As with any vehicle, regular maintenance and systematic checking is critical to keeping your RV in good running order.
Fluids, Filters and Battery
A primary element of RV maintenance is regularly checking fluid levels, including engine oil, brake fluid, engine coolant, transmission fluid and power steering fluid. Make it part of your pre-trip routine to check these important fluids and top off any that are low. It's also a good idea to check these fluids on a monthly basis if you haven't used your RV lately or if it is in storage.
While you're at it, also check the battery to make sure it is free of corrosion and has an adequate water level (if it is not a maintenance-battery) and the air filter to make sure it's clean.
Fluids and filters should be regularly changed. Check your RV owner's manual for its maintenance requirements and schedule.
Exterior Inspection
As part of your pre-trip routine, also examine the RV's exterior. Inspect the body and roof of your RV for any separation or cracks. If you have a towable RV, inspect the hitch system for cracks, general wear or loose bolts.
Check the tire pressure while also looking for cracks, uneven wear and any objects stuck in the tire that could create a leak. Make sure the lug nuts are tight on both inner and outer wheels. And, don't forget the spare tire!
Look underneath the RV, taking a deep breath to see if you smell gasoline, diesel or LP gas. If you do, shut down all pilot lights and get professional help
Also check for leaking fluids. If you discover a leak, move the RV and check again, noting the color and location of the leak in relationship to the RV. Have a certified RV technician at a dealer or service center inspect the vehicle if there is a leak. Be sure to relay the information about the color of the leaking fluid and the location of the leak.
These are some helpful hints that any RVer, regardless of mechanical ability, can do to help maintain the vehicle and ensure that each trip starts out on the right note.
The vehicle's owners manual should provide more detailed information and maintenance schedules.
Servicing Your RV
Proper care and maintenance of your RV is the best way to keep it in good running order, save you money in the long run and prevent an untimely breakdown from spoiling a trip.
RV owners should follow the maintenance schedule recommended by the manu-facturer and have regularly scheduled maintenance and repairs done at an RV dealership or service center - no one understands RVs better.
Here are some tips to help select an RV dealership or service center and ensure that you have a quality service experience.
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Look for the red, white and blue Certified RV Technician sign, which indicates the dealership or service center employs RV technicians certified through an industry-sponsored program conducted by the Recreation Vehicle Industry Association (RVIA) and the Recreation Vehicle Dealer Association (RVDA), who are committed to customer satisfaction.
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Research the dealer or service center by talking to current customers to determine the quality of work and record of customer satisfaction. It's also a good idea to look for state, local or industry certifications, like the Certified RV Technician sign, throughout the shop.
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Read your owners manual and warranty so you'll know what to expect from your RV, what your responsibilities are and what systems and components are covered by whom.
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Request written estimates for all service work and ask for written notification for any additional repairs not covered in the original estimate. Also request that replaced parts be given to you for inspection.
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Let the service manager know immediately if you're not satisfied with repair or maintenance work performed on your RV.
It's important that you feel comfortable with the professionals you entrust to service your RV. With confidence comes the ability to communicate openly about your concerns and needs.
No matter how good future technology becomes, periodic inspection of your vehicle by a professional will never be obsolete. A checkup by an experienced RV service technician can be a real lifesaver and moneysaver.
Winterizing Your RV
WATER SYSTEMS
If the fresh water storage tank is located inside the coach, the normal heating of the coach during cold weather should be enough to insure its not freezing. In severe cold weather however, it is wise to monitor the water temperature in the tank, and take appropriate steps to drain and winterize if necessary. In severe cold it may be necessary to open lower cabinet doors at night in both the bath and kitchen areas to keep warmer air circulating around water fixtures.
If you are going to have to leave the coach unheated for any length of time in severe cold conditions, it is best not to keep water in the fresh tank. It may work best to carry cooking and drinking water with you in plastic jugs instead.
