10 Tips For RV Maintenance

RV maintenance is a significant part of owning your own RV, and regular care and service can add substantial longevity and resale value to your rig—the following are 10 simple tips to maintaining your RV after every trip.

1. Check the oil, transmission, and brake fluids, and replace as needed. While most cars will need oil replaced every 3,000 miles on average, some older RVs in particular will benefit greatly from more regular service.
2. Check tire pressure in all tires, and watch for worn treads or bubbled tires. RVs can be subject to far more wear and tear on the tires tan average cars, especially on long trips or vacations where altitude and temperature vary.
3. Drain and flush the gray (runoff) and black (septic) water tanks at a designated RV dump station. Never let these tanks sit even partially full for prolonged periods, as permanent damage can result. Proper maintenance of these tanks will extend the life of your entire unit.
4. Empty the fresh water tank after each trip, and preferably air-dry the tank when possible. Cover the tank openings with mesh or a piece of nylon pantyhose to allow airflow while preventing foreign particles and insects from entering the tank.
5. Empty, wipe down, and unplug the refrigerator after each trip, and leave the doors open slightly while out of use. This will prevent mold build-up and remove any lingering food odors while saving on electricity between trips.
6. Unplug all appliances between trips. Some appliances draw electricity even when turned off.
7. Clean the toilet bowl with an RV safe bowl cleaner to prevent bacterial blooms when the unit sits unused.
8. Check windows and doors for cracks or gaps where moisture could enter the RV, and repair as needed. Moisture damage is a frequent result of overlooked RV maintenance, especially in areas where freezing occurs in the winter.
9. Prevent sun damage by closing the RV’s blinds and pulling window shades in place.
10. Run RV safe nontoxic antifreeze through your entire water system once a year before winterizing.

By following these 10 tips for RV maintenance, you can expect a lifetime of fun and adventure out of your unit.