Summer RV maintenance: Important safety and upkeep reminders
Summer is here, and it’s the time of year when many of our customers use their motorhomes and trailers the most. But if you’re getting your RV out for its first trip after being stored for the winter, there are some critical things to prepare for and check. Summer heat, storms, and longer driving distances put extra demands on RVs – and without proper preparation, small problems can lead to expensive repairs or ruined vacations.
Ideally, you’ll get your RV checked by a trusted mechanic before any excursion, but here are some areas to focus on yourself.
First four areas to check
Storing your RV in a covered or enclosed facility like Max RV during the off-season helps protect it from harmful UVs and moisture, but there are still four major areas that you’ll want to check before taking a summer trip:
Tires – Due to the weight of the vehicle pressing on them during time in storage, RV tires develop flat spots that can cause vibration and uneven wear. Plus, higher temperatures on the road can increase the chance of a blowout. You should check tire pressure (including your spare) carefully after a long period of winter storage – ideally, you should check before every trip when tires are cool – and inflate them to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI.
Caulking and rubber seals – Rubber contracts in cold temperatures, developing cracks that can lead to leaks and failures. As we noted in a recent blog post on common RV repair problems, small roof leaks that are left undetected can lead to major damage, so check seals and caulking around windows, doors, vents and especially your roof for signs of wear. Check belts and hoses for signs of cracking, too.
Batteries – RV batteries naturally lose charge when the vehicle has not been started for a long period of time. If you have a digital multimeter as part of your essential RV toolkit, you can do a quick check of your RV battery by setting it to DC Volts (20V) and testing the terminals directly.
Air conditioning – Nothing ruins a summer trip faster than a broken air conditioning unit in hot, humid weather. Your A/C isn’t just for comfort – it can be critical for safety, especially if you’re traveling with pets, small children or older adults in the heat. Check your A/C filters and clean or replace them if necessary and check the unit for any visible damage or leaks. For more peace of mind, have a professional check the entire system to ensure it’s operating efficiently, because a neglected system can overheat, leading to compressor failure — an expensive and potentially trip-ending repair.
Here’s an additional checklist of maintenance and safety items to review before taking off and, if necessary, throughout your journey:
Check your emergency and first aid kit supplies
Verify your insurance and roadside coverage, especially if you’re leaving the state or taking a longer trip in your RV
Check that all fluids – including radiator coolant, water, motor oil, transmission, power steering and brake fluids – are at proper levels
Check, test and replace the batteries on your smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and LP gas alarms
If your RV is equipped with a generator, test its operation and service it as per the manufacturer's instructions
If your motorhome was fully winterized, flush out any antifreeze before using your plumbing system and check for leaks
Test all appliances including your refrigerator, stove, and water heater by turning on each one and cleaning or replacing all filters as needed.
Finally, due to our arid climate here in New Mexico (or anywhere in the Southwest), it’s a good idea to wash down your radiator and A/C coils from the inside out with a hose to remove dirt and dust build-up from time to time throughout the summer months.
Looking for a secure place to store your RV when you’re not on vacation? Contact Max RV today!