An RV is part home, part vehicle, and requires regular maintenance like any other car or truck. From changing the oil to inspecting the roof for leaks, here are some general RV care tips. Price and looks shouldn’t be the only deciding factors when choosing an RV repair shop.
How to Choose a Mechanic
RV mechanics and technicians are trained to work on the complex systems found in a recreational vehicle. They understand how each part or system works together and where it fits into the overall scheme of your RV. This means they are much more likely to find the root cause of your problem and be able to repair it correctly the first time.
A good RV mechanic will be certified and have years of experience working on various types of RVs. They will also have a reputation for providing excellent RV repair and service San Jacinto, CA, and fair prices. Look for a shop that offers a warranty on their work, which can help protect you from high repair costs. If you are unfamiliar with local RV mechanics, ask fellow RVers in your area to recommend one.
They are a friendly community and will be happy to point you in the direction of an experienced and reliable RV mechanic. RV dealers are another great source of information, as they often deal with local RV mechanics for parts.
Preventative Maintenance
RVs are part vehicle and part home, requiring different maintenance than cars or trucks. Regularly clean, inspect, lubricate, and adjust your RV to avoid costly breakdowns. Because your RV is a house on wheels, it’s subject to movement and vibration.
This can cause the screws and plumbing fittings to loosen or crack. It’s also important to regularly check for leaks. Look for signs of water damage, such as stains, musty odors, and dampness. Regularly changing your air, coolant, and fuel filters is another critical preventative maintenance task.
This ensures that your RV’s systems work correctly and that your safety devices function. Preventative maintenance will help avoid expensive repairs and make your travels more enjoyable.
Routine Checkups
The RV is a significant investment, so routine checkups ensure everything is working well. These checks include cleaning, inspecting, lubricating, and adjusting. Cleaning helps to prevent damage from elements like road grime, bird droppings, and spider webs. It would be best to look for signs of water damage, such as discoloration and moisture marks.
This can be caused by leaking roof vents, leaky plumbing, or a damaged water heater. Before traveling, walking through the RV is also a good idea to ensure everything is stowed away and secured. This includes the propane tank and awnings. You should also check the tire pressure and look for wear, as RV tires tend to lose air over time.
Additionally, lubricate any mechanisms you use to deploy and roll up your awnings or slide toppers. It would be best to replace any tires approaching the manufacturer’s published lifespan as a safety precaution.
Repairs
RV mechanics are expensive, and you can save money by learning to perform simple repairs yourself. This can help you save time and stress and prevent RV damage that could lead to costly repairs. Regularly inspect roof materials, seals, and other areas of your RV.
Repair any leaking or cracked areas—Lubricate rubber seals on doors and windows to keep them supple and leak-proof. Ensure your RV is parked in the shade whenever possible to reduce UV damage. Keep propane tanks capped and covered to protect them from pests that can cause leaks, such as mud daubers and wasps.
Cover any vents used for the water heater, refrigerator, and furnace. Learn how to take care of your RV by studying the specific manuals for your model. It’s also a good idea to attend RV maintenance and repair classes or watch online videos to gain valuable information and skills to help you maintain your home on wheels and avoid costly repairs in the future.
