Whether you are planning a vacation that may only be a long weekend or one that may last two weeks or more, the last thing you want to experience is your RV having problems once you get out on the open road. From your vehicle’s mechanical systems to other things contained in and on your RV, always make sure you check the following four things before you start your vacation.
RV Roof
When you’re sitting inside your RV, you don’t want to hear dripping sounds and have water hitting you on the head, courtesy of a leaky roof. Thus, no later than one month prior to your vacation, thoroughly inspect your RV roof. Since UV rays from the sun and water can deteriorate roof sealant coating, pay close attention to any seals that appear cracked or broken. Also, rub your hand over the roof’s surface. If it feels chalky and you have white residue on your hands, this means the roof coating is deteriorating and new sealant is needed.
Air Conditioning
Since you’ll probably be heading to a place that is very warm, you don’t want the air conditioning on your RV to fail you when you need it most. Most people aren’t experts with air conditioning units so it is ideal to either check on YouTube for tutorials on what to look for or, even better, contact an air conditioning contractor. Often times contractors will be able to do a check-up for you with a quick turn-around. However, you should still plan to contact the contractor a couple of weeks in advance, just in case they are booked out.
Test All Electric and Propane Appliances
Prior to starting your journey, test all of the electric and propane appliances in your RV. These should include the stove, water heater, refrigerator, microwave, vent fans, water pump, and anything else you have. Also, test your RV interior lights and exterior auxiliary lights to make sure these are working, since they can help deter would-be thieves.
Tires
When checking tires, this should include not only the tires on the RV itself but also your spare tire and tow vehicle if you will be taking one with you. Start by looking for signs of wear and tear, then check the tire pressure and lug nuts to make sure they are properly tightened. On average, the lifespan of RV tires is about six years. Also, remember that tire blowouts are one of the primary causes of RV accidents, so don’t overlook this crucial component of your vehicle’s inspection.
Once you check over these and other parts of your RV, you can start your vacation with peace of mind and an RV that is road-ready.