The Best Ways to Keep Your RV in Good Condition All Year

If you are lucky enough to own a recreational vehicle, it’s important to do some basic things to ensure your RV will be dependable for many years. Many of these strategies involve periodic maintenance. In some cases, you may be able to take care of these preventative measures at home, but in other instances, it may be smarter to go to an auto shop or other local establishment.

Just like a traditional vehicle, your recreational vehicle needs its oil and oil filter changed every so often. Generally, you should do it every 3,000 to 4,500 miles, but check the vehicle owner’s manual to be sure. If you neglect to take these important steps, it could cause your engine to fail which may end up costing $10,000 or more to fix.

Besides changing the oil and oil filter in the vehicle itself, don’t overlook the oil and filter for your RV’s generator. Furthermore, when the vehicle is in storage, make sure to run the generator regularly. If you do not do that, it could cause build up on the carburetor, and cost you several hundred dollars to remove.

Every six months, check the seals and seams on your vehicle’s roof. Failing to do that could mean you experience a nasty surprise that next time you take your vehicle out in rainy weather. Additionally, if you store your RV outside in an area that is not covered, rainy weather could wreak havoc on a vehicle that has a leaky roof, and potentially cause you to have to scrap the entire vehicle due to extensive water damage.

Always make sure your brakes and tires are well maintained, too. After all, the tires come in constant contact with the road as you travel, while the brakes to allow you to stop fully all sorts of surfaces. If there are problems with the brakes or tires, you could put yourself and your passengers at risk, not to mention everyone else on the road. Problems with brakes and tires also commonly cause recreational vehicles to fail state inspections. With that in mind, it’s a good idea to establish a relationship with a trusted repair shop.

The maintenance tips above areimportant, but it also crucial to consider keeping your RV at a secure and covered storage facility when you are not using it. That type of controlled environment allows you to protect the vehicle from weather, animal infestations and other things that could ultimately shorten the vehicle’s lifespan. For more information about RV storage in Graham residents can click here.