Care and Maintenance
Whether you buy new or used, an RV is a major purchase, and most buyers will want to protect that purchase to ensure many years of enjoyable travel. Some simple maintenance will keep your RV travel ready for many years.
If you are planning on selling your RV in the future and want to ensure that you get the best price possible, care and upkeep are important. Keep records of any and all maintenance and repairs performed on the rig during its lifetime. Most buyers will appreciate a maintenance history and will often pay a premium price for a used RV that has been well maintained.
Your RV owner's manual should contain a suggested maintenance schedule for the engine if you own a motorhome. Following this schedule will keep your RV in good running condition and keep it at peak fuel efficiency; it will also help ensure that your warranty is not compromised if you need major repairs.
ALERT
Should your RV turn out to be a lemon, you will need thorough and accurate records of all maintenance and attempts to correct problems. If you do not have good records, you may not be able to file for relief under any “lemon law” in force in your state.
Routine maintenance should include the following:
Clean the interior and appliances following the manufacturer's instructions for special cleaning products. Keep dirt out with a mat at the bottom of the outside steps.
Clean the refrigerator and freezer with nonabrasive cleaners to prevent scratches and damage to the coils.
RV toilets and baths should never be cleaned with the harsh chemicals used with porcelain residential toilets. Bleach can damage rubber seals and gaskets, leading to leaks and expensive repairs.
Clean the exterior of the RV frequently to remove road dust and grime. There are products available for the type of exterior finish your rig has, either aluminum or fiberglass. It is a good time to examine the RV for any leaks at joints or on the roof and repair them as needed to prevent interior damage.
Check all hitches, pins, chains, etc., for wear and tear, including cracks in the metal. Tighten any bolts that have become loose. Lubricate equipment if it is recommended by the manufacturer.
Follow the manufacturer's instructions for storage if you will not be using the rig for an extended period. Block areas where mice and other critters can get into the rig and nest. If you are storing a rig in areas where freezing temperatures are expected, special antifreeze additives will be needed for water lines to prevent freezing and water line breaks.
