How to Save Money: Maintain Your Own RV

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Ask and RV service tech what are the most frequent problems people have when their RV needs service, he will tell you three things. Anyone who owns an RV can save money by doing these simple little things themselves.

First of all, one of the biggest problems people have is their batteries going dead. The key to your RV’s electrical system is the batteries, so keep them maintained. Do not be fooled, even maintenance free batteries need maintenance. Here is what to do. Check the water in your batteries every three to four weeks. Water evaporates even inside the battery shell. Pull the caps on top of the battery off and refill the cells to about a half an inch below the top of the cell with plain tap water. Nothing will kill a cell in your battery faster than being low on water. This is such a simple thing, yet so many RV owners have the same problem. Keeping the correct water level in the batteries will avoid most of your electrical problems.

Secondly, inspect the roof on your Travel Trailer at least once every two to three months. Inspect the roof for dirt and the seals for cracks and make sure they are not rolled up on the edges. Inspect the seams on the roofing material for cracks or deterioration. If you find any small cracks, fill with a silicone sealant. It is ok to be generous with the sealant as it can not hurt anything. Check the seams on the edge of the roof and make sure there are no visible issues with cracking or seals rolling up. If so coat the area with sealant. Stop by your RV Dealer and pick up a tube of RV sealant if you do not want to use plain silicone.

Sunlight, heat and all weather conditions will deteriorate the materials that are in contact with the weather most often. When some complains of the roof on their RV leaking, 99% of the time it is because they failed to inspect their roof. Doing this every so often will save you so many problems. Do this once every three months as it will take less than one hour.
The third thing to do that will save you time and headaches is to check your tires and bearings every three months as well. Most new Travel Trailers come with EZ Lube axles, or what they call “buddy bearings,” that allow you to lubricate your axles without pulling the wheels. Just plug a grease gun to grease insert in the center of the wheel and pump two or three times. If you still need help, ask a mechanic to help you out.

Check your tires for proper inflation and inspect to check for dry rot. Dry rot will affect every tire at some point and is indicated by hairline cracks in the sidewalls of the tire. Replace the tires if you see any of these cracks. It will save you lots of time and headaches and you will not get stranded by the side of the road with a flat tire.

The issues mentioned here are the things that cause the most service problems for RVers. By taking a little bit of time to properly service your RV yourself, you will save time and money, not to mention you will cut down on the problems you have at the campsite or on the road. Take the time to look at these things, and enjoy your RV for many years to come.

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