to deal with even bigger problems down the road.

6. Clean the Awning

Many RVs come with a beautiful awning to pull over the side of the RV to create a private and shaded area. It’s a wonderful recreational spot for all of the best picnics and family outings.

It’s easy to forget about the material of the awning itself, but if it’s left uncleaned, the awning starts to deteriorate and grow mold.

An awning isn’t the first thing you think of when wondering about how to maintain your RV, but it’s an important part of the entire vehicle. No one wants to get ready for a day out in the sun only to find the awning falling apart and full of dust and grime.

7. Service the Generator

If you park your RV somewhere for over a month at a time, you need to run the generator at least once within that time. The gasoline sitting inside the generator only lasts for about thirty days. After that, it breaks down and starts to eat through the machine.

By getting the gasoline moving and flowing through the system, you prevent this process. Run the generator for at least two hours before shutting it off again.

8. Call for Professional Maintenance

Even with all of the above tips working in your favor, it’s good to get your RV checked by a professional company once or twice a year. These inspections keep you up-to-date on the health of your RV and help to spot any problems you might not notice.

A professional RV company also services your RV to keep it in peak condition without any extra effort from you. Make sure to click here to learn more about the process.

When in doubt, call in the professionals for help!

The Best RV Care Starts With a Good Plan

When it comes to RV care, the best way to keep it as good as new is to come up with a scheduled maintenance plan. Set up your calendar with all of the tasks to do throughout the year so that you never fall behind on anything important.

It might seem overwhelming at first, but that’s why it’s good to tackle everything in smaller steps. Maintenance in small steps spread out across the months is far easier than trying to do everything at the same time.

By keeping up with these tasks, you’ll ensure the longevity of your RV for many years to come.

To always stay ahead of the game, make sure to check out the rest of our blog!