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Author: Caleb Summeril
Here are some tips to prolong the life of your RV, inside and out will keep your investment safe. Any RV is an investment. Just like other major purchases, you want to see this investment last and grow as long as possible. It is pretty easy to ensure you get the most bang for your buck out of a mobile home and keep it in excellent working and living condition for years with some general considerations in mind. Neglect your rig and it can quickly deteriorate and slip into disrepair, making the cash you dished out for it slip away as easy as you spent it.
Cover it Up
If you are lucky enough to be on the road full time, this advice might be harder to adhere to. For most of us RV owners, however, chances are your rig is going to spend a lot of time sitting static while you prepare and plan for the next adventure. Covering you RV is crucial in preventing damage from powerful UV rays from the sun and exposure from other elements. Fully exposed conditions can cause the roof, walls, seals and tires to wear and age at a rapid rate. Dry rot and other forms of wear and tear can occur pretty quickly when left to the elements and covering the RV is an easy option to provide a protective barrier between your investment and the powers of mother nature. A large garage, barn or awning that keeps the sun and weather away from your RV is ideal but if you don’t have that luxury, don’t worry. Many different RV covers are available and are highly recommended to keep away the sun, rain, snow and wind. These covers can be a bit pricey but are more than worth it to prevent early aging of your RV.
Related Read: Selecting the Right RV Cover for Winter
Regular Maintenance – Follow the Schedule
Another necessity when it comes to prolonging the life of your RV is taking care of all routine maintenance and tackling larger engine/motor upkeep at scheduled intervals. Change the oil every 3,000-5,000 miles. Replace filters, hoses and wires as needed. Change fluids as they are scheduled or when needed. This might make it seem like you are constantly working on the RV but taking care of the little things before they turn into larger issues is what prevention is all about. A neglected issue that could have been easily taken care of at home can turn into a major issue when you are on the road somewhere far, far away without access to proper services and assistance. Have a mechanic check out the RV before any major trip to diagnose anything that needs immediate attention and always be sure to take their advice in earnest.
Maintenance extends to the interior aspects of your RV, as well. You will want to inspect all of your major appliances and housing systems to make sure they are in proper working condition. While the engine keeps you rolling down the road, all the appliances and modern niceties inside your rig make it feel like a home and not just a vehicle. Inspect your plumbing system for leaks and proper function. Test out your stove, shower, microwave, oven, electronics, air conditioning and anything else you have set up and want to function out on the road. Issues with these interior appliances are often easy to fix at home but become exponentially difficult out on the road. Having these serviced and inspected by yourself or a qualified repair technician or serviceman while still in the driveway will allow you peace of mind in knowing you’ll be able to make delicious home cooked meals or take a nice hot shower followed by your favorite movie wherever you may roam.
Keep it Clean
Keeping the exterior of your RV clean is essential in extending the look and appearance for years of pride in ownership. Make it a habit to wash the exterior with warm water and a mild soap after every trip. Many carwashes can handle a vehicle as big as an RV, making them an easy option to drive through when you’re close to home. A quick rinse will get off dirt, grime, bugs and any other road muck that has stuck to the vehicle after miles and miles of use. If you drive in winter, it is especially important to keep up on cleaning your RV as many chemicals and salts used to get ice and snow off of highways and roads can quickly damage or fade the paint on your RV. There are many different options available for a good soap but choose one that is gentle and effective to really prolong the life of the appearance. You may also want to invest in a pressure washer so you can wash up in your driveway, whenever is convenient. Many of these are portable enough to bring along on the road, if desired.
Same advice goes for the interior, minus the pressure washing, of course. Treat your RV like you would your home. Sweep and clean the floors often to prevent dust and dirt buildup. Shake out and vacuum rugs and carpets. Clean out the oven and fridge from time to time. The interior won’t fade and age as quickly as the exterior but the better you treat it, the longer you will be able to enjoy it.
Related Read: Washing the RV- Know Your Options
Get Things Rolling!
One last tip that seems obvious and does indeed help to prolong the life of your rig is to get it up and running and out on the road! Using the engine helps to lubricate and break in all of the driving systems to function properly. The wind and moving air across the interior will help to freshen things up while drying any potential mold or wet spots. Your RV was designed to move, so get it rolling. Don’t just let it sit in a driveway or in storage. Movement will make your RV truly shine inside and out. Plus, that’s what we are all in it for, anyways!
Related Tags
Cleaning, Exterior, RV Repairs / Maintenance / Upgrades, RV Tips
Contact us for Guest Guide, Advertising & Listing Inquiries
contactus@rvingusa.com or Call: 800-832-3292
3.15.175.233