SUMMER RV MAINTENANCE TIPS
Summer is a great time to look over your RV and figure out what could stand to be repaired or cleaned before your next vacation in it. Your RV is a large investment that you likely want to protect and keep in great condition. There are a number of tasks you can perform easily at home to maintain your RV, both inside and out. If you’re a new RV owner and you’re not sure where to start with your RV’s maintenance, check out this list of tips by Campers RV Center of Shreveport. Your RV will be in great shape by the time you’re done, ready for whatever adventure the summer brings!
Inspect & Lubricate Slide-Outs
Slide-outs are found on many campers and RVs, providing a little extra space when you’re parked at a campsite or boondocking. They can be somewhat delicate, so keeping them well lubricated and cleaned is vital to their continued functioning. Lubricants for slide-outs proliferate the market, and you’ll want to get one that’s tailored to your particular RV, but generally that will be a dry lubricant that’s silicone-based. Once every six months for a rarely-used RV is sufficient for lubrication, but once every four months is better if you use your RV a lot. Lubricate the rails, runners and seals to prevent them from degrading and unbalancing the temperature in your camper. For seals, apply lubricant to a rag and wipe the seal from one side to the other, then retract it and do the external seal.
Ventilation System
The vent system on your RV helps to keep it cool and aired out inside by removing hot, stale air from the interior to make way for fresh, cool air. Ventilating your RV also prevents dangerous moisture build-up that can breed toxic mold and mildew. Keep the vents open a little bit during the off-season and invest in covers for them so that rain doesn’t get into your vehicle.
Generator & Battery Maintenance
Your RV’s inner workings need attention in order to keep it running smoothly, especially if you’re driving a motorhome. Run the generator on a regular basis to prevent gasoline from deteriorating, which happens after about a month of storage with no use. If you run the generator for two hours every month at half-capacity, that will keep it primed.
You should have put your battery in storage over the winter or during a break from RVing to prevent it from corroding and losing its charge in your RV. Keeping your battery somewhere with temperature control will prevent damage to it and help it to maintain its charge better. Every five years, you’ll have to replace your deep cycle battery regardless of how well it was cared for, so make sure that it’s in good shape and get it replaced when necessary.
Clean Your Roof
RV roof maintenance is important because dead leaves, rain and general road filth will all collect up there, creating a breeding ground for mold and mildew that can damage the finish over time. One way to reduce the dirt is to keep your RV covered or under a roof whenever you’re not driving it. You can find large RV covers to fit your style of vehicle or have a tall shed or carport that will shield your roof from weather and debris.
Even with a cover, you’ll still have to set aside time to climb up there and clean the roof off at least once a year. After you wash it off and allow it to dry in the sun, you will want to apply wax to the entire surface, as well as to the sides of your RV to protect the paint and finish.
Have a yearning for a new camper with all the latest available amenities? Stop on by our dealership to check out our vast inventory of new and used RVs. Our sales staff are more than capable of answering any additional questions you may have about RV maintenance, too. Campers RV Center serves the cities of Bossier City, Ruston and Monroe, Louisiana, with our convenient Shreveport location.