Whether you’re a first-time RV renter or a long-time RV owner, preparing your RV for a road trip can be daunting.
RVing is a great way to see the country and have a comfortable place to stay while doing it. However, before you take your RV out of storage, you should do some maintenance tasks to prepare your RV.
Here are some RV maintenance tips to prepare you for your next adventure.
Check Your RV’s Tires
It is always important to check your RV’s tires before a trip. Here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Check the air pressure in all of your tires. Use a tire pressure gauge and add air if necessary.
- Inspect the condition of the tires. Look for any cracks, cuts, or other damage.
- Check the tread depth on all of your tires. Use a tread depth gauge or a penny to check. If the tread depth is less than 2/32″, it’s time to replace the tire.
- Check the tire size and load rating. Make sure the tires are the right size for your RV and have the correct load rating.
- Check the wheel lug nuts to make sure they are tight.
All of these things can impact your RV’s handling and performance.
By following these simple tips, you can have a safe and enjoyable trip.
Inspect Your RV’s Brakes
Before heading out on a road trip in your RV, it is important to check your brakes.
Here’s how to do a brake check:
- Park your RV on a level surface and set the parking brake.
- Jack up each RV wheel one at a time and remove the wheel.
- Inspect the brake pads and shoes for wear. If they are excessively worn, they will need to be replaced.
- Inspect the brake drums or discs for cracks or damage. If they are damaged, they will need to be replaced.
- Clean any dirt or debris from the brake components.
- Reassemble the brakes and wheels.
- Test the brakes by slowly driving the RV forward and applying the brakes. The brakes should engage smoothly and stop the RV without any jerking or locking up.
By following these simple steps, you can make sure that your RV’s brakes are in good condition and will keep you safe on the road.
Check Your RV’s Fluid Levels
It is vital to check all of your RV’s fluid levels.
This includes the engine oil, coolant, transmission fluid, and brake fluid. Checking these fluids will help ensure a smooth and safe trip.
To check the engine oil, open the hood and locate the dipstick. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean. Reinsert the dipstick and pull it out again to check the oil level.
The oil should be between the minimum and maximum marks on the dipstick. If it’s below the minimum, add oil until it reaches the correct level.
To check the coolant level, open the radiator cap and look inside. The coolant should be at or above the level of the radiator tubes. If it’s low, add coolant until it reaches the correct level.
To check the transmission fluid level, locate the dipstick on the side of the transmission. Remove the dipstick and wipe it clean. Reinsert it just like you did to check your engine oil.
The fluid should be between the minimum and maximum marks. Add fluid until it reaches the correct level.
To check the brake fluid level, locate the reservoir on the brake system. The level should be between the minimum and maximum marks on the reservoir. If it’s low, add fluid until it reaches the correct level.
Test Your Battery for Proper RV Maintenance
Like most RVers, you depend on your RV’s battery to power your lights, fridge, and other essentials while you’re on the road.
It’s essential to test your RV’s battery and check it out before hitting the road.
The first step is to make sure your battery is appropriately charged. If it’s been a while since you’ve used your RV, your battery may not be fully charged.
If your battery is discharged, you can use a battery charger to bring it back up to full power.
Once your battery is fully charged, it’s time to test its capacity. You’ll need to discharge the battery and then measure the voltage to do this.
There are a few different ways to discharge your battery. One popular method is to turn on all the lights in your RV and let them run until the battery is completely drained.
Use a stopwatch to time how long it takes for the battery to run out of power. A good battery should last for at least 30 minutes.
If your battery doesn’t last for at least 30 minutes, it’s time to replace it.
Once your battery is fully discharged, measure the voltage. A good battery should measure around 12.6 volts. If the voltage drops below 12.6 volts, your battery may be damaged and needs to be replaced.
A new battery will guarantee that you have enough power to make it through your next RV trip.
Inspect Your RV’s Lights
It’s essential to check your RV’s lights before a trip to confirm they are working correctly.
You can do this by turning on all the lights inside and outside the RV, including the headlights, tail lights, brake lights, and turn signals.
Then, walk around the RV to make sure all the lights are working. If any of the lights are not working or burnt out, you’ll need to replace the bulbs before heading out on your trip.
Get Ready to Hit the Road!
If you’re ever in the market for an RV, they’re a great way to travel!
Taking an RV on a road trip is a great way to see the country and have a comfortable place to stay while doing it.
However, before hitting the open road, taking some time to prepare your RV will ensure a smooth trip and avoid any unexpected breakdowns.
So start planning your route and destination, and get packing!
To read more about RV maintenance, check out our blog!