The recreational value of an RV is one thing that many people appreciate. However, maintaining an RV is progressively more complex. It’s common for RV owners to be reluctant to maintain their RVs.
RV maintenance should be put into consideration by every RV owner. On average, 300 recreational vehicles are repaired annually. This is a statistic by the founder and CEO of Florida’s RV Sales of Broward.
To help avoid the most costly and complex to solve issues before and while they appear, you should take your RV for a thorough, fifty-point inspection at least once a year. Whereas some of your RV problems are unavoidable, it is recommended that you focus on the most common RV problems.
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This article will explore the common RV problems and the simple tricks you can use to avoid them.
SUDDEN TIRE BLOWOUTS.
Even though RV tires can sustain you for longer distances, tire blowouts top the common RV problems list. When the climates are hot and dry, and the roads heat up, your RV tires can tap out due to the high temperature. This is nothing to stress about. To be ready to encounter tire blowouts, here are a few things that you can put into consideration.
- Do enough research on your tires. Ensure to consider features like high-temperature limit and maximum load rating. What is the maximum temperature your RV tires can withstand? What is the maximum weight your tires can support? These two factors must be adequate before your camper hits the road.
- Use an equalizer system. To avoid weighing down one tire, ensure you take advantage of the equalizer system when towing your camper. The four friction parts of this system will help your car handle and brake better and improve your general towing experience
- You should know the ideal psi level of all your tires. This sounds basic, but it is essential to inflate all your RV tires correctly and maintain them.
- Perform regular checks on the sidewalls for cracks. When there is any form of a crack, it is a good sign that your need new tires sooner rather than later.
LEAKS ON THE ROOF AND WINDOWS.
It doesn’t come as a surprise that all RV campers are likely to experience water leaks. This is one reason why all RVs require maintenance at least once a year. How? This process is technical but can be done. Start by removing then replacing old window sealants and other places where there is a light entrance.
Most reader manuals suggest specific adhesives for various RVs. For example, some RVs may require butyl tape, while other vehicles may require silicone. This can be a do-it-yourself process, but it would help if you consult a professional.
Whichever way, this solution beats the substitute option, which requires you to change the entire interior due to mould buildup.
TOILET LEAKS.
Clogging is usually the most common RV problem for toilet malfunctions unless a bad seal or gasket is causing leakage. Here are tricks to help you prevent these malfunctions.
- Always keep all valves closed. This prevents liquid drainage and solids from sticking on the valve walls.
- Only use the right RV toilet paper. Avoid products like paper towels at all costs.
- Let the toilet bowl fill before you can flush.
Sometimes you might catch the problem too late. Here is how you can fix it;
- Use chemical products to break down the stuck solid particles and help de-clog.
- You can try a flexible toilet tank.
- As hard as this may sound, keep driving. This trick can miraculously unclog the pipes.
BROKEN WATER PIPES.
RVs can be negatively affected by irregular water pressure in all weather. This problem, though, is common in severely cold temperatures. To control this problem, always ensure that you have hooked a regulator on your hose.
If, in any case, you plan to travel with a forecast of under 32 degrees, it would be of great help to winterize your camper.
BATTERY CORROSIONS AND FAILURE.
It is always good practice to inspect your RV batteries. Ensure that the contact areas are completely dry. This is for the simple reason that corrosion is a mighty battery killer. Most RV owners like to clean their connectors with either a wire brush or a tiny amount of baking soda. Another best option can be to use commercial battery cleaners.
The best way to ensure the longevity of your batteries is to keep them fully charged. On the contrary, letting your RV batteries drain to 20% and lower will undoubtedly damage them.
When storing your RV for a more extended period, ensure that you completely disconnect all the batteries in your RV.