2019 Fall RV Maintenance Tips

Fall is the perfect time for RV maintenance. Spring and summer are traditionally heavy travel months for our RV families, while the colder weather of fall and winter keeps people close to home and family. This is also when the weather makes dramatic shifts. Whether you enjoy your RV for vacations or you are a fulltime RV family, now is the time to check over your rig after the hard work it put in over the last few months and to winterize it to prevent potential damage. Here are some tips to keep your RV running smoothly:

Work From the Top: Inspect the Roof

Have you ever left something out in the sun for an extended time? What happened to it? It likely showed a significant amount of sun damage.

The same thing happens to the roof of your RV. Although it is meant to last at least 10 years, that does not mean that you do not have to maintain it. If you can wipe your hand on the roof and you have a chalky film come off, or if you see black streaks running down the sides of your vehicle, these are both good indicators that you have some roof problems. Regular RV maintenance can prevent your roof from deteriorating without your knowledge.

We recommend checking your roof, molds, and seals twice a year (spring and fall). The seals are vital because they wear down first, but they also cause the most extensive damage if left unchecked. You’ll also want to check the roof for any cracks or chips. If you see any of this, it is essential to make repairs as soon as possible. Most roofs have a warranty for 10-15 years, and some up to 20.

Under the Hood: Test the Batteries

Nothing is worse than waking up on a winter morning and going to start the car, and it won’t start because you have a dead battery. Proper RV maintenance can reduce your chances of this. RV batteries last 3-5 years, at which point they will need replacing.

If you do not plan to drive your RV for the rest of the RV, you’ll want to begin the winterizing process. It’s no secret that batteries and cold weather do not get along. Our advice is, if you don’t plan on using your RV this winter, charge, then remove ALL batteries in your RV and store them in a dry place. Is it necessary everywhere? Not really, but we do recommend it! Here’s why:

• A fully charged battery will freeze at -55 or -60 degrees; and

• A battery with a 20% charge freezes at 20 degrees above zero.

Check the List: Everything In Between

There is a laundry list of other items that you should check between the roof and the tires. Here are some key points to focus on:

• Clean your slide and it’s seals;

• Wash and completely dry the awning;

• Flush your wastewater systems;

• Change the oil;

• Do a systems check lines and fluids for air, coolant, fuel, and hydraulics (and the filters); and

• Check the electrical wires to a tow vehicle (if necessary).

Wrap it Up: Check the Tires

These are last but certainly not least. In fact, before every big trip, we recommend checking that all of your lug nuts are tight and that your tires are inflated to the recommended capacity. As the temperatures shift, so does the density of the air inside (science). This means that for a change of seasons, you need to add or remove some air for safety. While you’re down there you’ll want to:

• Check the tread life;

• Inspect for tears or wearing; and

• Survey or replace the brakes.

Get Help from a Utah RV Dealer

We know this is a lot to handle! Just like you would take your car to a repair shop or hire a professional for your home, there are professionals to help prep your RV for the change of seasons. At Recreation RV Sales, we are a family-owned operation that will inspect and repair your vehicle quickly and correctly to factory-certified standards. Put our service department to the test! Call our RV service department to schedule your post-season inspection at 888-958-7848.