Usually when you plan a trip in your RV, you perform some sort of pre-trip check to make sure the RV is properly equipped for travel. When it is time to leave camp, you perform these checks again for the return trip. But what happens when you find that perfect campground or RV Park and stay put for extended periods of time? Do you perform routine maintenance checks on your RV to ensure it is in a safe and operable condition while parked? Most likely you do, but if not, here are some extended maintenance checks to consider carrying out.
Inflate the tires to the pressure recommended by the manufacturer. Tires can lose up to 2 to 3 psi per square inch per month. If you stay in one place for three or six months, your tire pressure may be dangerously low. If the unit has not moved, check and adjust tire pressure on a monthly basis. Ozone in the air and UV rays from the sun shorten the life of your RV tires. Ozone causes tires to dry out and wear out, and UV rays make this happen faster. This is especially true of the tire sidewall. You should periodically check your tires for any checks or cracks in the tire sidewalls. If you notice any damage, have the tires checked by a professional before using your RV. Tire failure on an RV can be very serious and can cause costly damage to an RV. Keep the frames covered with sheeting that blocks sunlight when the RV is in one location or not in use.
Place some type of RV leveling block between the ground and the tires. Make sure whatever you use is larger than the frame area. No part of the tire should overhang the edge of the tire block. This may damage the inner frame. There are actually several reasons for blocking frames. The first is to make sure the RV is as flat as possible so that there is no more weight on one tire than on the others. Storage surfaces can prematurely wear your tires. You do not want to leave the tires in contact with any heat-producing or petroleum-based substance such as asphalt for extended periods of time. You also don’t want them to be exposed to constant cold or dampness, such as sitting on the frozen ground. The lumber or palisade acts as a barrier between the tires and the surface of the ground on which they are stored.
If it’s a motorized RV, you should fill up the gas tank before parking it for an extended period and add fuel stabilizer. Run the engine and alternator long enough for the fuel stabilizer to pass through the fuel system. If you do not use the generator, you must exercise it monthly at a minimum rated load of ½. Consult the generator set owner’s manual for rated loads.
Check and fill water levels in all batteries and make sure the batteries remain fully charged. Electrolyte levels in batteries will be depleted through prolonged use. Check water levels once or twice a week depending on usage. Many RV transformer chargers provide a static charge of about 13.5 volts which is too high for fully charged batteries and the electrolyte boils off, resulting in premature death of the batteries. You can use a digital voltmeter to measure the voltage and get a quick picture of how deep the batteries are discharged. A fully charged battery should read about 12.7 volts. Do not check the voltage when the RV is plugged in, you will get a false reading. To get a correct reading on the batteries, they should be tested after resting for 12 hours. Rest means disconnecting the battery from any charger or load for at least 12 hours.
Change the oil and oil filter on the engine and alternator before extended residences or long-term storage. Acids build up in used oil and can corrode engine bearings.
Routinely test operation of the carbon monoxide detector, LP gas leak detector, and smoke alarm. Check the extinguisher monthly to make sure it is fully charged. Clean or replace the air conditioner filters as needed.
Before moving your RV, after extended periods or storage, check all fluid levels in the transmission, power steering, engine coolant, engine oil, windshield washer, and brakes. Consult your vehicle’s owner’s manual for appropriate levels. Start the engine and check for correct readings on all gauges. Check the condition of the wiper blades and replace them if necessary. Check that all body lights are on. Make sure the vehicle emissions/inspection sticker is up to date.
Complete your normal pre-trip checks before you get out on the road again.
I realize there are many more items that could be added to this list, but this is a good starting point. You can customize this list to your personal needs.
happy camping,
Mark Polk
Copyright 2009 by Mark J. Polk, founder of RV Education 101
