Keeping Up With RV Maintenance

Your RV makes camping trips, road trips, and any vacation into a luxury stay in a hotel suite with every comfort of home! But if you want it to keep up with you, you’ll have to keep up with its maintenance. We here at McGovern’s RV & Marine know how much you enjoy your home on the road, so we’ve put together a few maintenance tips to keep your RV in good repair. If you want to know more, or if you’re on the market for a new RV to try these with, contact our store in Grande Prairie, Alberta, today!

Supplies

It’s important to remember that RV appliances and fixtures are lighter weight and less durable than those we find at home, so you can’t use the same harsh chemicals you otherwise might. Use dish soap and a water/bleach solution, and only use softer rags and microfiber cloth.

Inspection

Once you’re geared up and ready to start, give your RV a thorough once-over. Start with the exterior and look for rust, dents, grime buildup, or water damage. Check the roof for cracks and the underbelly for caught debris, then ensure all vents are clean. 

The interior comes next! Check it regularly even when the RV isn’t in use. Look for water leaks on the ceiling and near any water fixtures, check that all appliances are working properly, then test all slide-outs, windows, and doors. Lubricate any squeaky tracks or hinges, and clean up any mold, mildew, or debris you find in the process.

Generator

Your generator is at risk if it’s sitting for a long time without use. Fuel and oil can congeal and go stale, which can cause damage to the system as a whole. If your RV will be sitting still for a month or more, run the generator for an hour or so every month to keep the fluids in good shape. 

Tires

The tires are a vital but sometimes overlooked part of regular maintenance. Make sure they all have the proper amount of tread and the right air pressure based on recommendations in your owner’s manual. Also verify that the tread is wearing down evenly on all wheels. If it isn’t, you might have an alignment issue and should get service done. Make sure the side walls don’t have any cracks or other damage while you’re there!

Storage And Protection

The best way to avoid unnecessary wear and tear is to properly store and protect your RV during downtime. Ideally, a climate-controlled garage is great. If that’s not an option, a weather-proof cover should be alright. 

We hope these tips help keep you and your RV on the road as much as you want to be! If you need any maintenance help, or you want to see the RVs we have for sale, contact us at MvGovern’s RV & Marine. We proudly serve the people of Edmonton, Alberta—let us serve you today!