Owning a “Home on Wheels” or an RV is a big feat for any adventurous person or outdoor enthusiast. It allows you to venture deep into amazing landscapes and go on long journeys, while still having the comfort of your home. Many newbies assume that RVs require only the same maintenance as cars, like engine care, tire care, etc.
However, RVs are not driven like most cars. They have to tank a lot of wear and tear outdoors and indoors. The extreme weather, the moisture indoors, and the mechanical components all require maintenance. So in this blog, we will highlight some essential RV care tips to ensure that your home on wheels has a long life, enough for you to make your best adventures on.
Clean Your RV Regularly
Sometimes the most beautiful destinations have the ugliest and dirtiest routes. This can cause the RV to get covered in dirt. Also if you have ever had a family trip you may know that the Interior takes a beating too. Before and after every trip, you should clean the RV to ensure its longevity. You should consider the best RV detailing services to get a thorough interior and exterior detail.
If you do not clean the exterior properly and moisture gets trapped in some cavity of accumulated dirt, it can cause serious problems. Additionally, make sure to wash the roof and undercarriage properly to protect the interior and the mechanics of the vehicle. Interiors require an initial vacuuming and dusting to rid the RV of any dirt or allergens. A good detailing service will provide special attention to carpets, upholstery, and hard-to-reach spaces.
Lookout For Fiberglass Repairs
Fiberglass is a light and durable material used in RV construction. Even though it is durable but order to keep the RV lightweight, some panels may suffer from eventual chipping, cracking, and delamination. A break in fiberglass if not administered can result in the crack spreading wider open. This will result in a complete panel replacement, which can become very expensive very quickly.
After returning from a trip, give your RV a proper visual inspection to find fiberglass damage. Since there is only so much the fiberglass can endure before becoming prone to repairs, like the sun, wind, rain, and hail. Look for cracks, chips, or any areas where the fiberglass seems to be bubbling. It may seem justifiable to use a DIY kit to repair any small damage. But, remember you run the risk of making the damage worse. So, if you are a complete newbie at repairs don’t start at something which could get a lot worse if not done by experts.
Contact industry-leading RV fiberglass experts and get their opinion and a quote. Many newbies cannot detect the problem of fiberglass delamination. They just fixed the opening not realizing that there had been water intrusion. This then causes a whole different series of problems like leaking, short circuits, and decay of the paneling.
RV Roof Maintenance
The phrase home on wheels has led to the reputation that your RV is just as strong as the house you live in. However, that is far from the truth. A cemented roof is much more durable than an RV roof. RV roofs have to handle constant wind pressure, heat from sun rays, hail, rainstorms, and so much more occasional debris that they come into contact with.
Roof damage can cause serious problems especially if it accumulates over multiple trips. There can be a lot of water damage and leaking issues. Moreover, many unwanted debris and even small animals may be able to enter the RV.
There are many RV mobile roofing services available that you can choose from to prevent these issues. The professionals repair any major holes and damages. Also if you are just worried that the seals are worn out and water may be able to seep in, the services include replacement with fresh sealants that can last up to 2 years comfortably.
Keep Check and Maintain the Mechanics
At the end of the day, an RV is just another vehicle, with an engine, tires, and lots of parts that require maintenance. To make sure that your vehicle runs in pristine condition make sure to take proper care of the engine. Even in winter when the RV is stored, it is a good idea to take it out for a short spin every week. Making sure all the fluids circulate and lubricate all parts of the engine will help to maintain its performance. Maintain the wet batteries by replacing water in wet batteries and storing them away. That is if you plan on keeping the RV unused for a long period.
Tire Maintenance involves checking for wear and tear in tires. Always check for any punctures and make sure your vehicle always has proper tire pressure by using a tire pressure monitoring system. This will ensure your vehicle is ready for the next trip. Mechanical hinges may be prone to rusting up if you plan on storing them throughout the winter. It is hence a good practice to consistently lubricate all hinges and other moving parts to prevent creaking in the future. Other fluids should also be monitored and changed preferably before a trip. Make sure to top up fluids such as oil, coolant, transmission, wiper, and brake fluids. This helps to avoid any inconvenience during the trip or after.
Conclusion
Life is pretty stale without adventures. RV maintenance doesn’t have to be a scary thing that stops you from having new experiences. If you read carefully you may have just realized, that most maintenance is either pre-trip or post-trip. You can handle small engine maintenance yourself, but for bigger repairs, professionals are just one call away. It is always best to leave the larger repairs to the experts in the field. All you have to do is pack your bags, enjoy your trip, and have a good set of eyes to spot any problems before they become a more major inconvenience. And in case of said inconvenience don’t hesitate to contact our experts in RV detailing services, fiberglass repair, and mobile roofing services. Happy travels!