If you plan to take your RV out this spring, it is wise to conduct a thorough pre-inspection beforehand. Right before the best camping season hits, you should assess the condition of each distinct part of your RV. There are specific RV maintenance tips to help you properly prepare your RV for the camping season.
Slide-out Inspections
It is in your best interest to inspect your slide-outs frequently to help avoid the need for costly maintenance expenses to arise. Before starting an adventure, examine the slide seals, covers, and mechanisms to address debris, tears, or dryness. You can apply lubrication to the slide-out mechanism if it is needed.
The Awnings
A patio awning will do wonders for your RV campsite. However, you will want to keep your window, door, and slide awnings in good condition. Be sure to pull your awnings out before washing your RV and stow them away when there are harsh weather conditions. It is advised to constantly clean out all debris and make sure it is dry before rolling it up and putting your awnings away.
Clean The Appliances
It is crucial to check the RV appliances (water heaters, refrigerators, furnaces, and air conditioning units) before taking them out for the season. They most likely need to be maintained regularly to function optimally. It is best to clear out any debris and rust on the burners of the appliances. This can easily be done by blowing them off with compressed air. It is also common for critters to create blockages, as they like to make their homes in RVs to stay warm in the winter, so be sure to clear out the intake/exhaust tubes. Check your air conditioner filters and the coils and replace them if necessary.
Assess the Water Heater
Before starting your spring travel in your RV, be sure to examine the water heater’s exterior vent openings thoroughly. These must be frequently checked for rust, bugs, and other debris from the road or campground to be cleared out for safe operation.
Examine the Holding Tanks
Does your RV have a freshwater tank, a gray water tank, and a black water tank? Your freshwater tanks must be cleaned regularly. Gray tanks connect to your sink, shower, washer, and more, and both the black and gray tanks must be treated with chemicals to keep bad smells at bay. It is highly recommended to sanitize RV water systems annually and flush and sanitize each tank before or after each trip.
Check Battery Fluid Levels
Hopefully, you remove your batteries when the RV is not in use for the season. If not, be particularly cautious while figuring out if the battery is still safe to use as they may discharge when not stowed away correctly or for too long. Never pry the tops off of maintenance-free or AGM batteries, as that will likely ruin them. When the battery level is low, you can connect them to their system, but it is best to take it to a technician at a certified service center so they can safely install, recharge or replace it as needed.
Check for Propane Leaks
Make sure to check and maintain your liquid tanks, especially before hitting the road for the first camping trip of the season. Look for any leaks in the system, as propane leaks are a serious safety hazard. RV ownership inevitably comes with risks and challenges, so secure RV insurance to protect your investment.
Filter Changes
Typically, the fuel filters should be replaced about every 15,000 miles or once a year, whichever comes first. Algae can easily clog your filters. You can help prevent its formation by using a treatment for it, both while camping or storing the RV for a long period. It is also advised to start and run your RV for about an hour every couple of months. Keep in mind that changing the engine air filter can also help keep the coach fuel-efficient to save money in the long run.
Tire Pressure Assessment
A tire blowout is extremely damaging to the coach and dangerous for all passengers. Proper RV tire maintenance is imperative. Not only will you want to maintain the manufacturer recommended tire pressure, but you will also want to have your tires aligned regularly and have them checked for dry rot and curb damage.
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