Monthly RV Maintenance
Run Your Generator – Fuel sitting in a generator can go bad. Generally, it is good for about a month. Also, parts can get stiff if not run. You can prevent that by running it for at least two hours at about 50 percent load each month, or by using a fuel stabilizer for longer periods when you store it.
Top-Off Batteries – Making sure your batteries are full will ensure full charges and long life. Be sure to use only distilled water to top off your batteries’ water levels. The minerals in tap water can diminish the battery's life.
Check That Engine - Look at the engine’s hoses and clamps to be sure that are not leaking, cracked or dried out. Also, check all your engine fluids.
Test Safety Equipment – Check all the smoke, carbon monoxide and LP Gas detectors. Also, give a look at the fire extinguishers making sure the needles are all in green.
Kick The Tires - Check your tire pressure and check for any damage and tread condition this is a critical part of keeping you, your family and others on the road safe. Tires 5 years or older should immediately be replaced with new ones. I also recommend a TPMS to keep an eye on all the tire pressures and temps.
Keep Unwanted Guests Out - Keep unwanted guests out by checking under the rig for any openings in the insulation or underbelly, all they need is about ¼ inch to get in. If any are found, fill or patch any entry points. They make special spray foam for rodent holes that will help deter them from coming back.
Care For Slide Outs - If you’re traveling in an RV with slide-outs, lightly re-lubricate the mechanism to help them move in and out smoothly and protect against rust or corrosion. There are specially dedicated sprays to help easily care for slide out mechanisms. Then check all the rubber seals around each slide out and spray a seal conditioner on them to keep them from drying out, cracking & failing.
Check Your Seals - Take a look at the exterior seals of the roof and side walls of the RV and re-seal any openings, gaps, cracks or separation.
Seasonal RV Maintenance
Inspect For Damage - Inspect your RV for damage, even if it was stored or covered. Do that rodent check again and look for any potential entry points for rodents, birds or insects. They make special spray foam for rodent holes that will help deter them from coming back.
Wax On - Keep the outside of your RV looking new and free of oxidation by washing and waxing the exterior.
Clean Water - Clean water is possibly the most important thing you use in your RV. Every couple of months pour a half cup of bleach into the fresh water tank, fill the tank, run it through the lines and fixtures, let sit a day then drain and rinse if the smell of bleach is still strong.
Clean The A/C Vents- Keep the air clean and going strong by vacuuming and cleaning the A/C vents.
Know Your Weight - It is extremely important that your RV is not overweight. The safety of you, your family and all the others on the road is at stake. If you suspect you are overweight. You can find your local weigh stations and get your RV weighed. Understanding OCCC (Occupant Cargo Carrying Capacity)
Check Your Seals - Moisture is your RV’s nemesis, which is why it’s important to take a closer look at your exterior seals, especially roof seals, every two or three months.
Beat The Rust - Apply a gentle lubricant to areas where metal rubs on metal like the hitch, leveling jacks or entry steps. This helps them function better and stay resistant to rust.
Yearly RV Maintenance
Break Check - While you should always be aware of and watch for any wear on your trailer's or motorhome’s brakes, I suggest having brakes professionally serviced once a year. And if you’re a tow-able owner, always use tow vehicle and RV brakes together to avoid accelerating wear.
Maintain Safety Equipment – Clean the safety equipment and check for operational integrity by Vacuuming carbon monoxide and smoke detector covers and wiping them with a lightly dampened cloth, dry and test (replace if not functioning as intended). Replace immediately if you have any issues.
Check Your LP System – Checking your gas system and catching anything before it becomes a problem will keep you and your family safe and happy on your outings. Check for connection integrity, dings, and rust. It’s also wise to have a qualified propane service representative inspect your tank and test for leaks once a year, or every 5,000 miles, whichever comes first.
Inspect Your Seals Again – Water damage because of leaks are a huge problem for RVs. This is why we inspect them so often. It’s recommended to inspect and consider resealing the key exterior areas of your RV.