The RV market in North America is predicted to exceed 59 billion by 2027, and for good reason.
Recreational vehicles are a popular way to travel and enjoy the outdoors. However, they require consistent maintenance to make sure they stay in good condition and continue to provide a safe and comfortable living environment.
So, what mistakes should you avoid when taking care of your RV? Let’s go through the most common errors in RV maintenance.
1. Not Checking The Tires
Not checking the tires during your RV maintenance routine is a significant mistake that can have serious consequences. The tires on an RV are crucial for the vehicle’s safe operation, and they require regular tune-ups to ensure they are in good condition.
If the tires are not checked regularly, they may be underinflated, overinflated, or worn out, which can lead to a blowout while driving, especially at high speeds. This can cause the RV to swerve out of control, potentially leading to a serious accident.
To avoid this mistake, it’s essential to check the tires during your regular RV maintenance routine. This includes checking the tire pressure, inspecting the tread for wear, and looking for any cracks or damage to the sidewall. You should also check the age of the tires, as they can become brittle and unsafe over time.
2. Not Keeping Up With Regular Maintenance
Not keeping up with regular maintenance is also an error. Like any other vehicle, RVs require routine maintenance to ensure they remain safe, reliable, and in good condition.
Failing to keep up with maintenance can lead to a variety of problems, such as engine problems, transmission issues, and brake failure. These problems can be pricy to fix, and they may leave you stranded on the road, ruining your trip.
You nee to have a maintenance schedule and stick to it. This includes things like regular oil changes, tire checks, and brake inspections. You should also have your RV serviced by a professional regularly to identify any potential issues before they become more serious problems.
3. Overloading the RV
You need to watch out for your RV’s weight capacity. Every RV has a specific weight capacity, and exceeding this limit can put a strain on the vehicle’s suspension, tires, and brakes, leading to potential breakdowns or accidents.
Overloading the RV can also cause problems with handling and stability. This makes it trickier to maneuver the vehicle on the road. It can also cause excessive wear and tear on the RV, which can lead to expensive repairs.
To avoid this mistake, it’s important to know your RV’s weight capacity and to stay within it. You should also distribute weight evenly throughout the vehicle and avoid overloading any one area. It’s also smart to weigh your RV periodically to ensure you are staying within the safe weight limits.
If you need to upgrade your RV so it can carry more weight, click for Class A RVs.
4. Ignoring the Roof
The roof is an essential part of an RV and often gets neglected. Check the roof regularly for leaks, cracks, and damage, and clean it at least twice a year.
Ignoring the roof of your RV is another common issue. The roof of an RV is exposed to the elements and can become damaged over time from exposure to the sun, rain, wind, and debris.
Failing to inspect and maintain the roof can lead to leaks, which could eventually cause water damage to your RV’s interior, including walls, floors, and furniture.
You could then end up with costly repairs and even mold growth, which can be a health hazard. If you see any options, look into your options for repairing RV roofs.
So, you’ll need to inspect and maintain the roof of your RV regularly. This includes cleaning it regularly, checking for any damage or cracks, and repairing any damage as soon as possible. It’s also important to seal any openings or seams to prevent water from penetrating the roof.
5. Using the Wrong Cleaning Products
Using the wrong cleaning products on your RV is a common RV maintenance mistake that can lead to damage and discoloration of the vehicle’s surfaces. RVs have different materials and finishes that require specific cleaning products to maintain their appearance and integrity.
Using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaners can scratch or damage the surfaces of the RV, including the paint, windows, and plastic parts. This can lead to unsightly blemishes, which can be expensive to repair.
It’s important to use the right cleaning products for your RV. Use gentle, non-abrasive cleaners that are specifically designed for the surfaces you are cleaning. It’s also important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for any cleaning products you use.
6. Not Winterizing Properly
You also need to ensure your car is properly prepared for the winter. that can cause serious damage to the vehicle’s plumbing system. When water freezes, it expands. That can cause the pipes to burst, leading to costly repairs.
To avoid this mistake, it’s essential to properly winterize your RV before the cold weather sets in. This involves draining all the water from the plumbing system, including the freshwater tank, hot water heater, and all the water lines.
After draining the water, it’s important to use antifreeze to prevent lingering water from freezing and causing damage. You should also ensure that all exterior vents and openings are covered to prevent any cold air from getting into the RV.
7. Not Keeping Up With Propane Maintenance
Propane is a common fuel source for RVs, but it requires regular maintenance to ensure it’s safe to use.
Not keeping up with propane maintenance can lead to safety concerns and potential fire hazards. Check the propane tank, lines, and appliances regularly, and have them inspected by RV maintenance professionals every year.
Errors in RV Maintenance: Start Today
Hopefully, you now understand what errors in RV maintenance you should be watching out for.
Do you need more help keeping your RV and your other vehicles in tip-top shape? Read through a few of our other posts for more maintenance advice and so much more.
