There are few feelings better than hitting the open road in your motorhome or RV to go camping. Whether you plan to spend a whole summer on the road or are just getting away to the lake for a weekend, you should always give your RV a checkup before heading out. Proper RV maintenance can help your RV last longer and allows you to catch damage or issues before they become expensive repairs.
Regular preventative maintenance is important for RV owners, but it doesn’t have to be difficult. Whether you want to perform your maintenance yourself or invest in mobile RV service in Flagstaff, AZ, this checklist can help you prevent issues with your RV before you hit the road.
RV Engine Maintenance Checks
If you have a motorhome, you know how important it is to properly maintain the engine and other necessary driving features. Without proper maintenance, you might end up along the road with a broken-down motorhome. If your RV is your main transportation when you travel, you may find yourself stuck in one spot while the repairs are completed. To give yourself the best chance of avoiding a breakdown or expensive RV repairs, follow these important maintenance tips:
- Oil change: Just as with a personal car or truck, regular oil changes are important to the life and health of your motorhome’s engine. Synthetic oils will last longer and need to be replaced less often than conventional motor oil.
- Replace filters: When you change your RV’s motor oil, be sure to also change the oil filter. The oil filter helps keep dirt and debris out of the engine oil. Likewise, you will want to replace the air filter.
- Engine belts: Give the belts in your RV’s engine a thorough inspection several times a year, especially after sitting for a period of time, such as over winter. These belts can break down and wear over time, which can lead to expensive repairs.
- Tires: Check your tire pressure as well as the tread wear on each tire often. Tires without enough pressure can cause friction, which leads to blowouts. Worn tire tread can make your tires slick on the road’s surface and dangerous to drive.
- Lights, windshield wipers and fluids: Check that all of the lights on your motorhome work properly, including the turn signals, brake lights and headlights. If any lights are out, replace them right away. Top off fluids when you perform other maintenance checks and replace worn windshield wipers.
- Battery: Make sure your motorhome’s battery is in good condition by checking it regularly. If your battery is several years old, it may be time to replace it or buy a backup to have on the road just in case.
- Engine hoses: Along with the engine belts, go through your engine’s hoses and check for leaks. Pay special attention to the ends of the hoses, where they connect to other parts of the engine using valves or seals. Seals are known to break down over time, causing leaks.
Mobile RV Service in Flagstaff, AZ
Keep yourself and your family safe when traveling with regular RV maintenance. Remember that even proper maintenance doesn’t guarantee you won’t break down, so it’s important to contact Maclin Truck & Trailer for all of your mobile RV repair in Flagstaff, AZ.