Just about every RVer that I’ve ever come into contact with fully believes RV maintenance is the way to make your RV last longer and perform better. With that being said, I’m willing to bet that not every one of them is good at remembering to do those maintenance chores on a daily basis. It’s easy to forget or even procrastinate until next month, but regular upkeep is what keeps your RV running smoothly and lessens the chances that you’ll have an emergency where you need to order a part to be next day aired to you so you can continue your vacation. Here are a few chores you should never forget to do!
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Grease Those Bearings
The bearings inside your axle are a vital component of your RV. They may seem small and irrelevant, but I assure you, when you have a bearing blow out, you’ll wish you paid more attention to them. If you get those bearings overheated and they fail, you’ve got a serious problem on your hands. Many times, wheels and tires come completely off of the axle. When you’re hauling an investment like your RV down the highway, you don’t want to run the risk of having it careen off of the road. Most RV manufacturers recommend re-greasing your axles at least once a year. It’s a simple plug and squeeze (if your axles are EZ-Lube) that you can’t afford to skip. When’s the last time you re-greased your RV’s axles?
Clean Those Drains
The smell of a nasty, dirty drain is one that will make you search for the nearest clothespin and stick it on your nose. We’ve all had dirty drains, but what can we do about it? Sure, we can spend tons on money on drain cleaners, but you’d be wasting your money! All you need is 1/4 cup of baking soda mixed with one cup of vinegar poured down your drains. It’s a natural solution that won’t hurt your PVC pipes and you can kiss those smells good-bye!
Double Check Your Alarms
Every RV in existence should have a smoke detector and carbon monoxide detector in it at all times. Don’t just wait for it to start beeping at you before you test the battery. Before you hitch up, you should push the “Test” button and make sure it works properly. Always carry the proper batteries along with you so you don’t have to go searching for a convenience store just to keep your alarms working properly.
Keep Those Tires Aired Up
Under-inflated tires are a drain on your wallet and they are a danger to you. First off, they make your engine pull harder than it needs to, making your miles per gallon even worse. After all, you’re already pulling a house on wheels! Secondly, if a tire is at the improper pressure, it could cause a blowout and create a messy situation on the highway. Always check with your RV manufacturer and the tire manufacturer to ensure you are putting the proper amount of air in each of your tires on your RV (and your truck!).
