A recent RV survey showed that 9.6 million households planned on buying an RV in the next 5 years. It also showed that 22% of the market’s made up of 18 to 34-year-olds.
If you own an RV, there are a few things you need to remember. Some common RV maintenance errors could easily be avoided with these tips.
This is important since an RV is a big investment. You want to make sure you are taking care of it so that it lasts for many years to come.
Keep reading to find out more about the most common RV maintenance errors.
1. Not Making Speedy Repairs
Your RV maintenance routine should include fixing any issues that come up. Repairs are important and should be fixed as soon as possible.
If they are left unfixed, the damage will most likely become worse. This is especially true if you are currently using your RV with it being damaged.
Some of the most common issues come from roof leaks. Repairing RV roofs is important to prevent further damage from affecting the structure.
Even the most sturdy RV roof could cave in if leaking, and other types of damage aren’t addressed. This will also lead to damage to the interior of the RV.
It is a good idea for all RV owners to have some repair knowledge. But you should also have someone that you can take your RV to for other repairs.
2. Overloading the RV
Some common RV maintenance errors come from not understanding the vehicle. One example of this is ignoring the weight limit for the RV.
This is very common sense; many people load their RV down with a lot of items. If you are taking a long trip, this can be very tempting.
The reality is that this can have serious repercussions on your RV. You need to make sure you are not exceeding the weight limit, as this will weigh it down.
Overloading your RV can result in it wearing out faster. It will be more difficult to drive, and it will not respond as easily on the road.
Over time this can start to damage the structure of the RV, leading to costly repairs. It can also make it dangerous to navigate on certain roads.
3. Forgetting About the Plumbing
Your RV maintenance costs could potentially skyrocket from an unlikely source. This source is the plumbing system for the RV.
Unlike a toilet in your home, an RV toilet is much more sensitive. You should only be using specific kinds of toilet paper, and you need to make sure it is minimal.
Not following this rule could result in the toilet becoming backed up. You also need to make sure the black water drain pipe is not left open.
This is a common mistake you can make when hooking it to a sewer connection. The good news is that most plumbing issues for your RV are easy to fix.
But they could potentially become much more serious if not addressed fast. It can also be difficult to fix these issues when you are on the road.
4. Not Performing Regular Maintenance
What are the most important things you need to do as an RV owner is to have inspections. Regular RV inspections are a necessity to make sure it is in working condition.
This is especially important if you drive your RV very regularly. Ideally, you should have it inspected before you take any trip.
Inspections are important because they help to catch serious problems early on. This prevents damage from becoming worse before you realize it is there.
5. Not Keeping It Clean
Not only is a dirty RV unpleasant, but it is also damaging. You need to make sure you are keeping your RV clean at all times.
Allowing grime to build up can result in damage to every area of your RV. It is a good idea to get RV cleaning supplies so that you have the right items on hand.
Keeping the inside of the RV clean will also prevent tripping hazards. Cleanliness also guarantees that your inspections will be thorough, identifying damage easily.
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6. Forgetting Pre Trip Inspections
Before you take your RV out on the road, you need to inspect it. A pre-trip inspection is important even if you have had a professional inspection done.
Walk around the RV and check for any visible signs of issues. This could be something serious, like a tire that looks a little flat.
You want to make sure all of the tires are filled up so that they are not worn out as you drive. You also want to make sure all of your turn signals and mirrors are working.
This is also a good time to check the engine and fuel to make sure everything is in good condition. If you don’t do this, you could end up having a problem out on the road.
Inspecting your RV is much more difficult when it is actually in use. This will also help to prevent the risk of breaking down on the road when you don’t have help nearby.
Common RV Maintenance Errors to Avoid
If you own an RV, there is certain maintenance that is required. Some common RV maintenance errors can add up and result in a lot of expenses over time.
Some of these errors include overloading your RV or not making repairs quickly. These are things that can result in significant issues you will need to address later.
Did you enjoy reading this article about RVs? Keep reading for more recreational-related content.