Checking key areas and performing some simple maintenance before heading out on your adventures is a great way to preserve your RV. Plus, knowing your unit is firing on all cylinders helps you and yours stay focused on the fun.
Each trailer or motorhome is a little different, but consider taking these common maintenance steps before each trip:
- It’s a good idea to check your batteries before each trip. Make sure they’re charged and there is no build-up on the connections.
- If you’ll be plugging in at camp, check your power cord to make sure it’s sound. Keep these connections consistently clean, too.
- Make sure motorhome fluids are filled to proper levels. Some important fluids to check before heading out for fun include engine oil, transmission fluid, engine coolant, windshield washer fluid and power steering fluid.
- Verify that tires are filled to the appropriate pressure. This makes for an enjoyable on-the-road experience and can help extend the life of your tires. Since hot air expands, check and adjust tires when they’re cool for the most accurate readings. It doesn’t hurt to make sure your lug nuts are nice and tight, and are properly torqued to the specifications found in your owner’s manual.
- Before hitting the road, take a walk around your unit with a keen eye to make sure all cords, antennas, awnings, slideouts, baggage doors, hatches and the like are properly secured or locked.
- Whether towing or driving your RV, check all signal lights.
- A dip in the pond or playing in the rain may be right up your alley, but if you see water in your unit where it shouldn’t be, you’ll want to address it quickly. Quick pre-trip checks around windows, vents, air conditioners, awnings and the underbelly will help your RV go the distance.
- If your unit is equipped with propane tanks, check their fittings and regulators for leaks. An easy way to do this is to spray the joints with soapy water. You’ll see bubbles form if there’s a leak. If you suspect a propane leak, turn off your propane and call your dealer.
- Save setup time when you arrive at camp and preserve your home away from home by making sure drawers, windows, furniture--any loose items inside your RV--are secured before taking off.
- Last but definitely not least, take advantage of your dealer’s know-how. At Jayco, we work hand-in-hand with our dealers so that they can help owners understand new construction features and how systems work.
Check your owners manual for more maintenance information.