RV Maintenance 101: Caring For The Exterior of Your RV
Now that you have your dream RV, you need to keep it looking great! We are going to share some great tips that will help you keep the exterior of your RV looking good, while helping to ensure it ages gracefully!
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The Roof
We are going to start at the top! You need to climb up on your roof several times a year to check its condition. It is best to be sure that the roof is designed to walk on; if not, you'll need to do cleaning, inspection, and repairs from a ladder. You need to inspect the roof for rips, tears, cracks, and caulking separations. A great way to inspect the RV roof is to clean the roof every three months. As you clean, you will see any imperfections or areas that need attention. Pay special attention to the vents, AC units, skylights, ladders, and anything else attached to your roof. These places are prone to mold, dirt, and cracks. Look over all of the seals and reseal any areas that look concerning with an RV sealant. Make repairs to any damage you find on your roof. RV roof maintenance is great in preventing damaging leaks and expensive repairs.
*Use your owners manual to check the type of roof you have and how to care for it.
Slide Toppers and Awnings
A great way to maintain your slide topper(s) is to make sure you inspect them every time you bring your slides in. Look for any rips or areas of concern, again cleaning your toppers often will help you stay on top of this. To clean your toppers and your awning it is best to just use a soap and water mixture and a long brush with soft bristles. If you are stationary you need to check your toppers and awnings about every two months, depending on what type of debris lands on them. Sweep off any loose items to keep your toppers and awnings from staining. Do not store the awning when the fabric is wet. Allow enough time for it to dry completely on both sides before storing the awning because a wet fabric can mold or mildew. Inspect all of the hardware to make sure that everything is securely mounted and working properly. Check the sealant around the brackets to make sure that there are no cracks, this can help keep water from going in through the mounting brackets and hardware.
*Check your owners manual to see what type of fabric your awnings are made from and how to care for them.
Slides
Your slide-out seals are made of rubber that surrounds the edges of the slide and create suction around the slides when you bring them in. These seals prevent debris from coming into your RV. The seals are relatively low maintenance, but they will need to be inspected for signs of excessive wear or damage. You will need to clean the seals and check the tracks for dirt and debris. In addition to cleaning your seals, you will need to lubricate them at least two times a year. As you bring your slide in and out, listen for any unusual sounds and watch them as they move. If you have hydraulic slides you will need to check the fluid levels regularly.
*Check your owners manual for the type of slide mechanism you have if you are unsure.Sidewalls
To maintain the exterior of your RV, make sure you’re performing routine cleaning, inspections, and preventive maintenance. If you want to keep your RV looking new, you should wash it after each trip you take. The sooner you remove all of the bugs, dirt, and grime, the easier it is to keep the RV’s exterior clean. A great way to clean your RV is with a cleaner made for washing and waxing at the same time. You can get the full kit to keep your RV looking great for years to come. This setup is great for use in RV parks where they do not allow you to wash your RV.
As you are cleaning the exterior of your RV, check for any imperfections or areas of concern. Look at all areas that have sealant and check to see that it is not cracked or missing. Check around all of the compartment doors, any vents, the windows, and any exterior appliances. You are also looking for any bubbling of the sidewalls if you have a fiberglass-sided RV. The bubbling means that there is separation of the material which can cause moisture to build up and cause damage. When there are cracks in the sealants, water can also go in and cause this bubbling to occur. This needs to be repaired as soon as you discover it!
Windows and Windshields
While you were cleaning the sidewalls you may have looked over all of your windows and your windshield (if you have one)! You can use a combination of vinegar and water to clean all of your glass. As you clean, look at all of the seals to make sure that there are not any cracks or separation. Make repairs as you find imperfections. Wipe and clean off your windshield wipers frequently to keep them free of debris and buildup.
Tires
RV tire maintenance is a necessity. One of the most important areas of tire upkeep is proper inflation pressure, which varies in each tire depending on the weight of the fully-loaded vehicle. You need to look at the tires for any unusual wear, bubbling, or cracking. Cleaning your tires regularly will help you notice changes more quickly. Make sure that all of the lug nuts are tight. It is also recommended that you cover your tires to prevent overexposure to the sun.
*Check your manual or the tire manufacture for more information on your particular tires.Undercarriage
Crawling under the RV is not the most exciting thing you get to do, but your undercarriage must be inspected and cleaned! You can hose off most of the gunk that ends up under your RV, but first, get a good look for any holes or sealant breakdown. Small holes can be filled with a sealant, while larger holes can be covered with underbelly RV tape. Leaving even small holes in your undercarriage can create ways for unwanted guests to enter.
While under your RV check for any sagging, leaks, or cracks in the metal parts. If you find sagging, this could be a sign of a leak and needs to be addressed immediately. Look for cracks in the frame and other metal. This is a good time to check your axles and brakes!
While you are under there, look over all of your tanks. Look for leaks or breaks in any of the seals. Your RV takes a great bit of strain and finding problems early will save you a great deal of money.
A great tool for making sure that you are doing regular maintenance is included with your subscription to RV LIFE. You can create a schedule to ensure that you are checking all of your RV parts at regular intervals. Click below to check out everything offered with RV LIFE!
Now that you have read through all of the various ways to upkeep your RV, make a plan so that you are not stressed about how much there is to maintain your recreational vehicle! If you find that you need assistance with repair or maintenance check out the yellow pages for RVers. My RV Resource is a great place to find a mobile-certified RV tech who can help you along your journey!
Watch to learn how we discovered a leak under our RV!
