RV Maintenance

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RVs require a lot of regular attention to assure they stay dry with all systems operational. In much of the country detailed winterization is required to assure water lines don't freeze and your rig is ready to open back up and enjoy in the Spring. Any water has to be drained and blown out of lines and tanks. RV Antifreeze should be pumped into the entire cold and hot water system bypassing the water heater. And RV Antifreeze should be poured down each drain in sinks, shower, toilet, etc. Don't forget the outside shower. The water heater should be drained by opening the pressure relief valve and removing the plug at the bottom.

Even if you store your RV where you don't need to winterize, Fall is the best time to do a thorough clean, inspect, and repair of roof materials, vents, sealant everywhere, slideout seals and roofs, awnings, batteries, solar panels if you have them, flush tanks, flush water heater and change anode if necessary, cover wheels, wipers, and windows to protect against sun and weather damage. Test the furnace/heating systems. Change or clean filters on furnace returns and AC units if you have them. Close the valve or your propane tank or cylinders. And if you've been using your rig over the summer, this is the time to get that collection of small repairs and upgrades done that you've accumulated, but were too busy enjoying your camper to complete. Remove any food that may attract rodents, bugs, or other pests to make a home in your RV for the Winter. Turn off and block open your refrigerator.

Check the condition and DOT date on your tires (3023 = 30th week of 2023) and air them up to the appropriate pressure recommended by the vehicle manufacturer sticker or load chart you reference. If your tire tread is worn down, you see cracks in the treads or sidewalls, bumps in the tread or sidewalls, or if the DOT date is older than 5 years, consider replacing the tires so you don't end up stranded far from home. If you have a trailer or 5th wheel, remove each wheel and hub to examine brakes, bearings, and bearing races for lubrication and wear. If there isn't a LOT of grease or if it is dark and burned, clean and repack bearings with fresh, high temperature grease and reassemble. Assure a frictionless spin with the wheel on, but jacked up off the ground.

If you have an onboard generator and won't be running it for several months, fuel should be shut off and run out of the carburetor. Check and replace fuel and air filter if necessary and change the oil with a new filter so you are ready to fire it up next season without aging gas thwarting your plans.

Spring is another round of maintenance when you open up your camper and get it ready for that first trip of the year. Cover anything you didn't do in the fall list, but at a minimum, all the waterproofing, roof membrane, sealant, vents, etc. should be checked again and repaired or replaced if necessary. Check tire pressure and wear again before you head out. Turn on your propane and bleed air out of the lines by lighting your stove burners. Turn on and check operation of your refrigerator. Absorption style refrigerators may require 24 hours to get down to temperature.

Dewinterize by flushing your hot and cold water lines with fresh water to wash out antifreeze. Sanitize your fresh water tank and lines by mixing 1/4 cup of bleach to each 16 gallons of water. Pump the bleach water through all hot and cold lines till you smell the bleach and leave it sit for 4-8 hours before flushing it out. Install the plug/anode rod in your water heater and open the bypass valve. Clear air from the tank by opening a hot water valve. Test and verify water heater operation and that there are no leaks. Test your air conditioners once you have a warm day. They should put out air at about 20 degrees below the air temperature in the RV measurable with an instant read digital monitor.variety of sizes and styles to find the perfect fit for your next adventure.

Monitor your RV systems while you are traveling. Each fueling or overnight stop is an opportunity to spot check your tire pressure and temperature if you don't use a Tire Pressure Monitoring System. You can use an infrared thermometer "gun" to check each tire surface while gassing up. Don't forget toad or trailer tires! Also check trailer hub temp looking for early signs of bearing failure. Check that your lights are working on your Motorhome, tow vehicle, or trailer. Keep your eyes, nose, and ears alert to anything out of the ordinary during this walk around. And if you see something odd check it out. It won't go away if you ignore it ;-). Check fluids under the hood. Check that your house battery is at 12.7VDC before starting back up again to be sure you will have full house power when you get to your destination.