Recreational vehicles (RVs) are more popular than ever before. About seven million American households own one. But how come some RVs last 20 years or longer, while others stop working after less than 10 years?
Like most goods, these vehicles are subject to wear and tear. The only way to slow down this process is to perform regular RV maintenance.
A single year of outdoor storage can result in significant damage. With proper care, a quality RV will travel up to 200,000 miles before requiring major repairs to the engine.
Interested to know more about camper maintenance? Here are five cleaning and care tips to keep your van in top shape!
1. Check the Roof Regularly
When it comes to routine maintenance, RVs require a different approach than traditional vehicles. For example, you must check the roof seals and seams of your van regularly to make sure there are no leaks.
Inspect the roof at least once a month. If you notice any leaks or open seams, use a sealant to patch the roof.
Protect your RV with a steel carport. These accessories could save you thousands of dollars in the long run. Although they’re not cheap, they still cost less than a new roof.
2. Inspect the Tires
Make a habit out of checking the tires for wear-and-tear, loose nuts, and misalignment. Keep a spare tire at hand to stay on the safe side.
If you’re buying a pre-owned van from Leisureland RV or other dealerships, check the date on its tires. This will ensure that you can fully enjoy your trip without having to make detours.
Beware that overinflated tired can explode. Always check the tire pressure before hitting the road.
3. Invest in a Handheld Vacuum
Here’s one of the most important RV cleaning tips to keep in mind: get a quality handheld vacuum and carry it with you at all times.
The nooks and crannies in a van tend to attract dust. This can affect air quality and make it hard to breathe, especially for those with asthma or sleep apnea. Imagine waking up in the middle of the night to gasp for air!
To prevent these issues, choose a compact vacuum with a hose attachment that can get into the tiniest cracks.
4. Think Twice about Power Washing
Depending on the type of RV owned, you may be able to use a pressure washer to keep your van clean and shiny. This cleaning method doesn’t work for all models, so be sure to read the instruction manual beforehand. Avoid power washing if your RV has decals.
Maintain a safe distance when using your pressure washer. Keep the nozzle about a foot away from the van. Start with the roof and then go all the way down.
5. Keep the Vents Open
The internal temperature of an RV can exceed 130 degrees during the summer months, especially if you’re not using the van. Over time, this may cause damage to the seams, seals, and other components.
One way to avoid these problems is to keep the vents open. This preventive measure will improve airflow, reducing the risk of overheating.
Better yet, store your van in a garage to protect it from the elements.
Make RV Maintenance a Priority
While it’s true that RVs are sturdy and can last for decades, they still require regular checkups. Loose nuts, worn tires, leaky roofs, and other common issues can reduce the lifespan of your van.
Don’t take unnecessary risks. Add RV maintenance to your priority list to avoid costly repairs later on. In the meantime, check the rest of our Lifestyle section for more tips!
