Eight Ways to Extend the Life of Your RV

Tip 1 – Regular Oil and Filter Changes

Nothing extends the life of your RV’s engine more effectively than regularly scheduled oil and filter changes. Change the engine’s air filter at the same time. Even a partially clogged air filter makes your engine work harder and decreases gas mileage.

Do not be penny-wise but pound-foolish by using low-quality oil or filters. Compared to the cost of an engine overhaul, the extra cost of high-quality oil is minuscule. Pure synthetic motor oil offers the highest protection and means fewer oil changes.

Tip 2 – Regularly Check Other Fluids

Pay attention to the many fluids elsewhere in your RV. Maintain correct levels of transmission, differential, brake, steering and windshield fluids. If fluids exhibit a dark color or feel gritty, change them and ask your mechanic if they indicate premature internal wear.

Tip 3 – Keeping Your RV Running Cool

A low coolant-antifreeze level, a failed water pump or leaks in hoses can lead to serious engine damage in a hurry. Since coolant hoses typically break down from the inside out, you should perform a close manual inspection of them for cracks, soft spots and hints of leaking. Be sure to have the cooling system thoroughly flushed at the vehicle’s next scheduled coolant replacement.

Tip 4 – Watch the Gauges

Keep sharp eyes on your RVs operating gauges such as engine temperature, oil pressure, charging, brake health indicators, etc. Never become complacent about your RV’s temperature gauge especially if you perceive the smell of hot oil. If your RV only has so-called idiot lights in the dash, consider augmenting them with gauges that provide more detail.

Tip 5 – Tire Maintenance

Inspect your RV’s tires regularly. Look for unusual wear, nicks, cracks and check that all tires have the correct air pressure. Level the RV when parked and block the tires to prevent premature tread and sidewall failure when the RV is parked for an extended time. Use sunshields over tires to reduce damage from the sun’s UV rays.

Tip 6 – Properly Store Your RV

Most storage sites store RVs outside. Our RV storage facility for Brampton & Caledon offers 24/7 security.

Here is a checklist of tasks to perform when storing your RV:

Block the chassis so that no weight is on the tires in order to avoid tire deformation.
Change the engine oil. Old oil contains acids that corrode internal engine parts.
Fill the gas tank and add fuel stabilizer so the gasoline remains fresh.
Disconnect the engine battery and put it on a trickle charger so the charge does not drain completely.
Run the engine to operating temperature once a month.

Tip 7 – Maintaining the Exterior

Your RV’s exterior takes a beating from road grit, UV rays and ozone. These chip and fade paint and deteriorate vinyl and rubber. Keeping your RV clean and applying protective waxes or polishes on the exterior significantly slows down such damage. Carefully inspect exterior seams where water might enter and cause unseen damage. Double check that sealants you apply are the correct type for the specific area of the RV. When in doubt, consult your RV’s manufacturer.

Tip 8 – Property Damage Insurance

Insuring your RV against unexpected damage from fire, storms, theft and other calamities is not particularly expensive. With insurance, you will rest easy knowing that funds for unforeseen expensive repairs will be available. Often, storage facilities offer low-cost policies to protect your RV while at their site.

If you are looking at places to store your RV, contact us to discuss our rates.

Motor Home courtesy of Bruce Fingerhood
RV courtesy of Abdullah Al Muhairi
Vehicle Storage Lot courtesy of Fort Rucker