Most RV maintenance problems don’t arise overnight. It is natural for mechanical systems to degrade with use over time. RV owners who catch minor problems early can prevent them from becoming serious and costly problems.
RV Roof Leaks
Take a look at the roof of any recreational vehicle and compare it to that of an average passenger car. One thing that should be immediately apparent is that the roof of the RV houses some equipment. Many RVs have roof-mounted air conditioners, cyclone drain ducts, and telecommunications equipment. All of these things are embedded in the roof frame of the RV and sealed against the elements.
However, no sealer is perfect. Even the most sophisticated sealants harden and crack over time. When rain hits those cracks, water drips through them. Water damage can rust your RV’s metal components and short out your delicate electrical equipment.
The best way to prevent roof leaks is to store your camper under a waterproof, UV-resistant cover. Admittedly, this is not always possible, but there is the next best option: purchasing a high-quality textile RV cover. This will keep damage to a minimum while the motorhome is stored.
Depending on local conditions, applying a new coat of RV roof sealant once a year can also be a good way to prevent leaks. The expense of applying roof sealant is much less than repairing water damage.
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Small electrical faults
Many of the systems in your RV are relatively autonomous. The fresh water system does not interact with the engine. The propane system does not interact with the wastewater system. However, your RV’s electrical system interacts with everything. Small electrical problems can easily become major inconveniences at a campsite.
For most RV owners, poor battery life is the number one electrical problem. But you don’t need to replace the battery on every trip to ensure that you won’t run out of battery in the middle of nowhere. Invest in a multimeter and keep it in your motorhome. This simple device will help you identify electrical problems before, during and after your trip.
If you are not familiar with the basics of electrical wiring, hiring a professional for any electrical problem is the safest thing you can do. But if you’re comfortable performing DIY electrical maintenance, there are some easy steps you can take to keep your RV running smoothly.
For example, checking, testing, and replacing fuses on your RV’s circuit board is neither dangerous nor complicated. Safely replacing failed outlets inside your RV using generic outlet boxes is a slightly more complicated procedure, but by no means a major electrical procedure. Anything more complex than that should be delegated to a professional.
RV Plumbing Problems
Most RV plumbing problems are fairly simple to troubleshoot and solve on your own. Overuse of toilet paper is largely the most common cause of RV toilet clogs. Making sure everyone knows the difference between RV toilets and home toilets is key to preventing these unpleasant episodes.
Another common mistake RV owners make is leaving the sewage drain line open while connected to the sewer. It makes sense intuitively, but it can result in liquid waste draining faster than solid waste. Over time, solid waste builds up in the holding tank and remains there until it is manually cleaned, a vacation-ruining experience.
If you know how to snake a plumbing line, you can solve most RV plumbing clogs relatively easily. Just be aware that most RVs are designed to receive the snake from the outside drain valve rather than through the toilet itself.
Depending on where you plan to travel, it may also be necessary to winterize your plumbing system. Most RV sellers sell specially made RV antifreeze that keeps plumbing systems running, even during cold weather. Do not try to use generic automotive antifreeze for this purpose, as the chemical composition of RV antifreeze is different.
RV Heating and Cooling Problems
Heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) problems can seriously affect the comfort and quality of a summer road trip. Although many HVAC problems require professional maintenance, there are some things RV owners can do on their own.
If your air conditioner is running but not blowing cold air consistently, your RV’s vent filters may be dirty. Solving this problem is easy: all you have to do is replace the filters. Doing this regularly will ensure that fresh, clean air enters the vehicle, even during the hottest days of summer.
Thermostat malfunction is another common problem. If your RV’s thermostat is not measuring temperature correctly, you may not be able to circulate cold air even though your air conditioning system is working perfectly. Replacing a thermostat is a simple DIY procedure that anyone can learn to do.
Heating problems are less common and are not usually directly related to the air conditioning system. Most RVs use propane to heat an internal furnace system. Beyond simple issues like replacing a thermocouple and lighting the pilot light, DIY repairs on RV propane systems are not recommended.
Perform an annual inspection of your recreational vehicle to keep your equipment in good condition
Whether you only go on the road a couple of times a year or live a permanent lifestyle, keeping your caravan equipment running is an ongoing task. Components wear out over time, even if the RV is not moving. Make an RV inspection part of your pre-trip preparations and gain peace of mind while you’re on the road.
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