Proactive Measures for Prolonging the Life of Your RV

An RV is much like a house on wheels. It’s a holiday home that facilitates exploration which can give you years of enjoyment for the whole family. Much like a home, your RV will need certain maintenance procedures to prolong its lifespan, giving you many additional years of comfort and freedom.

Being proactive when it comes to maintenance is the best way to ensure that your RV will never let you down. In this blog, we will discuss how to extend the lifespan of your RV with preventative maintenance so that your vehicle will continue to serve you for years to come.

Exterior maintenance

In this regard, you should take care of your RV much like a regular vehicle. Exterior finishes are made to withstand heat and cold, but they are best served by being protected in the harsher seasons when you aren't using your RV to travel. Something as simple as covering your RV with protective materials or in an enclosed garage can preserve the paintwork for additional years as compared to those that remain uncovered in harsh temperatures. Regular cleaning of your RV, both after a trip and when it’s not in use, can help protect the vehicle from developing unwanted rust spots which can be eradicated if detected early enough. The process of cleaning the exterior of your vehicle doubles as a routine inspection of the small parts and pieces that make up your RV which will help detect any small flaws that could develop into bigger problems later on. In addition to cleaning their vehicle regularly, RV owners can perform small preventative maintenance tasks on the outside of the vehicle such as lubricating parts and ensuring that external vents are clear of any unwanted obstructions. As with any vehicle, if small problems are left unattended for long periods, they can become much larger and more expensive problems over time, so it is important to ensure that the exterior of your vehicle remains in good repair.

Maintaining the external fixtures of your RV

Many RVs are comprised of a variety of materials that can be subject to wear and tear if left without regular care and maintenance. There are several ways that RV owners can treat their vehicles to ensure the longest possible lifespan.

Check your seals

Windows and sunroofs mostly come with rubber seals around their edges which can dry out and crack if not properly maintained over time. Cleaning and oiling widow and roof seals is key to ensuring that you don't end up with any unwanted leaks in cases of rain which can be a literal dampener on your holiday. Door seals are also important to check on a regular basis so that the interior of your vehicle is protected.

Ensure mouldings are waterlight

Anywhere that your RV manufacturer needed to cut a hole in the exterior of your vehicle in the building process will involve a sealant being used to close the gap after installing whatever was necessary to create the vehicle. If you know which sealants to use, you can make most repairs for yourself, but if you are unsure, it is always best to take your RV to a certified repair centre for the appropriate repairs to be made.

Interior RV maintenance

Maintaining the interior of your RV is just as important as the exterior, with the added bonus of keeping your vehicle comfortable and liveable for everyone that uses it. Apart from regular cleaning to ensure that hidden areas are not developing unwanted mould or water damage, some preventative maintenance tasks can help to prolong the life of your vehicle.

Maintain your appliances

Depending on the type of RV you have, there are a few different appliances that will require routine maintenance to ensure that they remain functional. Kitchen appliances such as stoves and ovens should be inspected annually to ensure their continued safety for use in enclosed spaces. Any type of installed heating and cooling device should also be regularly inspected for cleanliness and proper operation before starting a journey.

Take care of your internal systems

Hot water systems and sewerage systems are two things that will require ongoing preventative maintenance to ensure that they remain safe to operate. Compatible chemicals can be used to ensure that your RVs wastewater system remains operational. Gas bottles should be inspected for safety and compliance regularly as well as refilled regularly to ensure that nothing runs out while you are on the road. Your RVs battery should be kept charged and you should ensure that it is topped up with the appropriate amount of water to sustain its lifespan over the long term.

How to extend the lifespan of an RV on the road

Much like any big trip you plan to take in a regular vehicle, you should make a number of preventative maintenance checks on your recreational vehicle before taking it out on a long journey. Points to check on your RV to ensure a safe and smooth trip include:

• Checking the brakes of the vehicle
• Ensuring that engine fluids are topped up to the right levels including oil and coolant
• Inspecting your types for proper functionality
• Testing lights and windscreen wipers

Each of these points could make the difference between a long journey that is smooth and seamless instead of one that is fraught with unwanted issues. A few minutes before a journey could be worth hours of unwanted time spent in breakdowns or making repairs on the road that could have easily been fixed prior to your trip.

Taking the best care of your RV

Taking care of your RV is quite simple and generally requires no more than two or three overall check-ups per year. Having trusted partners like RV Parts Express can make necessary repairs quick and easy to take care of, ensuring that your RV is a part of your family for as long as possible.