After a long winter, peak RV season is finally around the corner. Whether you spent the winter months hunkering down at home or exploring warmer climates, it’s time to get your RV ready for spring.
It’s been a while since you’ve checked on several key components. If not addressed regularly, these could damage your RV’s performance, making it less livable, less pleasant to drive, and ultimately, less safe.
Thankfully, most spring RV checks take a little time to complete, so you should be finished with the process and on your way to exciting destinations in no time. If you need help from a professional, remember to book ahead. It’s the busiest season for RV maintenance, so make sure you don’t leave it to the last minute. Here are some simple steps to follow to ensure that your RV is in pristine condition:
Tires
Your RV’s tires are among the most likely elements to show wear and tear at this point. Inspect them closely to get a sense of the tread depth. You should also note any signs of cracking or uneven wear.
Remember that if they’re over five years old, your tires will almost certainly require a professional inspection or even a replacement.
Even if they’re in great shape, your tires will need to be inflated. The tire-pressure monitoring system may also need attention.
Brakes
Brake maintenance takes on a new level of complication with RVs, which feature multiple types of brakes. Necessary care can vary from one type to the next, but getting the pads checked and changed on the disc brakes is essential. The rotors may also require rotation at this time.
If you have an older RV, it probably features drum brakes. These will need to be checked for grooves. Using brake cleaner to make the drums shine is worth your while.
Electric trailer brakes also warrant attention. Determine whether the electromagnet is disconnected — or whether the wear indicators suggest a magnet replacement is needed.
Depending on your situation, it may be necessary to calibrate your brake controller. If you have a self-calibrating model, you’re in luck. Otherwise, you’ll need to conduct a manual calibration. Complete this step at a gravel lot, where you can tow the trailer to see how it behaves at various levels.
Brake maintenance isn’t a step we recommend you take on yourself. Make sure you reach out to a professional for help.
Roof
From the rooftop to the satellite, there are many parts of the roof that can be surprisingly vulnerable to infiltration from water or air. A quick visual inspection should reveal any concerning openings or breaks, which may call for targeted seal repairs. In some cases, it may also be necessary to apply a protectant — especially for PVC or EPDM. Remember your safety comes first. Call in the professionals for this inspection!
Batteries
Proper maintenance will ensure that your RV’s batteries achieve true longevity. Winter spells good news for them: cold temperatures tend to increase the batteries’ lifespan — but these improvements in longevity may be accompanied by a significant drop off in performance.
At minimum, the terminals should be cleaned, as this will limit the potential for corrosion. Any inspection should also address the age and integrity of the battery. If, at any point, the battery drops below 12.4 volts (for a 12-volt model) or 6.2 volts (for a 6-volt battery), be prepared to provide a fresh charge. If they’re reinstalled on a trailer, batteries must be given a full charge as soon as possible.
Awnings
While your RV’s awnings might not attract the most attention, they’re worthy of a once-over each spring. The hardware may need to be cleaned and lubricated. Take an extra moment to extend the awning and determine whether the fabric is ragged or dirty.
Safety Detectors
Among the most neglected maintenance tasks, safety detector inspections verify that your detectors can realistically alert you to smoke or carbon monoxide. Annual battery replacements are essential, but the entire detector may need to be switched out if it’s expired. Don’t forget the fire extinguisher, which should be checked for its date and condition.
Pests
You might not have spent your winter in your RV, but that doesn’t necessarily mean that it was empty the entire season. Unfortunately, you may notice signs of unwanted intruders as you inspect for other issues. Top areas that tend to attract pests include:
- Vents
- Refrigerator
- Water heater
- Propane tank
Prepare for an Exciting Season of RV Adventures
Spring RV checks may seem time-consuming, but they can save you a lot of expense and hassle down the road. Take the time to get your RV in working shape and you’ll be rewarded with months of safe and memorable expeditions. Make sure you’re fully covered before you hit the road; reach out today to learn more.
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