10 RV Maintenance Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid RV mishaps: Check seals, manage fridge load, cover roofs, inspect for water damage, and use RV-safe toilet paper. Happy camping!
RV camping is truly a fun experience for the whole family. But sometimes, no matter how much we prepare, mishaps can happen – resulting in big troubles and costly repairs. There are things you learn the hard way, that’s for sure. After all, RVs are large vehicles with lots of complex systems. Nonetheless, some mistakes can be avoided. Here they are:
1. Not checking the seals and weather-stripping around your windows.
If you have drafty windows or doors, it’s likely that weather-stripping is required. It’s a relatively inexpensive job that you can do on your own. Self-adhesive weather stripping is the easiest to apply. Proper insulation will keep your RV cool in warmer months and warm in cooler months.
2. Using your RV refrigerator like the one in your kitchen.
RV refrigerators use a different cooling method than the standard home fridge. It is not designed for cooling lots of items. Don’t pack your RV refrigerators completely full. It works best when there’s some empty space for air to circulate. Consider pre-cooling or buying cold drinks before putting them in the fridge. This way, your RV fridge will not have to work harder to serve its purpose. RV refrigerators also need to be level to operate. Don’t park on a steep incline as this can cause permanent damage to your fridge.
3. Not covering your roof when parked.
Whether you’re camping in summer or a cold winter day, it’s important to cover your roof when parked. Most RVs are constructed with lightweight materials, particularly the materials used in the roof. Making use of a waterproof tarp cover is an easy, inexpensive way to protect your roof against heavy rain and snow or even extreme sunlight.
4. Not carefully checking for water damage
Not only can it damage your vehicle interior, but water leaks can also severely ruin your machine. Conduct a thorough check before and after the camping season. With many cracks, seams, and moving parts, water damage is seriously a big deal for every RV owner.
5. Not going over your safety checklist before any trip.
Are the stairs folded up? Is the antenna down? Are the windows and vents closed? Are the scissor jacks retracted? Have you checked the oil, fuel and propane levels? How about the interior/exterior lights, generator, air filter, transmission fluids, etc.? While it may take some time, doing an inspection prior to your trip is important to ensure that your RV is in its best condition. You don’t want to notice problems when it’s already too late.