Simple Tips for Helping Keep Your RV Running Smoothly.

Paying attention to common sense general maintenance issues now lets you get ahead of likely repairs before they become costly, unplanned hassles later. Spending a little time now, before you hit the road, will pay off with hassle-free travel and a vacation that's smooth and relaxing instead of dealing with unplanned breakdowns and unscheduled repairs.

1) REGULAR ROOF & SEALING INSPECTION

When it rains, it pours, and that's definitely NOT something you can live with out on the road.

Make a habit of inspecting your roof and other sealed areas where water and weatherproofing is important on a regular basis, paying special attention to areas around seams, skylights, windows, doors, exhaust ports and A/C units. Keeping everything water and airtight with a high-quality UV / RV rated sealant and caulk will keep the elements out and your heating and air conditioning in - all while avoiding costly repairs.

And be sure to inspect your roof and other sealed areas after any extreme weather event such as hail, ice storms or heavy rain. Extreme weather or even wide swings in temperature can damage or stress vulnerable areas of your roof and sealed areas around windows, doors and access areas.

2) TIRE MAINTENANCE

Use the same logic and care with your RV as you do with your family car.... check tires for tire pressure (when cold), wear and other anomalies like bulges or cracks.

Always use a good quality tire-pressure gauge and remember that keeping your tires in top shape not only increases gas mileage and reduces the chance of breakdowns but is also the easiest safety measure you can take to protect you and your family while traveling on the road.

3) BATTERY CHECK

Having a faulty battery while your traveling in an RV is like a power outage at home - nothing works, so a little attention beforehand goes a long way to having a trouble-free trip.

Inspect your battery for loose connections, corrosion and charge, using a high-quality voltage meter. Clean terminals using a scrub brush, baking soda and water, tighten connections and remember "when in doubt throw it out".

4) PLUMBING INSPECTION

Plumbing issues can be one of the hardest RV problems to spot. Oftentimes leaks under sinks, fixtures and in tanks, hoses and in lines and connections - often running behind closed spaces - can go undetected for long periods of time before water damage becomes noticeable. By then the damage can be more extensive than you realize.

Take extra time to examine, locate and isolate any suspected water damage. Look for signs of water discoloration, dampness, drips or pooling. Even an area that is too hot or cold to the touch, or feels damp, can be a tip-off that a major problem is happening out of sight.

Remember to USE YOUR NOSE! An area that smells moldy or mildewy does so for a reason!

Don't be afraid to get into places where you have to bend and stretch with a flashlight - the savings could be huge!

5) AWNINGS, SLIDE-OUTS INSPECTION

Awnings and slide outs expand the living and entertainment potential of your RV, and it's important to keep them clean and well maintained for proper use and optimal functionality.

Start with a good cleaning using household soap, water and cleaning products. Test operations and inspect for any wear or corrosion. Be sure to lubricate all gears, tracks and rollers, and make sure everything is dry before retracting and storing.

6) LIGHTING, ELECTRICAL, HVAC & APPLIANCE TESTING

Before hitting the road, it is always wise to perform a thorough test and inspection of all systems and components. Start simple: make sure all of the lights and appliance are working and in good order. Expand your list to inspecting all of the exposed wiring and then test run the heat and A/C unit. Avoid unpleasant surprises by testing, replacing and repairing as needed before you leave.

Remember, a little time and effort preparing for your trip by performing simple inspections, testing, maintenance and repairs pays off in trouble-free traveling.