Useful Maintenance Tips That Every RV Owner Must Know About

You just spent a lot of money on your RV, and now it's time to maintain it to get the most out of your investment. Doing so is not as difficult as maintaining a car, but there are still some basic steps that you need to take to keep your vehicle looking shiny and new. In this blog post, you will learn about some helpful maintenance tricks that every RV owner must know about!

Switch Out Your Power Inverter 

Usually, the inverter your RV will come with is weaker than it should be, and you need to do something about it to keep this vehicle in good shape for a longer time. Most mechanics will suggest that you get 12v power inverters for your van because they are most familiar with it. You can also opt for switching out your inverter to something that can handle the electrical load of an RV because it has a unique power output and current requirements.  

Plus, doing this means that you don't have to worry about having enough energy if there's a problem at night away from home! Check out the different types of power inverters, and make sure to find one that can handle your RV's needs. You'll be glad you did!

Keep All Fluid Levels In Check 

Just like any other vehicle, keeping all the fluid levels in check is an important part of RV maintenance. Checking and topping off fluids regularly will help keep your RV running smoothly and prevent significant problems down the road. 

The most important fluids to monitor are the following: 

• engine oil
• transmission fluid
• power steering fluid
• brake fluid
• anti-freeze 
• gasoline 
• windshield washer fluid
• coolant

It's a good idea to check these fluids at least once a month (more often if you're doing a lot of driving). 

If any of these are low or need to be replaced, don't try to do it yourself, but take your RV to a mechanic instead. Trying to fix something on your own can end up costing you more time and money in the long run. By keeping all the fluid levels in check, you can avoid costly repairs and keep your RV running like new.

It's essential for safety and optimal performance to maintain your RV correctly. By following these tips, you can ensure that your RV stays in good condition for years to come.

Empty And Clean The Holding Tanks 

Your holding tanks will be filled with waste at the end of your trip, and this will need to be emptied before you can go back on the road, so emptying and cleaning them is a must. 

To empty your tanks, locate both valves outside next to connected with hoses. The black water tank empties through the larger valve, while the gray water empties through the smaller one. Open these valves and let all of your waste drain out onto a nearby surface, such as grass or dirt. 

Now that they are emptied, you can start emptying each tank separately by opening up the valve at the bottom of the tanks where they connect to their respective hoses. You may need to use some tool for this, so be sure not to stick your hands inside! Once opened fully, any remaining liquid will flow into a sewage disposal facility if one is available nearby. Otherwise, it will run off into an area like a park or gas station parking lot, depending on what state you're in. 

If emptying water from either side doesn't work, try using chemicals with enzymes that break down waste and deodorize the tanks. You can also try using a liquid or gel biocide, which will kill any bacteria that may be present inside your holding tank, but keep in mind this is not recommended if you're emptying into a sewage disposal facility because it could clog up their system.

Lubricate All Moving Parts 

Every single moving part in your RV needs lubrication. Things like the water hose, electrical connections, and sewer hoses should be lubricated often to keep them from wearing out prematurely. 

You can use a dry lubricant such as graphite for this purpose, or you could also spray some WD-40 onto these moving parts (make sure that it's not flammable). Don't forget about sliding doors and drawer tracks while applying lubricants either; they need special attention too!  

When you're done lubricating all of the above items, then move on to lubricate anything else that is metal and moves: jacks, stabilizers, and slides, among other things. 

Take Special Care Of The Tires

You will be driving on all kinds of terrains with your RV, so you must take special care of the tires. Check the pressure and condition of the tires before every trip, and make sure that there is enough tread on them to handle different surfaces.

If you're not comfortable checking the tire pressure or changing a tire, take your RV to a professional for service. They will be able to do it quickly and safely so that you can get back on the road in no time!

Without this, it's pretty dangerous to drive an RV on all kinds of terrains. Additionally, taking it to a service center will be much more convenient than doing the tire maintenance yourself!

Clean It After Every Nature Trip 

It is essential that you clean your RV after every nature trip. This may seem like a lot of work, but it is well worth it in the long run. Not only will cleaning your RV help to protect its exterior from damage, but it will also keep it looking new and fresh. 

Don't forget about the interior as well! Make sure to clean all of the surfaces and vacuum the carpets. This will help to get rid of any dirt, dust, or leaves that may have accumulated during your trip. 

Cleaning your RV can seem like a lot of work, but it is worth it in the end. By taking care of your RV, you'll be able to enjoy it for many years to come!

Your RV should be looked at as a valuable asset, and you should treat it that way by switching out the power inverters for stronger ones. Keep all fluids in check and always empty and clean the holding tanks. Every moving part needs to be lubricated, and the tires need more attention because of the terrain you'll be driving the vehicle on. Finally, after every nature trip, you must clean it from top to bottom to stay in good shape. Enjoy every future trip with these tips!