Miscellaneous

RV Maintenance Tips

Model 1 | January 7, 2022

A man on a ladder cleaning the roof of an RV.

Every RV requires regular maintenance. After all, camping trips and time take their toll! Keeping up with maintenance helps extend the camper’s lifespan, reduce the need for repairs, and even maximize the enjoyment of the rig during a vacation.

Not all maintenance needs to be done by a service department, however. The following tasks can be done at home as a way to save money on camper upkeep.

For more time-consuming or complex maintenance projects, the experts at Creative Bus Sales are here to help. Our factory-trained technicians offer remote, onsite, and even mobile service options. We can handle a range of RV repairs as well as preventative maintenance.

For the Tires

Before a trip:

  • Make sure tires are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommendation.
  • Tighten the lug nuts as needed.
  • During regular inspection:
  • Look for signs of damage that merit repair or replacement.
  • Look for uneven tread wear, which increases the chances of a dangerous blowout.
  • Measure the tread levels against the manufacturer’s recommendation.

For the Roof

During regular inspection:
Look for damage caused by harsh weather, debris buildup, and moisture accumulation.
Check the quality of the seals and seams, which protect the RV’s interior against water damage.

As needed:
Wash the roof, then apply sealant.
Getting onto an RV’s roof does involve some hassle and safety risk, which is why many owners let a service department handle RV roof-related maintenance.

For the Battery

As needed:
Replace the battery once it’s at the end of its lifespan, which is usually three to five years.
Remove the battery if the camper will sit unused for an extended period of time. Store the battery somewhere warm to prevent freezing and breaking.

The Tanks

The RV tank maintenance will depend on the type of tank:
For the freshwater tank: Do a bi-annual flush with a gentle bleach and water solution to deal with any bacteria.
For the gray water tank: Use an odor blocker as needed.
For the black tank: Use black tank chemicals to break down solids. After emptying, use the black tank flush system (if your RV has one). This helps keep the sensors clean so that they can remain accurate.

The Sewer System

During a trip:
Use biodegradable RV toilet paper.
As needed:
Empty the holding tanks regularly to prevent unwanted backup.

The Water Heater

During regular inspection:
Make sure the burner tube or chamber is free of debris, remove any build-up with compressed air
See if the anode rod needs replacing

As needed:
Wash out any sediment, which can buildup through use and outdoor storage.

Need professional help with RV maintenance? Contact the experts at Creative Bus Sales. We offer a range of services including preventative RV maintenance and warranty repairs. We can get your RV back on the road where it belongs in no time!