A Beginner’s Guide to RV Maintenance

Owning a recreational vehicle is an extremely rewarding experience, but it does require some work on your part. One of the most important things you’ll need to do is keep up with your camper’s maintenance. There are a number of simple tasks that you can accomplish at home with the know-how and proper tools, saving you an unnecessary trip to the shop. These tasks are especially important to perform before storing your rig for the season or even just for a month. Unlimited RV is your local camper dealer in Independence and Eldon, MO, so we’ve provided the following suggestions to help you master your RV’s upkeep.

Perform an Inspection

First, you’ll want to walk in and around your RV and inspect it for signs of damage or wear. Check the interior for leaks, debris, signs of pest infestation, mold, and mildew. These issues all merit your immediate attention. Cleaning the interior thoroughly will help prevent disrepair.

Walk around the outside and look for any damage to doors, windows, or the general exterior. You’ll also want to climb up onto the roof to have a look at it. If it’s dirty, you’ll need to clean off debris and leaves so that they don’t cause problems down the road.

If your RV has an engine, then you’re going to need to perform regular oil changes and tend to its inner workings to make sure every part is functional. This includes inspecting the spark plugs, replacing the air filter, and other tasks. You can always contact the RV service center here at our dealership if you need professional assistance.

Check Tire Pressure

The tires of your camper need regular attention in order to prevent a dangerous blowout or reduced fuel efficiency. Use a tire pressure gauge like the one in your car or truck’s glove compartment to check the pressure of each tire and air them up to the manufacturer’s recommended psi levels, which you’ll find in your owner’s manual or online. While you’re down there, look over each wheel carefully to make sure that the tread is wearing evenly and that there are no embedded objects or cracks in the sidewalls.

Lubricate Seals and Slide-Outs

Your RV has several seals on it that keep it weather-proofed and secure. These seals need to be inspected and lubricated regularly to maintain function. Otherwise, you could face leaks that make it harder to maintain the temperature in your camper. They might also allow in unwanted moisture, which can result in mildew if allowed to build up. If you have slide-outs, you’ll also want to apply a silicone-based lubricant to these to make sure they don’t jam up when you want to extend them.

We hope you’ve found this information to be helpful! If your RV needs parts or maintenance, you can contact us to schedule a service appointment with our professional mechanics. We’ll also be happy to answer any questions you may have about your rig and its upkeep needs. If you’re still looking to buy a camper, visit Unlimited RV in Independence and Eldon, MO, to browse our selection of new and used RVs for sale. We welcome all our patrons visiting us from Kansas City and Osage Beach.