RVing is a highly desirable way to explore the country and enjoy the outdoors with loved ones you travel with or visit along the way. However, regular RV maintenance does not always carry the same level of allure. When it comes to RV maintenance, some things can be done by you, and other responsibilities are better left to professionals. But at any rate, what matters most is regularly maintaining your RV so it will continue running smoothly for years to come.
Why Does Regular RV Maintenance Matter?
Routine maintenance of your RV needs to be a priority because it will help keep you, and your passengers, and others on the road safe. “Safety first” isn’t just a workplace catchphrase; it’s true across the board, especially when it comes to maintaining your RV year-round. By completing routine maintenance procedures, you’ll ensure your RV is safe to drive and everything from the brakes to the tires are in good working order.
Regular RV maintenance is also important because it will contribute to the longevity of your RV. When you make any kind of purchase, you likely want it to be a quality product that lasts for a long time. Setting up a regular routine to check your RV engine and all its systems, as well as cleaning it and scheduling tune-ups, is key to keeping it in great working order for the duration of your ownership– and maybe even longer if you choose to sell it to another RVer. Keeping your RV in good shape will help it maintain its value.
Alongside the safety and longevity that regular RV maintenance helps to boost comes the benefit of cost savings. When you’re paying attention to the RV and its systems and having regular tune-ups completed, you’ll increase the likelihood of noticing any potential issues early on. Doing so will help you avoid expensive repairs or replacements. Routine maintenance may even prevent the hassle of having an engine issue or another inconvenient mishap while you’re on a trip.
Neglecting RV maintenance tasks will lead to structural and functional faults, making the RV unsafe, and eventually, unlivable. Keeping your RV maintained consistently is a simple way to increase your peace of mind while you and your family or travel buddies are on the road!
How Often Do I Need to Check My RV For Repairs?
Everyone has their own unique way of using their RV, with mileage and usage amounts varying from one owner to the next. Whether your RV is parked in storage for extended periods of time or you’re always on the move, we have some general guidelines to follow for how often you should be checking your RV for repairs.
First and foremost, it is important to perform regular maintenance on your RV before each trip– even if it’s just a quick weekend trip! In addition, we recommend monthly, annual, and seasonal care for your RV. It’s also a good idea to review your owner’s manual to see if you have recommended times from your RV manufacturer to have specific services performed.
Of course, if your RV is being rented out to others, you’ll want to prioritize maintenance after each rental. Know and communicate what renters are responsible for, and check the RV after every rental in case there are issues that need attention. Following a maintenance schedule will keep your RV running smoothly and ready to tackle whatever roads you’re headed on.
Cleaning: Another Simple Way to Extend Your New or Used RV’s Lifespan
Another part of regular maintenance that can help ensure long-term enjoyment of your RV is regularly cleaning it.
By routinely cleaning and waxing your RV, you will help extend its life. Cleaning and waxing the RV’s exterior will protect it from oxidation, otherwise known as damage, caused by things like dirt and UV rays from the sun. Doing so will also, of course, improve the RV’s overall appearance.
Use the appropriate cleaning and waxing products for your particular RV. It is important to consult your owner’s manual to find out the type of roofing and what type of soap or detergent is best for your roof in particular. Exercise extreme caution when cleaning the roof of your RV. When cleaning the roof, try your best to keep the sides of the RV rinsed off to avoid any soap residue or streaking.
Each time you clean the roof, make it a point to inspect the sealants around the openings and seams. Doing so could prevent future leaks, as water will always find the closest, smallest opening to enter. The roof of your RV should be coated with a sealant to help protect against long-term water damage. This preventative measure could save you the hundreds or thousands of dollars it can take to remediate water damage that is not addressed quickly. Another option for protecting your RV roof is purchasing an RV cover.
If you’re not comfortable cleaning or inspecting your RV roof, have that aspect completed by a professional service center to avoid any serious falls or injuries.
Once the roof is cleaned, you can move onto the sides, front, and back of the RV. One safe bet for cleaning the exterior is to use a mild detergent and a soft cloth or brush on a pole to wash the surface.
Wet the surfaces, remove any loose dirt, and rinse. Then use the appropriate cleaner and cloth or brush to soap up the sides, front, and back of the RV before rinsing it off. Remember to also clean the awning, wheels, tires, and undercarriage of the RV.
Finally, you can wax the RV once the water no longer beads on the surfaces. Apply a high-quality wax to protect the exterior paint and bring on the shine. By setting aside time to thoroughly clean your RV inside and out, you will be extending its lifespan and your enjoyment of it for as long as possible. Just like with anything, regular care and maintenance means it will function better and last longer.
Take Your RV to a Reputable RV Specialist in Maryland
While taking care of your RV might cause some people to cringe, there’s really no need to worry. Do your part by following a basic maintenance schedule with routine inspections and scheduling appointments with a reputable RV specialist as needed. Having a plan in place for RV care will make it a much more enjoyable task. Keep up on maintenance so that you don’t wind up with problems that delay your travels and adventures.
To have all your repairs completed by a skilled technician, contact Economy RVS in southern Maryland at 301-900-6582 or schedule a service appointment online. Economy RVS offers the products and professional services you’ll need for a great RV experience, as well as a full selection of new and used RVs at our convenient location in Mechanicsville, MD. We have been providing comprehensive quality repair services to our beloved customers in MD and beyond for more than 13 years.