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.