Getting an RV and using it to explore remote natural locations can give you a unique sense of freedom. But with freedom comes responsibility, as they say, which in this case means that you’ll have to take good care of your RV all year round if you want to enjoy hassle-free trips.
Taking the time to perform some routine seasonal tasks will help make your journeys safer and keep your RV up and running for many years to come. It can also save you some money, as you’ll be avoiding any expensive repairs that may occur if you don’t take proper care of it. Feel free to use his RV maintenance checklist by season as your guide to keeping yours in excellent shape.
Spring RV Maintenance
Post-winter maintenance may be the most important part of your seasonal RV upkeep, as you’re preparing it to go back on the road after months of being stationary. Here are some spring RV maintenance tips that you can follow to get yours ready for adventure:
De-Winterizing Your RV
Preparing your RV for the harsh winter is essential, but undoing what you did last fall is also important. You can start by flushing the anti-freeze from your RV’s water lines with fresh water. You also need to re-connect your water heater, which is usually just a matter of turning a few valves back on. Complete your de-winterization by inspecting every part of your RV to see how they held up during the winter, including the air-conditioning and heating systems, electric system, and LP gas levels.
Checking Tires and Brakes
Now it’s time to see if your RV is ready to safely hit the road. Perform a visual inspection of its tires, to make sure none of them is deflated. You may also want to use a tire pressure gauge, to be absolutely sure they’re properly inflated. You should also clean and lubricate the brakes and test them at a low speed to see if they work properly.
Inspecting Seals and Roofs
The final part of your spring RV maintenance checklist is making sure that your RV is properly sealed. Look out for any sign of a leak that may have occurred at some point during the winter. If you notice any faulty seals or any other leak source, make sure to have it fixed before hitting the road.
Summer RV Maintenance
By summertime you’ve likely gone on a few trips in your RV, so most essential functions are probably working as they should. This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t prepare for the hot season, though, as you definitely don’t want to tackle any technical issues in scorching hot weather.
Cooling System Checks
Having a faulty air conditioning unit can make life harder on the road in the summer months. Make sure to include a cooling system check as part of your summer RV preparation checklist. Start by checking the air filters. Clean them if they’re dirty or replace them if they’re damaged.
Then, get on the roof and make sure the AC’s condenser coils are clean and in good condition. You’ll find them under the condenser cover, near the back of the RV. Also, watch your step up there. You can then turn the system on and see if it can keep a cool temperature throughout the cabin.
Exterior Cleaning and Inspection
It’s important to maintain your RV’s exterior for its looks and durability. Regular cleaning and inspection also catch potential problems early. Check the entire exterior for damage and focus on vulnerable areas like the roof and windows. Seal inspections are crucial for leak prevention. Monitor tire condition, wheel wells, awning and accessories for any issues.
Battery Maintenance
Proper battery maintenance enhances your safety and improves the overall performance of your RV. Check its voltage and make sure it’s fully charged. You can also clean its terminals to prevent corrosion.
Fall RV Maintenance
As the season winds down, it’s time to prepare your RV for the cold winter months. Here’s what you can do in the autumn:
Preparing for Storage
The work you put in now will save you time and money next spring. Prepare your RV for storage by taking out any perishable items, as they may attract mice and other creatures during the winter. Clean both its exterior and interior to limit corrosion and other forms of wear and tear.
Winterizing the Plumbing System
This is essential for ensuring you won’t have to deal with damage caused by frozen pipes. The main steps you can take are:
- Remove your RV’s water filters.
- Flush both your black and grey tanks.
- Flush all the water in the heater tank.
- Leave all faucets running for about 15 minutes and remove drain plugs.
- Bypass the water heater, either with the RV’s own bypass system or by buying and installing one.
- Fill your system with antifreeze.
- Turn all faucets on and flush all toilets until you see the antifreeze’s pinkish color in them.
Winter RV Maintenance
There are also many things you can do in the wintertime to keep your RV in good condition.
Indoor Storage Tips
Consider these tips if you’re planning on storing your RV indoors:
- Cover all entry points for insects and rodents.
- Remove its battery to prevent it from discharging over the winter months.
- Check it every few weeks for any leaks, odors, or other potential issues.
Using RV Covers
If you’re going to leave your RV outside for the winter, getting a cover may help prevent any damage. It can do so by keeping it away from potential damage caused by UV rays, water, snow, ice, and even bird droppings. Just make sure you find a cover that matches your RV’s shape and size.
Off-Season Upgrades and Repairs
You can use the winter months to do things you’ve been putting off, such as repairing or upgrading various parts of your RV. This could mean anything from fixing a drawer to installing new devices, such as solar panels or a backup camera.
Find Your Next RV at Cheyenne Camping Center
Here at Cheyenne Camping Center, we make it a point to inform all our customers regarding the things they can do to keep their RVs up and running for a long time. If you’re looking for a new RV or simply want professional maintenance service and advice on your current one, don’t hesitate to come visit us. You can contact us to schedule a visit or simply stop by when you can.
RV Trailer by Reza Rostampisheh is licensed with Unsplash License