As the weather gets warmer, work days seem longer and the kids get more and more anxious as schools get ready to let out for the summer. That means that it’s also about time to prepare the RV for your annual road trip. If a stress-free adventure is your goal, you want to make sure that your road warrior is ready to take on the challenges of the road ahead this spring. Do yourself a favor and heed these four springtime RV maintenance tips that could save you a whole heap of stress and ensure a worry-free trip.
Get Your Safety Equipment Ready
While you are out there on the open road, you want to be sure that you are prepared for any emergency that may occur. That’s why you want to check that all of your safety equipment is ready to go. Inspect your fire extinguishers and make sure that everyone in the family knows how to use them. Also check the status of your carbon monoxide and gas leak detectors, as well as your smoke alarm, to ensure that hidden fires or unseen CO gas doesn’t lead to a catastrophe while camping out.
Check Your Tires
Just because you aren’t driving your RV, that doesn’t mean that it isn’t taking on wear and tear. This is especially the case when it comes to your tires. Of course, the first check is to test the PSI in your RV’s tires, as your RV could lose up to 3 PSI per month while it is simply sitting in storage, notes Kampgrounds of America’s blog. Since you do not want your tires malfunctioning on those long stretches of road, be sure to check the pressure ahead of time with a reliable tire gauge and reinflate as needed.
Check Your Fluids
As with any vehicle, ensuring that your fluids are at the proper levels is vital. When you’re under the hood, you’re probably used to checking the engine oil and coolant, but don’t forget about all the other fluids, including power steering, brake, transmission and windshield wiper fluid. Wheeling It also recommends that while you’re checking your engine fluids, you should also test the oil levels in your generator and inspect its exhaust system for damage, too.
Make Sure Your Plumbing is Clean and Clear
The last thing you need on your family road trip is an ugly plumbing emergency. Stay ahead of the curve by checking your pipes for leaks before you set off. One of the best ways to do so is to fill your fresh water holding tank, turn on the water pump, and pressurize the water system until the pump shuts down. If you notice the pump restarting, it may mean you have a leak. If you used antifreeze or another winterizing or stabilizing fluid, make sure to run fresh water through the system and allow any vestiges of the fluid from the water supply. Don’t forget about every faucet and shower head, plus a hot water tank if it wasn’t bypassed, notes KOA.
There is nothing like that spring road trip, so make sure that your RV is up for the challenge. Spring is also a good time to make any other repairs your RV may need, including replacing worn parts or siding. For help with custom-designed components guaranteed to fit your RV, you need Hemet Valley RV. Call us today at 951-765-5075 to discuss your vehicle and find out how we can help!