This information is being provided for general informational purposes only. Meemic Insurance Company does not assume any liability in connection with providing this information.
Do You Barely Use Your RV? Don’t Forget Maintenance
If you own an RV and haven’t found the time to get it on the road much during the last few years, it’s important that you continue maintaining the vehicle.
Ideally, you should be parking it in a covered area, but that’s not always possible depending on the space you have available. You’ll need to take special care if you are storing your RV in an uncovered area, where it is exposed to the elements 24/7.
RV repair costs can quickly add up, but with regular preventive maintenance, you can reduce the chances of these expensive repairs needing to happen. To keep your vehicle from falling into disrepair, you should:
Invest in a High-Quality Cover
To prevent weather-related damage, you should consider purchasing an RV cover that can be draped over the entire vehicle. A cover is one of the best damage prevention tools you can find, so look for one that’s made of solid construction.
Read the Owner’s Manual
You’ll want to service and maintain your RV as recommended in the owner’s manual.
Consider these specific tips for looking after each key part of your vehicle:
The Roof
The roof of your RV is exposed to all the elements if parked outdoors, including harsh summer sun and excessive heat, wind, rain, snow and hail. You should make a habit of regularly inspecting the roof for damage, like cracks, flaking and peeling.
To avoid extensive damage, be careful of where you park, particularly if it’s under a tree that drops fruits, berries, seeds, sap or other stuff that will sit and fester on the roof if left unattended.
If your RV comes equipped with a factory-installed ladder, you’ll be able to walk on the roof. If it doesn’t, use a ladder to work on your roof from the side.
When washing the roof, simply use a car cleaning solution mixed with water.
Every six months, inspect the roof seals and seams to ensure they are intact and not leaking. If you spot any issues, have them repaired immediately to prevent further damage.
Repairing water damage can be extremely costly. Considering applying sealant to the seals and seams to prevent future leaks from occurring.
If your RV has a rubber roof, you should treat it annually to prevent sun damage.
Awnings
When storing your RV make sure to retract the awning to avoid damage, particularly from winds or mold and mildew.
Clean the awning with a proper awning cleaner at least once a year. These can be found at most RV supply stores and should be sprayed onto the awning before scrubbing or rinsing.
Also, inspect your awning annually if you rarely use your RV, including:
- Brackets and poles: Look for missing screws or signs of bending. Also look for broken rivets or enlarged holes in the handles. All of these can cause issues in the future if they are not repaired.
- Awning end caps: Check for signs of damage and broken or missing rivets.
- Mounting hardware: Ensure that the awning is properly secured to the RV.
- Fabric: Thoroughly inspect the awning fabric, keeping an eye out for tears or signs of excessive wear.
Slide-outs
Once or twice a year, check your slide-out to make sure that nothing is sticking when you retract or open it. Clear out any debris you find and apply slide-out lubricant to ensure easy functioning.
Rodents
Proper maintenance helps prevent rodent damage, but it’s always a good idea to keep an eye out.