Common Forgotten RV Practices

Because we are an RV service center, we can offer some insight as to the common mistakes/missed steps that we see happen quite often. In the process, we can help you prolong the life of your RV, and help you better maintain it.

1. PUT YOUR AWNING AWAY- If you are not going to be using your RV, make sure you store your awning correctly. Awnings are not designed to withstand inclement weather such as strong winds, storms or hail, and if you are not close by to store them in the event of this type of weather, they can sustain serious damage. Awnings can be expensive to replace, so be diligent in this practice!
2. HITCH LOCK – one of the easiest ways to help prevent theft, or attempted theft, of your RV. It acts as a deterrent to thieves, as it would take a lot of effort to try to remove unnoticed. Hitch locks are around $80 (Part# 1202-30)
3. Before leaving for your camping destination, make sure you have full propane bottles! Propane Level Sensors are a valuable purchase that connects straight to your smart phone. The convenience of being able to check how much propane you have left, all at the swipe of your finger. These are available at a cost of around $150. (Part # 1008-10)
4. If you have slide outs on your RV, ensure that prior to bringing in your slides, you close all interior doors (ex. bathroom or bedroom doors) in order to avoid damage when the slide moves in.
5. In addition to closing all interior doors, make sure you sweep or vacuum your floors before bringing the slides in. This will help avoid any damage to your floors that could be caused by debris such as dirt or gravel being crushed under the slides. As with awnings, replacing flooring in your RV is not cheap, so save yourself some headaches and take preventative measures!
6. If you are going to be using the stove and/or oven in your RV, make sure that you have adequate ventilation at all times. In addition to helping prevent smells from lingering and sticking to your upholstery, it can also help prevent the steam from causing warping over time. Max Air fans are helpful with this as they create circulation and air flow. Heat, smoke, musty air, and cooking odors aren’t an issue with Max Air vent covers. They cost about $320, and they are worth it. Max Air Vents also protect your vent covers from rain and other debris.
7. If your trailer has fender skirting, make sure to loosen the screws before you store your trailer for the winter, after your last outing. This will give them space to expand and contract without cracking.
8. Every 6 months or once a season be sure to adequately lubricate your slide seals!
9. Do regular seal checks on your RV, and make sure not to forget your roof! Water seeping in could cause quite a lot of damage, resulting in hefty repair bills. Your roof should be resealed every few years. This is something you can do yourself, or come in and have us do it for you.
10. Just like your vehicle, the bearings wear out on your RV. If left unchecked and unchanged, these could become very dangerous. The bearings should be replaced on your RV every 2 years.