Costing $50,000 to $150,000, your destination trailer is a significant investment that requires proper care to stay in good shape. These fancy recreational vehicles give you all the comforts of home for seasonal living, but their complex systems need more attention than regular travel trailers. Take good care of yours with regular maintenance, and it’ll serve you well for years while retaining its value.

What Makes Destination Trailers Different?

Destination trailers are huge compared to typical travel trailers, measuring as much as 400 square feet with ceilings as high as 8 feet, making them feel like actual homes rather than temporary shelters. They’re also heavy. Most weigh about 10,000 pounds, with some tipping the scales at 14,000 pounds, so you’ll need at least a 3/4-ton truck to tow one safely.

Inside, you’ll find appliances just like the ones in your house, including full-sized refrigerators, dishwashers, washer/dryer combinations, and regular household microwaves that need different care than the mini versions in smaller RVs. These trailers also have multiple slide-outs, bay windows, sliding glass doors, and full kitchens with islands, all adding extra maintenance needs you won’t find in basic campers.

Water systems, electrical setups, and heating, venting, and air conditioning (HVAC) units in these trailers are much bigger and more complicated than in weekend campers. Since owners use them for months at a time instead of quick trips, all components experience continuous use. This constant use means you’ll need to check everything regularly and fix small problems before they turn into expensive ones.

Seasonal Inspections To Schedule Every Year

Regular inspections can help prevent long-term problems. Check the roof quarterly, especially after bad weather, for cracks, tears, soft spots, or puddles. Roof fixes can cost over $1,000, so early detection beats expensive surprises.

Slide-outs need extra attention since they’re always moving. Check seals for cracks or separation, and run each slide while listening for odd noises or jerky movement. Inspect from both sides for water damage or loose parts.

Check skirting, plumbing, and window seals for damage or leaks. Before trips, inspect tires for wear and proper pressure. Test all lights, brakes, and hitch condition. Regular upkeep prevents common RV problems that wreck plans and incur significant costs.

Interior Care: Appliances, HVAC, and Mold Prevention

You should clean fridge coils every three to six months to keep the fridge running cool and efficiently. Ensure air can flow around the unit, or it’ll overheat. Check door seals often, and if they don’t close tightly, wipe them with mild soap. Your jumbo fridge works harder than smaller RV models, so don’t skimp on maintenance.

HVAC care is essential in trailers used for long stays. Replace air filters monthly in summer and at season start/end to ensure clean air, and maintain air conditioning coils annually. Clean vents and ducts monthly to prevent clogged airflow from breeding bacteria and mold.

Moisture can be a problem in these big trailers, especially when you’re living in them for weeks or months. Run the exhaust fans and open windows in fine weather, and keep dehumidifiers going to fight mold and mildew. When storing your rig, remove fabrics if possible, leave cabinets open for air circulation, and scatter moisture absorbers throughout the vehicle. Wipe down wet spots daily during use, and dry everything thoroughly before storage.

Roof and Exterior Maintenance

Knowing what’s on your roof helps you care for it properly. An EPDM rubber roof lasts more than 10 years if you clean it twice yearly with rubber-roof protectant to stop cracking from sun damage. TPO roofs last 10 to 15 years but need cleaning every three months with mild RV soap. Regular waxing also protects them from sun damage. Fiberglass roofs stay watertight for more than 15 years if you rinse them monthly and polish/wax them twice a year.

Aluminum roofs will last over 20 years if you sweep off debris and apply protective wax regularly. PVC roofs can last up to 20 years with twice-yearly cleaning and UV protectant spray. Each material needs specific products and cleaning methods, so figure out what you’ve got before you start scrubbing, or you might void warranties or cause damage.

Wash the exterior sidewalls regularly, protect rubber seals on windows and doors, and take good care of awnings and outdoor gear. Properly maintained awnings can last 15 years if you clean them regularly, fix tiny tears right away, and roll them up in strong winds. Regular washing with RV-safe soap stops the buildup of road gunk, tree sap, and pollution that can permanently stain or damage surfaces over time.

Plumbing and Water System Upkeep

Complex water systems need constant attention, with plumbing problems responsible for about 20% of all RV repairs. Dump black and gray tanks every three to five days or when 50% to 75% full. Dump black first, then gray to rinse the hose, and add treatments after each dump.

Clean fresh water systems with diluted bleach or vinegar at least once per season for occasional users and more often for full-time occupation. Examine your water pump for leaks and test the pressure switch. You should also flush water heaters yearly and check anode rods in tank models. Finally, check hoses and fittings regularly since these trailers experience heavy use.

It’s important to winterize properly, or you may face significant costs resulting from freeze damage. In the spring, follow proper de-winterizing steps for a trouble-free start to your travels.

Electrical Systems and Battery Health

Dual-voltage setups and power-hungry appliances pose electrical challenges. Electrical problems cause about 25% of RV breakdowns, so surge protection isn’t optional. Damage can exceed $3,000 plus labor, including air conditioner boards ($300 to $500), fridge circuits ($500 to $800), and converter systems ($250 to $600).

Use 2,000+ joule ratings for 30-amp systems and 3,000+ for 50-amp rigs, and replace protectors after major power events.

Check battery water monthly in lead-acid types, clean terminals, and test capacity yearly. Clean solar panels regularly and check connections for corrosion. Follow generator maintenance schedules for oil changes and filters to keep backup power ready.

Protecting Your Investment During Off-Season Storage

Proper storage protects against weather, rodents, and deterioration. Seal entry points with foam, screens, and steel wool, remove all food, and store supplies in airtight containers.

Natural deterrents work well. Sprinkle cayenne pepper, vinegar, peppermint oil, bay leaves, or coffee grounds around. Electronic repellents also help. Keep things clean so mice can’t nest, and you’ll spot problems quickly.

Before storing your RV, winterize plumbing, shut down appliances, and control humidity. Keep tires inflated, covered, and supported with blocks. Follow complete storage tips for moisture control and security until next season.

Maximize Your Destination Trailer’s Life Span and Value

Regular maintenance protects your investment and prevents expensive repairs.

Learning what premium RV ownership involves can help you decide what to tackle yourself versus when to consult a professional.

Drop by Cheyenne Camping Center for expert advice, quality maintenance supplies, and professional service, and protect your investment for many happy camping years ahead.