Just like a house, every RV requires maintenance. It is never too late to start performing maintenance. Regular maintenance on each of your systems will prolong the life of your RV. RVs are meant to travel, but they also undergo a lot of wear and tear on the road, so while you are in it, make sure to keep it in good condition. We will go through the RV systems in your RV and give tips on how to keep them in tip, top shape!

The Ultimate RV Maintenance Guide for Every RVer HappilyEverHanks

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Air Conditioner

The RV air conditioning unit extracts hot air from the interior of your RV and expels it to the outside environment, thus cooling the interior. Not cleaning your RV's AC can lead to clogging, preventing proper airflow through the system. This affects the AC's proper functioning, causing it to suck in contaminated or hot air. Over time, the unit can become completely inefficient, requiring replacement. Two of the most critical components that need cleaning in an RV AC unit are the filter and the coils.

The filter is what prevents unwanted particles, allergens, and pollutants from entering the air, which could cause the AC unit to fail in the long run. The coil, along with the condenser, absorbs heat from the indoor air, completing the heat exchange that allows the unit to produce cool air. Cleaning these components regularly can help you maintain your recreational vehicle's air conditioning system for a longer period.

To clean filters, remove the filter from the unit when the AC is turned off. The most effective way to clean the filter of an air conditioning unit is to use a vacuum cleaner. The vacuum cleaner will suck up any dirt or debris that has accumulated over time while being gentle enough not to damage the filter material itself.

Additionally, you can wash the filter with warm water and mild soap to remove any debris left behind after vacuuming. A mixture of vinegar and water can be sprayed over the filter to kill any remaining bacteria. Let the filter dry completely before putting it back into the unit. If your filter becomes damaged or you are not able to clean it, then replace it. Check your manual for the proper filter.

To clean the coils you will need to go onto the roof of your RV and remove the cover of the unit. First, make sure the unit is off before doing any work. Once you have the cover off inspect the unit. The coils should all be straight. You can use a coil comb to realign them and compressed air to clean them. There is also a spray-on coil cleaner that has a lid that helps to straighten your coils and clean them.

Air conditioners for RVs are essential for cooling the interior of the trailer. According to manufacturers, cleaning, and maintenance of your filter should be done every two weeks, while cleaning the coils should be done once a year.

Water Heater

Of the many comforts provided by RVs is hot water! We all know a hot shower tops the list for many people. It is such a luxury to have hot water at the turn of a faucet! Therefore, to ensure that there is always hot water when you turn on the tap, make sure to regularly maintain your motorhome's water heater.

Inside your RV there is a hot water tank. Locate your tank and inspect it for any leaks around all of the fittings. Next, you will go outside and remove the cover. Inspect the area and you can use compressed air to remove any dirt or debris. Check the pressure relief valve for any leaking.

Now you are ready to drain the tank. Stand off to the side and wear gloves, open the pressure relief valve. There may still be hot water and accumulated pressure in the tank. Remove the drain plug, taking care again for possible splashes of hot water. In Suburban units, there will be an anode rod attached to the plug. Atwood units do not have this anode rod. Inspect the anode rod for corrosion. Corrosion is normal due to wear of the anode rod and also indicates when it needs to be replaced. This is an inexpensive part and most people replace it annually. Check your manual for the correct size. You can use a flush wand attached to a hose to further clean out the tank. If you do not have a flush wand, you can close the pressure relief valve and run water through the tank until the water comes out clean.

Replace the drain plug/anode rod, using thread seal tape on the threads. With the pressure relief valve in the open position, turn on the water supply again, allowing the tank to fill until water starts flowing out of the pressure relief valve. Then, shut off the water supply and let the water drain until there is little to no water leakage from the pressure relief valve. This will ensure enough expansion space at the top of the tank. Make sure to close the pressure relief valve and check for any leaks in the valve or drain plug. Turn on the water supply, electricity, and gas, and ignite the water heater. Verify that there is a strong blue flame in the combustion chamber. For electric-only hot water tanks, be sure to also inspect the heating element.

It is highly recommended that you flush and clean your hot water tanks once a year to descale and clean the RV’s water heater. This gets rid of all the built-up calcium deposits and scale. It also cleans the electric heating element to keep it working at its best!

Furnace

RV owners, especially those who enjoy winter trips, need to be proactive in preparing the forced-air heating system for those days and nights when it gets chilly. An RV forced-air heater is a sealed combustion system, so it's relatively easy for owners to perform a few maintenance procedures to ensure that the warm air circulates when needed. This does not mean that the need for professional attention is completely eliminated. As with any propane-burning appliance, it is still vital to measure and adjust the supply line pressure, test the regulator, and perform a more thorough cleaning periodically by a professional.

For routine maintenance, vacuum and clean all accessible parts of the furnace. While all forced-air furnaces are similar in their operating sequence, they may be assembled in different configurations. However, keeping the unit free of accumulated dust will ensure proper functioning. Vacuum in all areas of the furnace, including floor vents. In some cases, it may be possible to remove a front panel to access internal parts of the furnace enclosure. In other cases, access may be through an exterior panel of the motorhome. Use a soft, damp cloth to clean all metal components. Take the time to thoroughly inspect the intake and exhaust vents on the exterior of the motorhome. Blockages in the intake tube will cause an overly rich mixture at the burner, resulting in incomplete combustion and can pose a fire hazard.

RV Refrigerator

Looking for ways to keep your RV refrigerator running smoothly? Proper maintenance of your refrigerator during the journey is more important than you think. Needless to say, the refrigerator is an essential element during your road trip. You can extend the life and the performance of your fridge with a few easy tips.

One of the best ways to take good care of your refrigerator is to clean it out and wipe down the shelves regularly. If ice is present, defrost it in order to keep it running at its best. Vinegar and water are a great solution to kill bacteria once you have wiped everything down. As you do this you will also be inspecting the refrigerator for any concerns. Next, carefully examine the door seals for any signs of wear, cracks, or gaps. Damaged seals can cause cold air loss and cooling inefficiency. If you notice any issues, it may be time to consider replacing the seals on your refrigerator. The temperature of your fridge needs to be kept between 34 degrees and 40 degrees and the freezer should be at 0 degrees or lower. It is best to keep a good thermometer in your refrigerator. Another great way to help your RV fridge stay in top condition is to make sure your RV is level each time you park it.

Make prevention and proactive measures a priority. Performing regular cleanings, checking door seals, and monitoring temperature settings are excellent ways to prevent issues. By being proactive, you can avoid costly repairs and unexpected failures. Now that you know all about proper maintenance, you can keep your RV refrigerator in optimal condition. This way, you can keep your food fresh during your road adventures.

Regular RV Maintenance

Owning an RV does require some extra work on your part. Completing routine maintenance is a great way to keep your RV in great condition. It is best to refer to your owners manuals for the best ways to upkeep your systems. Each RV has different products. You may have a tankless water heater or a residential refrigerator, so some of the tips above would not pertain to your rig. It is also great to have a way to keep up with when your maintenance needs to be done. Using programs like RV Life is a great way to ensure that you stay on top of all of your maintenance. If you ever feel you need to get a professional to assist you with the upkeep of your RV, you can find a Certified RV Technician near you.