Preventing RV Maintenance

The title "Preventing RV maintenance" is not right... ;)

You have to always do RV maintenance in order to prevent "RV FAILURES".. :)

Maintenance can be as little as just looking over the rig in general and addressing any issues you see..

After the first year of owning my 2002 TT, I had to re-caulk the roof corners because they didn't 'look right'...

Ever since then, I've checked them at least twice a year and have yet needed to re-caulk. That goes for the rest of the caulking on the roof too.

Everything else is just paying attention to the details and not letting serviceable items go too long without checking them. Brakes, wheel bearings, tires, appliances, etc..

There are a lot of good rigs that roll out of the factory and there are a lot of bad ones too... Which one you get is a roll of the dice.. Even if you special order it!

I bought mine off the lot because it had everything I wanted and what it didn't the dealer could add easily (A/C). I looked that rig over pretty well, (except the roof...) and liked what I saw and made a note of the VIN when the final deal was made.. When I picked up the trailer, I made damn sure the VIN still matched and did another walk thru with all the systems up and running and one of the dealers techs showing me all the systems.

Anyway, once you drive it off the lot, it's your's and how you choose to maintain it is up to you..

Yes, storing it indoors is a plus, but it's not an excuse to not keep up with the RV's maintenance for other stuff and just plain keeping it in good shape..

Good luck!

Mitch

If you can store it inside or at a minimum under a roof you will lessen the affect of UV rays which is a major cause of exterior damage. In addition, keep things clean, well lubricated, a couple times a year waxing/polish will be good. I'd suggest reading every pamphlet/owners manual that you can find and understand how things work and the recommended periodic maintenance. Check all appliance outside access doors periodically for dirt, bugs, debris and check for early signs of leaks, pinched wires, and the like. Pick a nice sunny day and get it done. It is not a chore just the price of being able to "RV".

Once a year get up on the roof and check for sealants drying out, lubricate the OTA antenna, check all coax connections for tightness, rust and take action if required.

If you've been reading the forum you will have read about some class c's developing leaks in the over cab area. It happens and now that you know it happens you can take steps to monitor (but not worry about) the area for damaged sealant.

To me my RV is no different than my '72 MG midget in that "There was always something" but I still had a lot of fun with it.

My Newmar has been stored inside when not in use as long as I have had it. It stays clean for the next use, The sun doesn't rot anything but the roof solar panels are worthless indoors.

good idea keeping the rv inside THAT will prolong the life of meny parts on your rv, one major is sun damage. water leaks ,tire rot. keep things clean and fix small problems before they et big ,your rv will last meny years.

But if I am able to store the RV in an indoor garage, and only expose it the 30-40 days that I use it, would I greatly decrease the chances of these issues?

Sure, many leaks come from deteriorating seals, so less weather, rain, sun, etc….greatly decreases chances of leaking issues.

At what point would I start seeing issues?

Unfortunately, many RV’s will have some warranty items needed fixed within the first year. Make sure to use it, and shake out the bugs, within the warranty period.

Preventative maintenance is on-going with RV’s, much of it not rocket science, if you are handy and willing to learn, it is not that bad.

Also routine use of a RV, is actually good for the systems, some things if they sit too long without use, will give you issues (Generators, engines, charging systems, tires).

The plus side, it can open many adventures and becomes really addictive way to travel!

Markiemark:C

Maintenance is an ongoing job, especially since yours has a motor.

Wished it were that simple! People have issues after driving a new rig off the lot. It's kind of a "pay your money, take your chances" purchase. The good news is, if you the least handy with tools, much of the repair/upkeep you can do yourself. Things like appliances can be trouble free for many years. Take good care of it and it should reciprocate!

Best Wishes!

Probably only when you use it?