Taking good care of your motorhome doesn't entail just cleaning it occasionally. You need to be proactive about maintaining your motorhome as well. With these maintenance tips from the Independence RV Service Department for your motorhome, you'll learn what you should be doing and when to do it to keep things running smoothly in your motorhome.

There's no doubt that RVing is a fun and exciting experience. But there's nothing more frustrating than having your motorhome break down on the road. Thankfully, there’s quite a bit you can do to minimize the risk of this happening.

Before leaving on your next adventure, here are some tips for ensuring your RV is in good working order.

Get to Know Your Motorhome

The first step in maintaining your RV is getting to know it. Learn about the different parts and how they work so that you can identify problems before they occur. This will also help you determine when something needs attention or repair. 

Listen To Your Motorhome

Listen to your motorhome as you drive it. Rattles and squeaks may be noises you get used to over time, but they could also point out problems that need attention. For example, suppose there's a rattling noise coming from underneath your RV's chassis when you turn hard corners. In that case, it might mean a worn-out suspension arm bushing that needs replacement soon so you don't damage other parts of your vehicle or risk having an accident. 

Inspect Batteries

Batteries are the heart of your RV. If they go out, you won't be able to use them, so keeping them well-maintained is essential. Check the water levels of the house and chassis batteries and add distilled water if needed at least once a month if the unit is plugged into shore power while being stored. This helps keep corrosion at bay and prevents the plates inside from corroding away entirely. Also, inspect for corrosion at the terminals and make sure that the battery connections are secure.

Water Heater Tank Anode Rod Replacement

The anode rod protects the water heater tank from corrosion. If it's damaged or missing, you'll need to replace it quickly before any corrosion occurs. Otherwise, this could lead to significant leaks and expensive repairs. If you notice any rust on your anode rod, then it's time for a replacement! Visit Independence RV’s Parts Department to order a replacement rod or have our service tech replace it for you. 

Roof and Joint Seals

Every six months have the roof and joint seals checked by a qualified technician. Independence RV technicians are experienced at running water tests to check for water intrusion and know how to properly fix the leaks and any water damage that may have occurred inside. 

Sterilize the Water Tank

The water tank is one of the essential parts of your RV. It is easy to forget, but just like in your home, it can become a breeding ground for bacteria and mold if you are not careful. To prevent this from happening, you should sanitize the freshwater system. Use a sterilizing agent to cleanse the water tank. 

Fluids

Check your fluids regularly, especially when you're parked for extended periods. Ensure you have enough oil, transmission, power steering, and brake fluid to last until the next service appointment.

Batteries and Fuses

Ensure your batteries are fully charged before leaving home or when you're parked for an extended period – especially in cold weather! If they aren't fully charged, they may not have enough amps to start the engine – thus delaying your departure. Also, check fuses regularly; replace any that have blown out or have become corroded.

Owner's Manual

As a rule of thumb, keep your owner’s manual somewhere safe and accessible, so that you can refer to it whenever needed. The Independence RV Service Department can answer your questions when you bring in your RV for service, but always check your owner’s manual first.  

Warning Lights

There are many warning lights on an RV, each indicating a different issue. Most warning lights are self-explanatory. If you’re not sure check your owner’s manual to find out what it means before taking calling the manufacturer or our Service Department. 

Tires

The tires on your motorhome should be rotated every six months, as recommended by the tire manufacturer. Tires should be rotated every to prevent uneven wear across all four tires and to prolong the life of the tires. The correct tire pressure is also important. 

Check Lights

Make sure all lights are working correctly. Check all bulbs, fuses, wiring, and switches for proper operation before heading out on the road. If there's a problem with your electrical system, an easy fix could save lost travel time trying to find the parts. The Independence RV Parts Department will have what you need or they will order it for you. 

Do a Walk Around

When parked for an extended period, ensure that all loose items and furniture are secure inside the motorhome. and that nothing has fallen behind or underneath seats or cabinets. Test the slide-outs in and out and check for proper seals. Disconnect shore power, freshwater hose, sewer hose and other connections. Retract rooftop satellite dish and/or TV antenna. 

Keep It Clean

Taking care of your motorhome is the first step toward preventing costly repairs. Clear debris off the roof. Keeping it clean will help prevent the buildup of dirt and grime that can lead to corrosion and roof leaks. Cleaning inside with a mild surface cleaner will help expose any water stains they may require fixing trouble spots outside. Wash, wax and buff as often as needed. 

Check Your Storage Tanks

Ensure that your freshwater, gray and black water tanks are empty before storing them, and if you are in a cold climate the unit will need to be winterized. If the tanks aren't empty, they could freeze and crack during winter. Also, ensure all tanks are completely dry before putting them away because moisture can cause corrosion inside them over time.

When To Service Your RV

You should take your RV to a service shop every year or two to get a full inspection. This will help catch any potential problems before they occur. The best time to do this is during the off-season — such as after winter or before fall — when there is less travel and less demand on the technicians' time.

Also, when purchasing a used RV from a private seller, you should have the RV thoroughly serviced and inspected before taking your first big road trip. Save yourself potential disappointment and buy your next RV from Independence RV.  

What To Service on Your RV

Everything listed above should be checked by your dealership’s service department. The service technicians will have a professional eye toward what is going on with your RV. You check everything in the short term, and in the long term, a professional RV service person from Independence RV can provide a thorough check to make sure that everything is running as it should.

Independence RV 

Independence RV has a large selection of new and used motorhomes, travel trailers and 5th Wheels for sale in Winter Garden, Florida. We specialize in Class A motorhomes, but also carry some used Class B's and C's. Now is the time to get the best deals on a new or used RV. Don't delay -- your dream RV adventure awaits!