When you think about it, your RV does a lot for you. It provides you with a cozy place to relax on camping trips and makes it easy to transports all the necessities. How c
an you possibly return the favor? We suggest taking excellent care of your rig to ensure it remains in good shape for years to come. There are several different types of RVs, and each one requires regular maintenance performed both by you and a professional. You might be surprised to learn how many preventive measures and checks there are to help you avoid expensive repairs.
Here at Krenek RV Supercenter, we’ve gathered some important camper maintenance tips to get you started. If you have questions or you’re in the market for a new recreational vehicle, be sure to stop by our dealership in Coloma, Michigan near Kalamazoo and La Porte.
Visual Inspection
Many prevention methods for RV maintenance call for visual inspections of both the interior and exterior. You should make this a regular habit to avoid overlooking any issues. Look over the entire exterior of your rig for any signs of wear and tear, damage, grime, dirt, or any other concerns. Another thing you should watch out for is rust, leaks, any water damage.
As for the interior, you want to be as thorough as possible in your inspection. Examine the inside of your RV for any mildew, mold, misplaced debris, water damage, or any other signs of disrepair that might need to be addressed. If you’ve recently removed your RV from storage after the long winter season, you’ll need to be on alert for critters and infestations, too.
Check the Tires
Regardless of what type of RV you have, you should regularly be checking the tires. Use a tire pressure gauge and check the tire pressure daily to ensure it’s within the recommended psi range for your particular model. If you’d like, you can even invest in a tire pressure monitoring system, which will automatically provide you with regular updates on the condition of your tire pressure. No more getting down on your hands and knees to check the pressure level!
Speaking of tires, you should also be examining them for any concerns regarding the read. Excessive wear can lead to balding tires, which means you’ll have less grip than is required for the road. While you’re at it, check for any unusual or uneven wear. If your tires aren’t wearing in the right places and at the same pace, this might indicate you’re not evenly distributing your cargo. It could also mean there’s a larger mechanical issue going on. Lastly, check for signs of damage to the wall. You should never under any circumstances travel with a compromised tire.
Maintain the Seals
Another critical component of proper RV maintenance involves your seals. While water might be the key to life, it is also the key to causing expensive damage to the interior of your rig with rot, mildew, and mold. Time and damage can contribute to the cause of leaks. The roof is another common place for this issue to occur. Make sure you keep your camper as clean as possible so you can always see that state of your seals, especially those on seams and in corners. A bit of silicone sealant can patch up small holes easily and quickly. Additionally, your windows are also surrounded by seals that can become cracked or damaged. In order to prevent this, you’ll want to invest in a bit of seal condition and apply it regularly.
Cover the Roof
There are many things you can do to prevent major maintenance issues from popping up, like keeping the roof of your RV covered when it’s not in use. This can be difficult considering many rigs are quite large and won’t fit in covered areas. If possible, you should park it in a large, covered area, like a garage or a barn. If you don’t have that option available, you might want to consider having a steel RV carport installed on your property. Another thing you can do is pay for a storage unit that’s large enough to fit your RV in. When none of these options are on the table, you should at the very least buy an RV cover or large tarp for some protection.
You’re officially prepared to handle your RV maintenance. If you’d like to browse our inventory or need parts or service, visit us at Krenek RV Supercenter today! We’re located in Coloma, Michigan near Kalamazoo and La Porte. Our friendly staff would be happy to assist with all of your camper maintenance needs.
