As with any vehicle or home, owning an RV comes with maintenance costs. RV repairs, however, can be much more costly than you’d expect. To protect your investment, home, and passion, check out our RV maintenance checklist before you put it in RV storage.
Inspect Roof Coatings
RV roofs are exposed directly to sunlight for most of the year. Over time, this exposure — as well as regular weather — can deteriorate the coating.
Using a side ladder, scale your RV to check the roof for signs of deterioration or damage. Pay close attention to the seals and seams of the roof. Rubber roof acrylic coating, or another appropriate patch material, can be purchased to patch any issues.
The roof should be inspected at least once every year, but you may want to more often depending on your use. To prevent roof damage, park in the shade or under cover as much as possible. If parked under sappy trees or other messy conditions, be sure to rinse off the roof with a light solvent and water as soon as possible.
Check Your Water Heater
Your water heater is easy to forget until you need it. As you’re checking other parts of your RV, be sure to take a look at your water heater. Use compressed air to remove any debris or build-up in the burner tube or chamber, then check the status of your anode rod, which will need to be replaced occasionally.
Take Care of Your Waste System
Maintaining your waste system is an essential part of regular use. Without these regular tasks, your system will develop excessive build-up, which may cause the system to clog or fail. Be sure to use chemicals designed to work with your specific system, flush regularly, and use biodegradable toilet paper.
Look Under the Hood
Change your RV's oil every 3,000-4,000 miles or annually. Additionally, you’ll need to replace the air, fuel, coolant, and hydraulic filters at every oil change. This regular maintenance prevents excessive wear on the engine.
RV Battery Maintenance
Batteries tend to last 3-5 years. You should always check your batteries before a road trip and regularly throughout using your RV. Also, keep your battery fully charged as much as possible.
Check Window and Door Seals
Water leaks can cause expensive and irreparable damage. Keep moisture out of your RV by annually checking the window and door seals.
Using a small screwdriver, check the seals for soft spots, deterioration, or lifting. As you’re doing so, check the surrounding areas for bubbles in the paint or discolorations, which is also a sign of water damage. In between inspections, be mindful of any drafts or signs of water damage within your RV.
Conduct a Deep Clean
The easiest way to keep pests out is through a deep clean. While you may be cleaning throughout your regular use, it’s important to clean your RV thoroughly. Any clutter and crumbs left will be attractive to pests, especially during winter.
Keep Your RV Safe and Sound
Whether you’re in between uses or hunkering down for winter, choosing the right place to put your RV in storage is just another part of RV maintenance. Clear up space at the homefront and keep your RV safe with the professionals at 10 Federal Storage.
Wherever you’re at and wherever you’re going, we’ll ensure your RV is safe and sound for the next adventure. Learn more about our storage options at a storage facility near you today!
10 Federal Storage
Our team at 10 Federal Storage has been in the self storage industry for decades. With knowledge gained from multiple universities and in the field, we are well-prepared and excited to assist with your storage needs. When you rent a unit with us, you can feel confident that our seasoned customer service team’s help will make your transition as seamless as possible. Customer satisfaction is our number one priority, and we strive to make your experience exceptional with our automated leasing options, diverse unit sizes, and a strong commitment to sustainability.
