Your RV is a major investment and therefore should be in good running condition for a long period of time for it to be a worthwhile buy. Similar to the way you would service a car, an RV too needs to be properly cared for on a regular basis.

 

Exterior of RV – Wash the outer surface on a regular basis. For fiberglass areas, use a good quality wax. The smoother the outer surface of the RV, the lesser the amount of drag on the vehicle and better the fuel consumption.

 

Spark plugs and wires – Every time you change the spark plugs, make sure you add a new set of spark plug wires as well. The wires in certain RVs become damaged with time.

 

Engine oil – The heavier the oil the greater the drag on the engine. Always use engine oil that matches the driving conditions.

 

Tires – Make sure the tires are the correct type for your rig. They should be the right size for the rim and wheel. Inspect tires at the end of each long drive. Tread separation, gashes, bubbles and nails or bolts picked up from the road are signs of wear and tear. Get the air pressure of tires checked before each journey.

 

Roof – The roof of the RV can be either metal or rubber. For metal roofs clean it with regular automotive washing liquid and then wax it at least twice a year. If the RV is often parked under trees, then clean the roof three to four times a year. If the RV has a rubber roof then it should be cleaned using a mild laundry detergent four times a year.

 

Water heater – Check the anode rod in the heater for deterioration yearly if the water contains high iron or sulfate levels. Remove any debris from the water heater screen to allow proper ventilation. If soot is found anywhere in the unit, shut down the heater and get it checked by a qualified technician. During the winter season and when storing the RV make sure the heater is drained to avoid damage to the tank due to freezing and mineral deposits.

 

Black and grey water holding tanks – Once a sewer or septic intake is connected to the RV, leave drain valves closed until the tank is full and ready to be emptied. When dumping, empty tanks in the order of dirtiest to cleanest (black first, galley water next and shower water last). Pour powdered water softener dissolved in hot water into the tanks during cleaning to remove solid waste from the sides of the tanks.

 

Battery (12 volt DC) – Check the cables for breakages, corrosion and stripped insulation. Remove the negative cable first then the positive and clean them with a solution of baking soda and water. The terminal posts should also be cleaned with the same solution. Use a wire brush to scrub the terminals. The terminal posts should be covered with a very thin layer of petroleum jelly. The cables can now be reconnected to the battery.

 

Time for a tune-up – For every 30,000 miles get a minor tune-up done where the RV belts and hoses will be checked and for every 60,000 miles a major tune-up is on order. Make sure you consult a qualified RV mechanic for the job.