Owning an RV can be a fun time, but like any other vehicle, you’ll need to do routine maintenance to keep it running smoothly. A lot of these tasks are very similar to the standard maintenance routines for cars, but RVs have some unique demands as well. Here’s what you should be doing to maintain your RV properly.

Change your oil

You will have to change the oil of most modern vehicles every now and then, and RVs are no different. Checking and changing your RV’s oil and oil filter should be a regular maintenance chore. If you don’t do this, then you’re risking severe damage to your RV. How often you should change your oil will depend on your RV, so be sure to refer to your manual for more details.

Routinely replace your filters

Again, similar to changing your oil, an RV has many filters that need to be routinely inspected and replaced if necessary. These include air filters, fuel filters, and coolant filters among other filters. If you don’t replace your filters, then it can potentially damage your RV and cost you thousands for repairs. Refer back to your trusty owners manual for all the info you need.

Inspect your tires 

Another similarity with cars, you should check your tires routinely for air pressure as well as for any signs of damage or severe wear and tear. Unlike cars though, you’ll probably have more https://www.motorbiscuit.com/how-to-figure-out-where-your-tire-is-leaking-from/tires to check and potentially replace with an RV.

Inspect your brakes

You can do a visual check for your brakes, but Camping World recommends taking your RV to a mechanic and having them inspect your brakes. If you neglect to do this, then your brakes could break and that can cost you up to $2,000 to fix.

Check and store your batteries properly

Just like changing your oil, you should also check and replace your batteries when necessary. However, when it’s winter and you’re not planning on using your RV much, be sure to store your batteries properly. If you don’t do that, then your battery could get damaged and you’ll have to replace it. 

Check and service your generator

If you don’t inspect and service your generator, then according to Camping World, it can cost you upwards of $9,000 for repairs. You should also keep your generator running, even when your RV is stored. If you don’t do that, then it can potentially damage your carburetor, and you’ll need to spend about $400 to repair it.

Make sure your propane system works

According to Outdoorsy, all RVs must have a propane leak detection system, and so you should make sure that yours works. Most of these leak detection systems have a test feature, so that’s how you’d test it out.

Inspect your appliances

The whole point of an RV is to have a home on wheels, so naturally, you should have some appliances onboard your RV. There’s no point in going on a trip with an RV if those appliances don’t work. Thus, be sure to check and repair all of your RV’s appliances before going on a trip. 

Check your electrical system

To check your electrical system, first you should find your circuit breaker. Then, test each fuse to make sure that they all work. Finally, check each and every appliance that uses electricity in your RV. If something isn’t turning on, then there’s likely a problem with your electrical system and you’ll have to get that fixed.

Don’t neglect your sewer system

The downside of having a home on wheels is that what goes into your toilets have to come out of somewhere, and that’s your RV’s sewer system.

Be sure to clean your RV’s sewer system often or else it won’t work properly. A poorly maintained sewer system will also make your RV smell bad. On top of that, be sure that you have a good supply of biodegradable toilet paper onboard.