5 RV Maintenance Tips That Can Help You Save Money on Repairs
An RV is a big investment. Taking to the road in what is essentially a house on wheels is the perfect choice for road trips and even as an alternative means of retirement living. However, with big investments can come big surprises. One such surprise that can sneak up on RV owners is the cost of repairs to their beloved vehicle.
It's a fact that regular maintenance is more convenient and less expensive than unexpected repairs. RVs have lots that can go wrong, and if owners fail to take care of their vehicle, they can be left footing a massive repair bill and an RV that they're unable to drive.
Thankfully, we've put together this short guide to provide RV owners with a checklist that will help them to ensure they avoid any unpleasant surprises down the line while also keeping their RV operating as if it were as good as new.
The following five points can help save owners from premature damages to their RV and help keep the costs associated with running such a vehicle as low as possible.
1. Run the Generator at Least Once a Month
An RV generator can cost thousands of dollars to replace. As such, owners should make sure they keep theirs running as smoothly as possible. Running the generator even when the vehicle won't be used is essential as it helps to keep fuel from congealing in the generator.
When running your generator, try to turn on things such as the air conditioner to make sure it's running at a high enough load capacity. Also, don't forget to regularly change your generator's oil, filters and fluid as frequently as is recommended by the manufacturer.
2. Inspect the Roof
As the roof of an RV is often out of sight, it's easy to overlook any problems and not notice them until it's too late, resulting in an expensive leak to fix. Adding additional protection to an RV roof is easy with the use of Liquid Rubber RV Roof Coating.
An application of this RV sealant tape can help save owners a lot of money in both the short- and long-term by extending the lifespan of the vehicle's roof and helping the interior stay safe from the elements for many years to come. A topcoat for your RV is one of the best ways in which to protect your vehicle's roof. It's easier than you may think, and we've put together a handy guide and accompanying video to help talk you through the entire process from start to finish.
3. Check for Pests
Even smaller RVs can have nooks and crannies that are overlooked during cleaning. It's important to check all entryways for debris and also potential nesting areas. Set aside one day a month to run the generator and check all areas of the vehicle.
There's no such thing as being too cautious when it comes to RV ownership. By checking all areas of the vehicle, owners can help to prevent serious damage caused by unwanted critters making a home in their RV.
4. Ensure Climate-Control is in Good Condition
One of the most important aspects of comfort in an RV is its heating and cooling system. Vacuuming and cleaning the vents can help to extend the life of the system and prevent the need for costly repairs and replacements that arise from a lack of maintenance.
A good idea is to have the entire system cleaned by professionals at least once per year. Having an expert clean your heating and cooling system is the best option as it ensures the best quality deep clean. An expert is far less likely to miss any important areas.
5. Examine Your Engine
It's vital to know how to take care of your RV's engine. If you're in a rural location and something goes wrong, it's important to know how to rectify it. If you're not mechanically minded, have a mechanic look over your engine on a regular basis.
How often you visit a mechanic will, of course, vary based on the mileage your RV does, but at least once or twice a year is a good bet.
Why You Should Always Maintain Your RV
Some RV owners may avoid regular maintenance because of the associated cost. However, this is unwise as the eventual repairs will be much more costly than regular maintenance. Not only does regular maintenance help reduce the risk of costly damage, but it also reduces the chance that your RV gets damaged while you're out of town or in a rural location.
If you notice that your RV is damaged before you leave home, that wouldn't be too bad, but if you're 1,000 miles away from home in a rural national park, that's a different story altogether. The chance to save money and avoid inconvenience is why all RV owners should regularly maintain their vehicles.
The Benefits of a Well-Maintained RV
There are so many benefits of a well-maintained RV that owners really should take care of their pride and joy. Enhanced comfort and improved quality of living are both by-products of a well-maintained RV and will help you to create as many happy memories as possible while enjoying all your RV and the open road have to offer.
