RV Maintenance and Repairs You Can Do

Upsizing your retirement by downsizing your living space

One of the best things about RVing is that you can get away from everyday life, with your home’s continuing demands for maintenance and repairs. One of the worst things about RVing is that your RV will also continually demand maintenance and repairs. But neglecting these tasks can lead to unexpected breakdowns and repairs, especially when you’re traveling to the best places, such as Woodland Creek RV Park in Tyler, Texas. It should be fun – and it will be, as long as you’re aware of the potential dangers of neglecting your RV maintenance.

Let’s first distinguish between “maintenance” and “repair.”

Maintenance is a responsibility. It’s proactively done to prevent breakdowns. It includes routine tasks (think of oil changes), inspections (think of your tires) and upkeep (like inspecting your roof and caulking small leaks).
Repairs are reactive and fix problems after they occur.
Lastly, good maintenance will never prevent all repairs.

Maintenance

Next, let’s look at some common and routine maintenance tasks – things you can do to keep your RV in good condition and avoid as many problems as possible.

Air Filters. Replace or clean them regularly. Where you’re driving will determine whether you need to change them every 90 days or just once a year.
Plumbing. Check for leaks under sinks and in your wet bay.
Roof. Inspect the roof, caulk, and leaks, especially around vents and air conditioners. After heavy rains, look for water signs on the walls and ceilings.
Clean and treat your awnings with a UV protectant.
Clean the outside of the RV with the correct cleaner for metal, fiberglass, and siding.
Clean slides and associated mechanisms and lubricate them with the correct material.
Tanks and hoses. Consult your owner’s manual or the internet for information on how to clean your freshwater tank, flush and dump your black tank, and flush your gray tank.
Tires. Check your tire pressure before every trip and ensure the pressure is correct for the weight of your loaded RV. Check tread depth and look for bulges or uneven wear. You don’t want a blowout.
Batteries. What kind do you have? Do they require watering? When was the last time you checked?
Appliances. The mobile life is hard on them. Test your furnace or heat pump, air conditioner, water heater, and kitchen appliances before you get on the road.
Oil changes. Check your oil regularly. Change as needed.
Propane. Leaks can be deadly – keep the valves clean and the tank in good condition.
Ensure all exterior lights — headlights, brake lights, taillights, turn signals, and hazard lights function correctly.
Pay attention to your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Replace as needed.

Repairs

No matter how well you perform your preventive maintenance, things will break. It’s part of the RV life. Here are a few things you may be able to repair.

Roof repair. Roof leaks are somewhat easy to fix but can cause serious damage if ignored. If water leaks into the inside of your RV, it can cause rot, and then you’ve got a real mess on your hands. Therefore, when you have a damaged roof, the most important thing to do is pinpoint the source. Once you locate the source of the problem, you can seal it with various products. Leaking vents commonly cause roof damage, but replacing old vents is an easy fix with just a few basic tools and materials.
Window and door screen damage is common. Dogs, cats, and children are the primary causes! If your RV has easy-to-repair framing, you may be able to replace a screen. Take out the framing and remove the old screen. Then, place a new section of screen over the area and trim the edges to fit. Many will fit snugly with the original rubber seals.
Leaky plumbing. Leaky faucets are among the most common problems RV owners face, but they are easy to fix if you know how to do plumbing. Although pipes may have frozen in some cases, the problem is often the faucet itself. If your toilet leaks, check your owner’s manual or go online for repair instructions.
Tires. Flat tires are an inevitable issue that every vehicle owner should be ready to handle. Always take a spare. Since huge motorhome tires are nearly impossible for an owner to change, you should expect to seek help. Of course, you should never continue driving on a flat or soft tire.

Seek Help When Needed

Call for help! Some things are too much for you to repair.

If you’re driving a motorhome and the problem involves the engine, transmission, brakes, or electrical system, you should probably call a qualified RV technician.
If you can’t find the source of a leak, find someone who knows your RV model. A leak can destroy your frame, walls, floor, appliances, etc., etc., etc.
RV appliances are often not like home appliances. Accessing and fixing them is unique to RVs. (How do you get a broken refrigerator out the door?)
Electrical problems can keep you off the road and even cause fires. Don’t mess around; call a qualified technician.

Get out your maintenance and repair manuals and keep them where you can easily find them! Look at your make and model, and buy spares for parts that break frequently. The internet is a valuable source of information on maintenance and repair. Check the website for the company that built your RV or its appliances, or check some of the forums that contain accurate information. Here’s a source of information.

And finally, choosing your destination is important. If you are able to make repairs yourself, then you are ahead of the game. However, if you anticipate needing assistance, staying at an RV park near supplies and support is a smart choice.

Woodland Creek RV Park is just a stone’s throw from the heart of Tyler, Texas, where you’ll have access to professionals who can help you should you need it. Have a great trip! Remember, while chasing adventure, your safety must be your top priority. And that means taking care of your RV.