Traveling in an adventure-ready rig (RV) is a great way to see the country and experience the amazing outdoors. Nevertheless, owning an RV also comes with a certain level of responsibility, such as regular maintenance to keep it in top working condition. It’s a home away from home, and the last thing you want to happen is to have some parts of your vehicle fail on the road. Here are four crucial RV maintenance tips to help you stay on top.
1. Maintain your RV’s body seams and seals
Seams and seals can be affected by age, weather, and the movement extremes your vehicle might endure while traveling. You can prevent water leaks and avoid expensive RV repairs with little maintenance on your seams and seals.
Inspect all RV seams and seals at least twice a year. You should also check your RV windows, doors, and side vents. If your RV has broken or damaged window glass, get it replaced by professionals like Van Isle Glass.
Ensure you clean the slide-outs regularly to avoid dirt buildup in and around the seals. Failing to clean your slide-outs could cause issues sealing your RV. Lubricate the slider mechanisms to ensure they run in and out with the least wear and tear on the motors.
2. Check your tires and tighten your RV’s wheel nuts
Make sure to measure your RV’s tire pressure and tighten the wheel nuts before every trip to ensure you are safe on the road. Driving with loose nuts can be dangerous and might lead to losing a wheel on the road.
Measuring your RV’s tire pressure is essential, as overinflated tires might explode, causing damage to your vehicle or even leading to an accident on the road. No sufficiently inflated tires are also dangerous since they can lead to control issues or generate more resistance on the road, which may affect your gas mileage.
3. Cover the roof
RV roofs are particularly prone to sun and environmental damage, which may create issues that usually go unseen. Unfortunately, repairing or replacing an RV roof can cost thousands of dollars.
The best thing you can do is to store your truck under a conventional RV cover or RV carport. Install steel RV covers on your property and customize them to meet the size of your specific vehicle. These covers usually come with up to 40 years of warranties, giving your RV’s roof lifetime protection.
4. Check your wastewater system
Most RVs feature a wastewater system for storing bathroom waste that you may collect until you can remove it. You must ensure your wastewater system and the tank are in good condition to avoid unpleasant smells. Regular wastewater maintenance is also essential to prevent blockages and damage to the holding tanks.
RV holding tanks usually have chemicals to help control smell and break down waste. However, ensure you use the right chemicals for your waste removal, as some chemicals are very harsh and can cause issues to septic tanks.
Endnote
Spending time and money on things that don’t give instant joy can be annoying. However, giving your RV regular maintenance is the best way to ensure it’s ready to go where you want and have fun without being worried about more costly repairs. Include these tasks in your routine maintenance schedule, and you will be ready to embark on your next adventure with confidence.