Typically, when planning a trip in your RV, you do some type of pre-trip check to make sure the RV is properly prepared for travel. When it’s time to leave camp, do these checks again for the return trip. But what happens when you find the perfect campground or RV park and stay there for long periods of time? Do you perform routine maintenance checks on the RV to ensure it is in safe and operational condition while it is parked? Chances are you will, but if not, here are some extended stay maintenance checks you should consider doing.
Inflate the tires to the pressure recommended by the manufacturer. Tires can lose up to 2-3 psi per month. If you stay in one place for three or six months, your tire pressure could be dangerously low. If unit is not moving, check and adjust tire pressure monthly. Ozone in the air and ultraviolet rays from the sun shorten the life of your RV tires. Ozone causes tires to rot and deteriorate, and UV rays make it happen faster. This is especially true of the tire sidewall. You should inspect your tires periodically for cracks or cracks in the tire sidewalls. If you notice any damage, have the tires inspected by a professional before using the RV. Tire failure on an RV can be extremely dangerous and can cause expensive damage to the RV. Keep the tires covered with covers that block sunlight when the RV is in one place or not in use.
Place some type of RV leveling blocks between the ground and the tires. Make sure what you use is bigger than the tire footprint. No part of the tire should hang over the edge of the tire block. This can cause internal damage to the tire. There are actually several reasons for blocking tires. The first thing is to make sure the RV is as level as possible so there isn’t more weight on one tire than the others. Storage surface areas can cause your tires to age prematurely. You don’t want to leave the tires in contact with any heat-producing material or petroleum-based material like asphalt for long periods of time. You also don’t want them to be exposed to constant cold or dampness, such as sitting on frozen ground. The wood or blocks act as a barrier between the tires and the ground surface on which they are stored.
If it is a motorized RV, you should fill the fuel tank before parking it for an extended stay and add a fuel stabilizer. Run the engine and generator long enough for the fuel stabilizer to pass through the fuel system. If you are not using the generator, you should exercise it monthly with a minimum of ½ rated load. Consult your generator set owner’s manual for rated loads.
Check and fill water levels in all batteries and ensure batteries remain fully charged. Electrolyte levels in batteries will deplete with long-term use. Check water levels once or twice a week depending on usage. Many RV converter chargers provide a constant charge of about 13.5 volts, which is too high for fully charged batteries and the electrolyte evaporates, causing the batteries to die prematurely. You can use a digital voltmeter to measure the voltage and get a quick picture of the batteries’ depth of discharge. A fully charged battery should read around 12.7 volts. Do not check the voltage when the RV is plugged in, you will get a false reading. For a true reading the batteries should be tested after 12 hours of rest. Standby means the battery is disconnected from any charger or charging for at least 12 hours.
Change the oil and oil filter on the engine and generator before extended stays or long-term storage. Acids build up in used oil and can corrode engine bearings.
Routinely test the operation of the carbon monoxide detector, LP gas leak detector, and smoke alarm. Check the fire extinguisher monthly to make sure it is fully charged. Clean or replace air conditioning filters as needed.
Before moving the RV, after extended stays or storage, check all fluid levels in the transmission, power steering, engine coolant, engine oil, windshield washer, and brakes. Check your vehicle owner’s manual for proper 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 the operation of all the lights on the chassis. Make sure the vehicle inspection/emissions label is up to date.
Complete your normal pre-trip checks before hitting the road again.
I realize there are many other items that could be added to this list, but this is a good starting point. You can adapt this list to your own personal needs.
happy Camp,
polk mark
Copyright 2009 by Mark J. Polk founder of VR Education 101
