4 Basic RV Maintenance Tips To Keep in Mind

As an RV owner, it's likely that you've experienced the frustration of traveling in your home away from home only to discover that something is not working correctly. The good news is that most routine problems can be fixed without professional help or expensive tools. Here at Chesapeake RV, we're committed to providing helpful maintenance tips to keep your RV moving. If you have any questions, stop by our location in Chesapeake, Virginia, also serving Virginia Beach and Suffolk.

Check for Roof Rot or Water Leakage

Most new RVs come with roofs that are rot resistant and will not need to be treated unless damage has occurred. However, older RVs may need to be treated with a roof sealant. If your roof looks dirty, use a pressure washer and soap solution to clean the surface, then apply an antifungal and anti-mildew coating.

Watch for Signs of Rust

Unless you're planning on having your RV painted every year, you'll want to keep an eye out for signs of rust. This corrosion can weaken metal parts and cause them to fail prematurely. To treat the problem, remove the rusted part and clean off any paint or other surface coating. After that, mask off anything you don't want painted. You can prime both old and new metal surfaces with a zinc-rich primer followed by a coat of top automotive-quality enamel paint.

Inspect Flooring, Windows, and Doors

The inside of your RV is subject to wear and tear just like the outside. Check the floor for signs of water damage or loose tiles. If you find either problem, you'll need to replace damaged tiles or reseal and refinish the floor. Also inspect the windows and doors for cracks and holes. If you find any, repair or replace them ASAP, as they can leak and cause serious damage to your RV.

Check Inlets, Outlets, and Fittings

Leaks inside an RV are very common due to poor connections between pipes, sewer hoses, or electrical cords. To prevent leaks, use pipe tape or Teflon tape to make watertight connections between inlets, outlets, and fittings. If you're not sure if your connection is free of leaks, ask a professional technician to perform a pressure test to make sure.

Wrapping It Up

RV owners need to stay on top of basic maintenance tasks in order for their vehicles to last through many enjoyable trips. So, we've put together this brief guide as a way of educating those who may be new or not too familiar with RVing. If you’re unsure about anything mentioned here, visit our location in Chesapeake, Virginia, also serving Virginia Beach and Suffolk. We'll be happy to help you out!