RV Maintenance: Is It Time for a Tune-Up?
RV maintenance is a key component to living your best RV life. You need to care for a lot of different systems to enjoy RV trips and vacations. Regular tune-ups are part of a good RV maintenance schedule.
What is an RV Tune-Up?
The term tune-up can have more than one meaning in the RV world. Some people refer to a tune-up only when talking about caring for your engine. Others use the term for any RV maintenance.
We’re going to talk about the big RV tune-up that your vehicle needs a couple of times a year. That means a thorough check of the engine and all of the other components of your home on wheels.
RV Maintenance Schedules
We’ve talked before about the importance of regular RV maintenance. It keeps your motorhome or travel trailer in good working order and can prevent major (and expensive) RV repair down the road.
How often you need a thorough RV tune-up depends in part on how you use your RV. If you live in your coach full-time, your mechanic and technicians are likely to recommend full maintenance visits more often.
The best time to get your first thorough RV tune-up of the year is in the spring.
Your winterized vehicle needs some major care to get you safely back on the road.
Even if you use your RV year-round, spring is a good time to take stock with a thorough tune-up.
Spring RV Maintenance
It feels great to get your RV out of winter storage. As you look forward to your summer road trips, take the time to get your vehicle inspected and ready for your adventures.
Make no mistake; the list of tasks for this big maintenance visit is long. Some of you are experienced RV DIYers, but most of you will need the help of both a mechanic and an RV technician to get your coach up and running properly and safely.
Let’s take a look at some of the components of a major RV spring tune-up.
Under the Hood
If you use your RV through the winter, spring and fall engine checks will help keep you safely on the road. Your mechanic will check your transmission, brakes, fluids, filters, and more.
The same is true if you’re taking your RV out of winter storage. A vehicle that has not been used for several months needs its battery checked along with the other engine maintenance.
Tip: Remember that your coach or motorhome is a vehicle like any other. Take care of the engine first to avoid breakdowns on the road.
Take a Look
Obviously, you’ll want to stand back and admire your RV as it comes out of storage. But that isn’t quite what we mean.
Your RV needs a good visual inspection, from top to bottom, inside and out.
Seams, vents, awnings, tires, windows, lights, and so much more need attention. This is true both for coaches and trailers that have been stored and those that are used all year.
It’s easy to imagine that you know your RV well enough to spot issues as they arise. But don’t be fooled. Close inspection of the many elements of your vehicle can reveal issues that have crept up slowly or are small but worrisome.
Without a visual inspection things like aging wiper blades can go unaddressed. That’s not a hassle or hazard you need on the road.
Tip: While a major visual inspection twice a year is important, your other regular maintenance should also include this step. A trained technician can spot problems early when they are easily fixed.
A Clean Slate
Your RV will love you for giving it a bath. A really thorough wash of the exterior can reveal leaks and save you from major damage during your first summer rainstorm.
As we know, roof, window, and other seals can crack over time. In addition to a visual inspection of all your seals, test them out with a good wash.
Your RV interior also needs a deep clean. If you use your vehicle year-round, it’s simply time to take care of those crumbs you may have missed, spills that slipped by, and other general upkeep.
If you’ve stored your camper or trailer, it needs a thorough interior inspection and cleaning. No matter how well you winterize, your cabin needs to be checked for rodent debris or damage. You’re also going to want your space to be cleared of cobwebs and aired out after its winter respite.
Tip: Deep cleaning carpets twice a year keeps your whole cabin cleaner and fresher.
Tank Time
An RV that’s been winterized needs all of the plumbing flushed to remove the anti-freeze that kept things safe in the cold. Freshwater tanks, wastewater systems, pumps, and city water systems all need to be flushed.
Not only does this get rid of winterizing anti-freeze, but it also reveals leaks in any of your tanks or hoses. Again, preventing water damage is always better than the RV repair bills after it happens.
Do you use your RV year-round? Your water system needs to be cleaned at least once a year. Smelly, funky water is not your friend.
Tip: For large RVs with lots of amenities, plumbing is complicated and extensive. Find a technician you trust to help you de-winterize these components safely.
Appliances? Check!
Your furnace, air conditioner, stove, and refrigerator need cleaning (and checking for any unwelcome critter visitors), new filters, connections checked, and more. Is your water heater in good condition? Now’s the time to have your RV appliances checked.
It’s unlikely that you do your home furnace and AC inspection yourself. Unless you have training and experience, you might not want to try it on your RV, either.
Tip: Any appliance with a vent (so, all of them) is vulnerable to rodents and other critters. Winterizing processes may involve putting bait, repellent, or other deterrents in or around appliances. Make sure they are all removed before you hit the road!
Turn It On
Your RV isn’t much more than a tent on wheels if your power isn’t working. All of your batteries, plugs, connections, lights, and other components need to be checked. And rechecked.
12 volt and propane systems need maintenance. Make sure your appliances work and you don’t have a propane leak. If your batteries are corroded, replace them. Are your solar panels working?
Best to find out before you’re on the road.
Like most RV systems, your power is complicated. It can be dangerous to service yourself without a lot of training. A good technician has the necessary experience to make sure every part of your power system is working properly.
If you want to DIY your entire tune-up, find classes to help you get the expertise you need. Talk to your technician about where to begin.
Tip: Don’t forget to put batteries in everything from lights to smoke alarms.
Stay Safe Out There
Once your RV maintenance/spring tune-up is complete, make sure to update your basic safety arsenal.
First Aid Kit
Replenish your first aid supplies and make sure nothing is out of date. If you need prescription items like epi-pens or allergy medication, get them refilled and in the kit.
Safety Equipment
Be sure you have reflective cones and triangles, as well as wheel chocks on board. Keep several good flashlights in your RV and make sure they all have new batteries. Make sure you have fire extinguishers that are in working order (and that you know how to use them).
The Bottom Line
Spring is the perfect time for a thorough RV tune-up. Whether your vehicle is coming out of storage or you live in it full time, it needs a full RV maintenance visit at least twice a year. You may also consider having your coach or trailer serviced before a major trip.
Setting up an RV maintenance schedule is the best way to protect and enjoy your investment. Work with a trained, experienced technician to make a schedule, and then stick to it.
With proper RV maintenance, you can hit the road confident that your adventures will not be derailed by preventable problems. Call Leisure Coachworks to discuss an RV maintenance schedule, and a spring tune-up, today.
