Logan Voss
There’s nothing quite like the freedom of buying your own RV. Every road trip you’ve ever wanted to take is suddenly at your fingertips. However, like any vehicle, you must take responsibility when you own an RV. If you want to keep exploring the world, you need to keep your vehicle in good shape—this means learning the ins and outs of maintenance. Even if you prefer taking your vehicle into a mechanic for the big stuff, there are a few things you should learn how to do yourself. Here are three essential maintenance tips for beginner RVers to really savor their time on the road.
Pack Tools for Tire Care
From interstate travel to national park trails, your RV’s tires experience a lot. If you don’t care for them properly, you can end up on the side of the road with a flat or even a missing tire. Always pack the correct tools for RV tire maintenance. Tighten your lug nuts before every trip so that you don’t lose a wheel along the road. You should also keep a tire pressure gauge on you. Keep in mind that tire pressure changes with the temperature. If you travel through different climates or seasons, pay special attention to your tires to ensure they don’t overinflate or underinflate.
Walk Around the Exterior
Exterior damage can cause many problems for you and your RV. Leaks and other water damage create mold and ruin belongings. Drafts make your RV uncomfortable; plus, no one wants to ride around in a shabby-looking vehicle. One of the most important maintenance tips for beginner RVers is to perform a visual inspection of your RV’s exterior every couple of months. Look for cracks, open seals, and other damage. Pay special attention to the roof, as well as any seams along the RV, as these are common problem areas.
Prioritize the Plumbing
From doing the dishes to taking a refreshing shower at the end of an exciting day, your RV’s water system provides a lot of convenience and luxury on the road. If you don’t care for it, though, the plumbing can easily become the worst part of your RV trip. Proper maintenance of your plumbing includes flushing your tanks regularly and only using RV-safe chemicals in your water system. Learn the symptoms of a faulty RV water pump and other common problems so that you can act quickly when something goes wrong. When you learn about the different parts of your RV’s plumbing and how they function, you can act quickly and responsibly to fix any problems that arise.
