RV Maintenance and Exterior Care: Keep Your RV in Top Shape

From basic cleaning duties to more in-depth maintenance, such as lubrication, keeping your RV in the best possible shape requires some time and dedication. When you’re serious about traveling in comfort, tending to some essential RV maintenance tasks will help you move toward that goal.

Water Damage
Before you go blasting your RV with a power washer to give it a good cleaning, make sure to check areas for damage that are prone to leaks. The most common areas include the following:

• Roof
  Check all your roof vents and seams. The caulk and other support structures around these areas become compromised over time and need to be re-caulked and re-sealed. If you have a rooftop air-conditioner or other roof-based tech, double-check the seams around all these components.
• Slide-Outs
  Whether it’s from years of use or misalignment, the seals around your slide-outs can be damaged, which leads to leaks.
• Windows
  The fluctuation of hot and cold will take a toll on the sealant around your windows, so it is advised to replace the sealant every two to three years. Inspect these seams every year.
• Doors
  Make sure your doors are square and that the sealant around them is in great shape.

Leaks are probably the #1 problem RV owners encounter, but with a little perseverance, you can stay leak-free this summer.

Clean Your Awning
Before you stow your RV away for the winter, be sure to thoroughly clean your awning with mild soap and water. Take this time to lubricate the moving parts and thoroughly dry the entire awning system before stowing. If you haven’t already had your inaugural summer trip in your RV, be sure to inspect the awning for potential rips, tears and damage.

Lubrication
RVs are subjected to plenty of corrosion risks, so be sure to keep your awning lubricant handy for other parts, such as the hitch component, retractable steps, stabilizers, hinges and locks, your slide-outs, doors, and your chassis and suspension, which could require greasing the zerk fittings.

Cleaning from the Top Down
You want your RV to look presentable, but a tip for making this sometimes-arduous job more tenable is to work from the top down. You’ll notice that all of the built-up dirt and grime will streak down as you go, so be sure to suds up the top first before moving on to the rest of the vehicle. Some RV owners will “chunk it out,” meaning they’ll tackle it in phases, particularly those with large units.

Use the Right Soap or Detergent
Does your RV suffer from black streaks along its exterior? If so, you’re like many owners who use special cleaners for this job. Bio-Kleen makes a product called “Black Streak Remover,” which is quite popular. Other brands, such as 303 and Starbrite also have products for removing black streaks.

Before you scrub your roof down, check to see what material it is made of, as you’ll need a different cleaner for a rubber roof than you will for an aluminum or fiberglass roof. The same goes for your awning, which is likely vinyl or fabric – check your cleaner to ensure it is safe on your material type.

For more RV maintenance tips and more in-depth discussion about mechanical components, contact us at Gray Diesel and Equipment Services. We’ll help ensure you’re all set for fun and relaxing travel.