looking after RV

To keep your recreational vehicle operating correctly, it must be taken care of just like a newborn baby. It is accomplished with regular maintenance and cleaning. This makes it possible for your motorized caravan to be ready for any adventure you and your family are planning to explore.

The proper care of an RV requires what owners of any vehicle will do in addition to what homeowners do. This way all aspects of your holiday vehicle will be ready when you are.

Caring for the Mechanical Portion of the RV

Like all motor vehicles, the oil and filter must be regularly changed. This ensures a long life to the engine.

The other fluids under the hood must also be checked on a regular basis. This includes the following;

  • Transmission fluid
  • Brake fluid
  • Windshield washer fluid
  • radiator or coolant fluid
  • power steering fluid
  • Battery acid level
    • The charge should also be checked and recharged when necessary. Minimum voltage should be 12.4 volts. Any reading under 12 volts means the battery should be recharged or replaced.
  • Air filter
  • Fuel filter
  • Coolant filter
  • Hydraulic filter

The air pressure of the tires also has to be checked. This should include the pressure of the spare tire. The tires should also be inspected for dry rot.

The wheel nuts should also be checked to make sure they are tight.

For RV’s with a backup generator, the fluids should also be checked on a regular basis just like the engine.

Caring for the House or Living Quarters of the RV

By being mobile, there are more items to check than in a static home. This will help prepare the RV to be lived in and includes the following;

  • LP gas tank is full or is at a sufficient level for the journey.
  • Water tank should be kept drained until just before the journey. A day before the journey this tank should be filled.
    • This tank or tanks should be periodically sanitized with a bleach solution then completely flushed.
  • After each journey the septic tank should be drained and flushed.
    • The use of biodegradable toilet paper can help prevent clogs.
  • Window screens should be checked for holes and repaired if necessary.
  • The seams need to be visibly inspected.
    • This should include both the roof and side panels to help keep the moisture out. This will prevent water damage to the framework of the cabin.

The washing of the exterior does more than just make your RV look good, it helps to protect the surface from damage. Dirt on a painted surface will keep moisture on the sheet metal and begin to rust the area where contact is being made.

Pre-Trip Inspection

Before any journey is taken in the RV, a visual inspection of all the accessories and the exterior should be conducted. This includes what has listed above plus much more.

  • A visual inspection of the undercarriage should be done to make sure everything is tight and in place with no foreign material like tree branches.
  • The angle of the mirrors is correct for the driver to see the rear of the RV.
  • The interior and exterior lights should be checked to make sure they are in working order.
  • Turn on the water pump and generator to make sure they are operational.
  • Batteries for all emergency detectors should be checked and or replaced.
    • Smoke
    • Propane
    • Carbon monoxide

Above all have fun on your adventure in your safe and properly maintained RV.