RV Maintenance Tips for Summer

RVs offer year-round adventures, but for many owners, summer is the prime season for RV road trips. If yours sat idle since the end of last summer, it’s time to take care of some RV maintenance procedures to get your vehicle primed for the road.

Inspecting the Important Stuff

Fluids, filters, brakes, axles and differentials – these are the critical components that keep your vehicle running smoothly.

• Fluids
  Engine oil, power steering fluid, transmission fluid, radiator coolant/antifreeze and brake fluid need to be checked and topped off, and depending on the mileage since it was last changed, you might need to replace old fluid.
• Filters
  There are four filters that need to be checked or changed: The cabin air filter, engine air filter, fuel filter and the oil filter.
• Brakes, axles and differentials
  Be sure to check the differential fluid level, grease your axles and ensure your brake pads and rotors are in good working order.
• Belts
  Check for frayed or cracked belts in your engine bay.

Visibility is critical for your safety and the safety of others, so also test your headlights, taillights, turn signals and hazards.

Plumbing Primers

Did you winterize your water tank with antifreeze last fall? Once you’ve experienced your last freeze of the winter, it’ll be time to drain the antifreeze and thoroughly cleanse the tank of chemical remnants. While you’re at it, check all your plumbing connections for leaks so you can get ahead of potential issues that could spoil your trips this summer.

Test Your Batteries and Electric Systems

Batteries drop about 10% of their energy per month of non-use, so you’ll probably want to put a charge on yours. Make sure your batteries have the right water levels in them. If you’ve got a solar power system, clean off your panels and run a check on all your batteries used in that system.

While you’re in electrical check mode, turn on your water heater to ensure it has power and then go through all the electrical appliances you have in your RV, from the microwave to the vent fan, and refrigerator to the water pump to make sure they’re still getting power.

Kick the Rubber

Double-check all your lug nuts on your wheels to ensure they’re tight. Also check the tire pressure, as you will lose up to 3 PSI per month that the vehicle is parked. Do an inspection of the tread and look for wear and tear. Don’t forget to check the sidewalls, too. RV tires last around six years, so look at the date on yours and make arrangements to have them replaced if yours have reached the end of their lifespan.

Aside from the normal spring cleaning of the interior, you should be all set. And remember, for comprehensive maintenance service, reach out to us at Gray Diesel & Equipment Services. We will get your RV maintenance needs squared away so you can enjoy your adventures.