Owning an RV is like having a home on wheels. It offers a sense of freedom, which allows you to explore while enjoying the comforts of home. However, just like a house or car, an RV needs regular care to keep it running smoothly. Following a consistent RV maintenance schedule is essential for the longevity and safety of your vehicle. Here’s a simple month-by-month guide to help you keep your RV in top shape throughout the year.
Monthly Maintenance Tasks
Performing routine maintenance on your RV can help keep it running smoothly. Some of the things you should include in your RV maintenance schedule include:
Exercise the Generator
Generators can develop issues if they sit unused for too long. For this reason, you should turn on your generator for at least two hours each month at about 50% load. This will keep it in good working order, even if you are not using the RV. A fuel stabilizer may be helpful if you are storing your RV for an extended amount of time.
Check Fluid Levels
Another important RV service to incorporate in your schedule is checking the fluids. Some of the fluid levels you should inspect include the:
- Transmission fluid
- Engine oil
- Brake fluid
- Coolant
- Electrolyte (Batteries)
Keeping these fluids at appropriate levels can keep your RV performing at its best while also preventing damage to the engine.
Inspect and Clean the Roof
The roof of your RV can attract dirt and debris. This can lead to leaks and other damage. For this reason, you want to clean the roof monthly and check for any signs of wear or damage. This will help maintain the roof’s integrity and prevent costly repairs.
Test Safety Equipment
Another important task you want to include in your RV maintenance schedule is to make sure the safety equipment is in good working order. This includes checking out your smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers. Make sure the batteries are still good and replace them whenever necessary. You should also make sure that your fire extinguishers are within their service dates.
Inspect Seals and Seams
You want to check the exterior seals and seams on your RV to look for gaps or cracks. If you find any, you need to address them as soon as possible. These can let water in, which can cause significant damage over time.
Quarterly Maintenance Tasks
In addition to maintaining a monthly RV maintenance schedule, there are some things you should do every three months to keep your RV in good working order. These include:
- Clean or replace the air conditioner filters to ensure they are working efficiently
- Inspecting your tires and threads to make sure they are properly inflated and street safe
- Lubricate any moving parts to prevent rust and keep them working correctly
Yearly RV Upkeep
In addition to the monthly and biannual maintenance tasks, there are a few things that you should include in your yearly RV upkeep schedule to ensure everything is working correctly. These include:
- Have a professional RV service for your brakes
- Flush the water heater to extend its life and help to maintain optimal performance
- Replace your wheel bearings
A thorough roof inspection performed annually can help detect gaps or leaks and address them quickly.
Contact Us Today
Keeping a thorough RV maintenance schedule allows you to enjoy worry-free adventures in your RV. If you need help with your RV maintenance schedule or your yearly RV upkeep needs, our team at Arizona RV Service can help. Contact our team to schedule an RV service by calling (480) 220-8197 and explore how our comprehensive annual service package can help keep you safe while on the road. Also, do not forget to download a copy of our RV maintenance checklist.
