RV Maintenance Tips to Avoid Costly Repairs

Nothing beats the comfort and convenience of traveling in an RV. If there's any downside, it's RV maintenance. But if you know what to look for and how to handle any issues you uncover, it is easy to keep your RV trip-ready.
A man doing maintenance on his RV

Nothing beats the comfort and convenience of traveling in an RV. If there’s any downside, it’s RV maintenance. Dealing with an RV roof can be particularly time-consuming. However, if you don’t check your roof regularly and address the cracks that inevitably develop, leaks can cause costly damage. 

And, of course, there are other maintenance tasks you should complete periodically. Checking your tires and engine are two important ones. 

But if you know what to look for and how to handle any issues you uncover, it is easy to keep your RV trip-ready. Then, you can get on the road quickly whenever the urge strikes you!

RV Maintenance Tips for Your Roof

From intense sun to rain and hail, an RV roof takes a lot of abuse. And unfortunately, manufacturers tend to use inferior materials for RV roofs to cut costs. That puts the roof and any equipment on or under it at risk.

Perform Regular Inspections 

It’s essential to inspect your RV roof regularly—every 60 to 90 days, ideally—and reseal it as needed. Inspections are even more critical if your RV is approaching the end of its lifespan or the roof has suffered previous damage.  

As a rule, if your RV has a factory-installed ladder, that’s a good indicator that the roof will support you as you perform your inspection. But being up that high isn’t for everyone. If you have mobility challenges or aren’t comfortable with heights, you can have a professional perform a thorough inspection. There’s a cost for that service, but staying off the roof may be worth it.  

Either way, the goal is to identify minor issues like cracks, failing caulk, etc., before they become costly problems.

Prevent Future Repairs

Fortunately, there’s a way to eliminate the need for inspections and repairs for the life of the RV. With a professionally applied FlexArmor roof membrane, you get a lifetime, transferable, no-leak guarantee. Your roof simply will not experience the leaks that are very common with many other roof alternatives or coatings.

In just a few days, trained experts remove all roof components (air conditioners, etc.), clean and prepare the surface and apply a FlexArmor coating. The material provides unbeatable leak prevention and protection from most impacts and punctures. You’ll never have to get on your roof again—unless you want a better view of the scenery! Plus, the coating’s insulating properties keep RVs warmer in winter and cooler in summer. 

RV Maintenance Tips for Your Tires 

Structurally sound tires are crucial to the safe operation of your RV. The only way to ensure that tires are in good condition is to inspect them regularly. When you’re traveling, that means performing daily checks. 

Failing to do so increases the risk of a tire going flat or rupturing and needing to be repaired or replaced. But that isn’t the only potential expense. Tire failure can cause costly damage to the underside of your RV. A tire problem on the road can also cause you to lose control of your vehicle. 

To keep your RV tires in tip-top shape, follow these steps:

  • Carry a pressure gauge and portable inflator with you.
  • Check your tire pressure before starting a trip and whenever you stop for fuel.
  • Inspect the lug nuts periodically to ensure they’re properly tightened.
  • Keep tires covered when you’re parked to protect them from sun damage.
  • Consider applying a UV tire treatment following the manufacturer’s directions.
  • Have your wheel bearings inspected periodically, or check them yourself.    

Remember that the change of seasons can affect tire pressure. Checking your tires before your first trip in different temperatures is particularly important.

RV Maintenance Tips for Your Engine

A dead battery or engine trouble can turn a fun trip into a frustrating delay, expensive repair or both. You can reduce the chances of problems by performing regular inspections and maintenance. 

Some batteries require actions like checking the water level, while others are maintenance-free. And batteries, like all components, have an average life expectancy. Knowing how many years since you replaced yours can help you be more vigilant about issues as it gets older. But if you notice your battery struggling at any point, you should have it checked.

You should also change your engine oil regularly or have a professional change it for you. A good rule of thumb is to do this every 3,000 to 5,000 miles. Many owners put a reminder on their calendars to get an RV oil change every spring, so they’re ready for summer traveling. 

Be Prepared To Hit the Road!

Regular RV maintenance ensures you’re ready to take a trip whenever you like. And having FlexArmor applied takes “inspect and repair roof” off your to-do list permanently.

Why do so many RV owners rely on FlexArmor to protect their vehicles, extend the life of their roof and maintain the vehicle’s resale value? The best way to understand its strength is to hold a section of it in your hands. Contact us today to get a free sample of FlexArmor.

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