Prepare for Summer With Our RV Annual Maintenance Checklist
Avoid Extra Visits to the Service Shop by Keeping Up With Maintenance!
Summer is right around the corner, and plenty of RV drivers are itching to hit the road. From weekend trippers to cross-country trekkers, plenty of drivers are preparing for a season of adventures. From shopping for service and parts to picking which movies to queue up for some backseat entertainment, it seems like there's always SOMETHING that needs doing before the family can break out the beef jerky to celebrate this season's maiden voyage.
There are plenty of awesome RV destinations all around Atlanta, so we understand the desire to load up the motorhome and speed off to Stone Mountain Park at the first sign of summer. Before you go, however, there are plenty of things you probably want to take a look at.
Thankfully, we've compiled this handy RV Maintenance Checklist to help you keep track of everything that needs to be done between trips. Learning about RV repair issues on the road generally isn't a fun way to do it, so it never hurts to be prepared.
Below are four different motorhome services you should perform at least once a year to keep everything running smoothly!
Service Your RV Brakes
Nothing spells disaster like worn-down RV brakes. The exact lifespan of a brake set can vary a lot depending on how much you use your RV, along with the driving conditions you expose it to. Navigating narrow mountain passes will wear down your brakes a lot faster than driving around suburban Atlanta, so it never hurts to check.
Once you start to see signs of your RV brakes degrading—such as vibrations while driving or that unmistakable brake screech—get your motorhome serviced immediately. If everything seems to be running smoothly, you should still have your brakes serviced by an RV garage or motorhome service shop every year.
Clean Your RV's Water System
Your water system is another thing you DON’T want to discover is broken once you've already left on your trip. Once the freshwater tank starts getting murky, things can sour pretty fast. If your water system clogs or gets contaminated once you're already at an RV campsite, you're in big trouble unless you decided earlier to stock up on more bottled water than a Cold War bomb shelter.
RV Service Dealerships recommend cleaning your water system once a year by pouring a cup of bleach into the fresh tank, filling it with potable water, and letting it sit for a day. After draining it, you should fill the tank up one more time and run the faucets until you can't smell any more bleach.
Inspect Your RV's Propane System
A functional propane system is often the only thing protecting your passengers from having to subsist on Lunchables for a week straight. Unless you want to break out the flint and kindling, you'll want to make sure your motorhome's propane system is functioning properly.
You should ideally be checking the main access points on this system every time you load or unload an RV propane tank, especially if you end up doing it often. If you're more about seasonal barbeques than daily ones, it still doesn't hurt to get a full propane system inspection from a garage or motorhome dealer at least once a year.
Reseal Your RV Exterior
Motorhome water leaks can turn a camping trip from scenic to soggy fast. Keep your passengers dry by frequently checking your RV's exterior seals, especially if you've been driving through some rough terrain. If you find any spots where water might be able to get in, act right away with some RV sealant to prevent cracks from turning into catastrophes.
Although you may not find any obvious issues during your routine inspections, it's still a good idea to get your RV's exterior resealed once every year. After all, the only good kind of leak is the kind you never have to experience.
Motorhome Service Shop Near Me
Ready to take the stress out of preparing for your next RV outing? Our repair service has you covered. With a large selection of trailers, parts, and accessories, we've got everything you need to turn your next trip into an adventure. There's a reason why we're the premiere RV service garage in Atlanta—just swing by and you'll see why! Whether you're looking for motorhome parts and services, or just want to get excited about Class B trailers, we're your friend for everything RV!
