If you own a recreational vehicle [RV], you know how important it is to maintain it. Failure to maintain your RV can lead to some costly repairs. However, maintaining recreational vehicles can be quite challenging because they have many systems that might fail if they are not properly maintained.
Since it is a daunting task and it is easy to forget some steps, having an RV maintenance checklist is crucial. By having a list of everything you need to inspect, it will be quite difficult to forget something important, which will ultimately save you money that you could use on costly repairs.
Here are RV maintenance tips that can help you avoid costly repairs.
- Inspect your RV roof
The first thing you need to do before you kick off your trip with your RV is to inspect its roof. RV roofs are more susceptible to sun and environmental damage, which can cause major problems to the RV. Replacing a roof can be very costly. That’s why it is advisable to inspect your roof regularly. If you notice any problem with your roof, you should consider RV roof repair.
- Check your RV’s battery
Your RV’s battery is an essential part of your RV and so it must be maintained regularly. The last thing you want when on your weekend gateway or holiday is a dead battery. Some batteries have water levels, while others are maintenance-free. Regardless, you should keep the battery maintained and fully charged at all times. When properly maintained, RV’s batteries can last up to 5 years.
- Check the brakes
Brake maintenance is not only important for your safety but everyone else’s on the road. During summer, brakes tend to get very dry. This is why it is very important to keep them lubricated during summer.
In addition to that, you need to check if the brake lights are working on your RV. If your brakes are not as responsive as they are always, you should consider repairing them before you hit the road.
- Change your RV’s oil
RVs generally sit a lot. This is why you need to do oil changes regularly to ensure that everything is lubricated and working efficiently. It is recommended to change your RV’s oils every 3,000 to 4,000 miles or every year. If you don’t change your RV’s oil, it will start to receive excessive wear and tear on its engine, which may require costly service or lead to engine replacement.
- Change the filters
Your RV’s filters also need to be changed regularly. The hydraulic, coolant, and fuel filters need to be replaced every year to avoid any unnecessary damage to the engine. Inspecting these filters regularly can help you identify any issue and fix it immediately before they escalate and become expensive to repair.
- Keep your tires in good condition
Always keep your tires clean, protected, and covered when you are not using your RV. The sun’s UV rays can damage your tires over time, requiring you to replace them. In addition to that, make sure that the lug nuts on your wheels are tight before you head out.