If you will be using you RV when conditions fall below the freezing level, it will be necessary to protect he drainage system components from damage by the addition of an approved antifreeze solution as outlined on the product directions. Drain lines which are exposed outside the RV are especially susceptible to freezing, and steps should be taken to protect them from damage.
FOOD STORAGE
In the event the RV is left for a period of time without the furnace in operation, canned goods and other foods packed in water should be stored as high as possible, since heat rises. They might also be stored in the refrigerator as insulation against the cold. Store dry foods and other items that are not damaged by freezing in the lower storage areas.
LP GAS SYSTEM
Make sure to use an LP gas that will vaporize properly in the colder temperatures. Check with your LP gas representative for the proper fuel, and reread the information on LP gas selection in the LP Gas section of the owner's manual.
HEATING
Use ONLY the furnace to heat the RV. It is properly vented to the outside. NEVER USE THE RANGE FOR HEATING – ASPHYXIATION COULD RESULT.
CONDENSATION
Cooking produces large amounts of moisture. Not just as steam from pots and pans, but also as a product of combustion. Make sure to use the exhaust vents and open a window slightly to control the humidity. At night, leave a roof vent and/or a window slightly open.
STORAGE PREPARATION
When storing your RV for winter (or other extreme conditions), certain precautions need to be made to protect it until you open it again for use. Make sure to talk with your local dealer concerning any special requirements for storage in your particular geographic area. The following steps are general, and your dealer can help you choose those that are most appropriate for your needs.
- Make sure to park the RV on a level surface.
- Make sure to winterize the chassis as outlined in the chassis owner's manual, and also the 110V generator (if so equipped) as outlined in the generator owner's manual.
- Clean the RV thoroughly, both inside and out, including the refrigerator.
- Make sure all electrical switches and appliances are turned off.
- Close all the drapes and curtains, and protect the curtains from sun fading by placing foil, or paper between the windows and screen.
- Make sure all windows, doors, and vents are closed securely. Cover exterior vents on appliances to prevent moisture and insects from entering during storage.
- Check the interior of the RV periodically while in storage to make sure leaks have not developed, or condensation formed that can cause damage to interior components. Condensation can most readily be observed as moisture accumulation on windows and mirrors. To reduce condensation, make sure to air the RV out occasionally during storage.
- Be sure that the battery has the proper electrolyte level and that it is fully charged (specific gravity of 1.260). A discharged battery will freeze and crack the case, ruining the battery. In storage, a battery will lose charge gradually over a 30 to 45 day period, even when disconnected by use of the battery disconnect switch. We recommend that at least monthly the batteries be checked for charge. If the charge is 80% (specific gravity of 1.235) or less, it must be recharged.
You may wish to remove the batteries from the RV and store them in a heated area. However, even when warm, the battery charge level must still be maintained. A warm battery accepts charge much more readily however, than a cold one.
Make sure to follow precautions associated with battery care and maintenance outlined in the electrical section of your owner's manual.
- If snow accumulates on the RV, try to remove it as often as you can.
- A primary concern when winterizing the RV is to make sure the water systems are protected against damage caused by freezing. These steps are general as a water system winterizing procedure. Please see your owner's manual and ask your dealer for instructions suitable to your geographic area.
If you intend to store your RV through periods of sub-freezing weather in an unheated environment, it will be necessary to winterize the water system. Damage to water system components will result if the proper winterization steps are not taken.
- Level the unit for good system drainage.
- Drain the waste water tanks.
- Turn the water pump switch off.
- Open all faucets, and the water heater drain.
- Open low point drains on the water lines.
- Drain the fresh water tank.
- When all lines are drained, close water tank valves, water heater drain, and low point drains on water lines.
- Fill the fresh water tank with a non-toxic antifreeze solution per the product directions.
- Turn on the water pump, and allow the winterizing solution to circulate and fill the system.
- Close each faucet as solution flows freely from it. This also includes the water line to the toilet.
- Turn off the water pump.
Be sure to read your owner's manual and follow any additional information on storage, cleaning, and winterizing procedures.
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