RV Maintenance Tips for Camping Season

With summer fast approaching, it is time for RV owners to start thinking about getting their campers out of winter storage and getting it ready for your next outdoor excursion. While vacationing in your recreational vehicle can be a lot of fun, that fun can be quickly stopped by mechanical problems. Just like any other motorized vehicle, RVs take a great amount of care and maintenance to keep them running at peak performance. Here are some tips for properly de-winterizing and running a maintenance check on your RV.

• Change Oil – Just like any motorized vehicle, your engine’s oil keeps your RV running smoothly. If left unchanged, this could lead to full engine failure which can cost upwards of $10,000 or more. While the rule of thumb is to change your oil every 3,000 to 4,500 miles, check your RV’s owner’s manual for the recommended intervals.

• Flush Water System – If your RV was properly winterized, your water system probably is full of antifreeze to prevent it from freezing. To make your water system pure again, attach a hose to the RV’s water hookup and flush the system with clean water. Turn on all of the faucets and keep running the water until it appears clean. Flush the toilet to clear the sewer lines as well. You will also want to sanitize your water tank to ensure it is safe to use. Mix a quarter cup of bleach for every fifteen gallons of water your tank holds into your fresh water tank. Let this sit for twelve hours before flushing again. Drain your fresh water tank, refill and run until you no longer smell bleach.

• Check Batteries – If not properly cared for, batteries can lose charge over the winter due to internal leakage. If not tendered, batteries discharged up to 10% per month. Test the charge of your battery and check all contact points for corrosion. RV batteries typically last 3-5 years so make sure to replace your battery after its life cycle is complete.

• Service Engine & Generator – Check fluid levels in your generator and see if they need to be refilled. Check the exhaust system for any damage prior to starting your RV. Never try to start an RV with a damaged exhaust system or it could lead to extremely costly repairs. Check your owner’s manual to see how often your engine and generator need to be professionally services. Regularly servicing your RV is very important if you want to save on repair costs. Replacing the generator alone can run you over $9,000.

• Check Tire Pressure – Your RV can lose 2-3 PSI of air pressure per month when in storage. See what your owner’s manual says the recommended tire pressure should be. Check the tire pressure and refill accordingly. Also check for loose lug nuts before driving your RV.

Caring for any RV can be a difficult task without the help of professionals. If you need to consult with RV experts, look no further than GK’s Custom Polishing. We are Cleveland’s experts in RV detailing and storage. Give us a call at (440) 937-4457 for any questions about taking care of your RV.