Key Tips For RV Maintenance

Just as we need to perform regular maintenance on our cars, we also need to perform regular maintenance on our RVs. This is true whether you are a full-timer, a snow bird or a weekend adventurer. As with our cars, neglect of regular RV maintenance tasks can lead to, at best, disappointment. At worst, RV maintenance neglect can lead to costly repairs.

Regular Maintenance Tasks

The first place to look for information on the specific tasks needed for your RV is your owner’s manual. The owner’s manual will delineate the different maintenance tasks and intervals for each. The following are some maintenance tasks for everything from a diesel pusher to a camper trailer.

Roof – Check and carefully spray clean the roof at regular intervals. You will be looking for places where the sealant seams have given way and could fail. Repairing roof seams can save you a big bill on costly interior damage. Treat rubber roofs yearly.

Tires – Tires need to be checked and aired before every adventure. The air pressure in your tires can fluctuate with elevation. Check for uneven wear patterns.

Under the Hood – Oil changes, fuel and air filter replacements, brake and battery checks and maintenance are all part of the same types of maintenance your car requires.

Clean and Flush Tanks – The freshwater and greywater tanks require a bleach and water solution flush twice yearly. Keep the blackwater tank flushed just before it gets full.

Seals and Door Hinges – Operate and lube moving parts, such as awnings, slide-outs, hydraulic jacks and door hinges.

Take It for a Drive – Take your RV out to keep the battery and oils from stagnating.

RV Water Heater – Clean out the water heater chamber and check the anode for wear.

What Do I Do if an Appliance Goes on the Fritz?

Eventually, your RV appliances will fail. You can either DIY, such as replacing the anode on your water heater, have a mobile mechanic sent out or take your RV into a shop for repair. It all is dependent upon where you are, your skill level and what is in your immediate vicinity. Obviously, the costs will be higher for a mobile mechanic. Check to see if you are still under warranty before forking out any of your own cash for a repair, though.

Preventing Roof Leaks or Dealing With the One That Already Occurred

If you have sprayed your roof clean regularly, checked and re-caulked seams that were cracking or failing and done your yearly treatment for your rubber roof, that is a portion of the battle of preventing roof deterioration.

If you have a fiberglass or metal roof, you can coat it with an elastomeric sealer when it gets long in the tooth. Elastomeric sealers come in white or gray and reflect heat as well as sealing your roof. It is an easy DIY, as long as you feel comfortable on the roof. You can apply it with a long pole and roller. You will need to clean the roof first, following the manufacturer’s guidelines.

You can repair larger roof seam issues with products like Dicor and EternaBond for permanent repairs.

Does RV Insurance Cover Maintenance or Repairs?

Your RV insurance primarily is required to cover your liability in an accident. This ensures that another party will receive compensation if you are at fault in an accident. You also can add endorsements that can cover your losses in the event you cause an accident. Some of the typical endorsements of benefit to RVers are:

Uninsured Motorist – Covers your losses if someone hits you and flees or has no insurance

Collision – Repairs your RV when you are at fault

Comprehensive – Covers your non-collision losses, such as from theft, weather or animal damage

Personal Belongings – Covers the items you carry inside of your trailer if they are stolen or damaged

You will need to shop around for the insurer who will cover your RV with insurance that has the endorsements you desire to protect your investment.

It is a bit more work to be an RV owner. Establishing a maintenance routine and carrying insurance coverage to keep your investment in sound shape will afford you many years of happy adventures on the road wherever you choose to set up camp.