You will need to perform some basic maintenance on your RV to keep it in top shape between trips. Much of the basic upkeep chores can be done by the RV owner. Some will need the expertise of an informed do-it-yourselfer or of an experienced RV technician.

Proper Storage

One of the advantages of the smaller trailers is ease of storage. In most cases you can store them (foldup campers and truck campers) in a single-car garage. If you have the room in your garage, use it to protect your investment if you need to store it for a time. Storing your pop-up or truck camper in a sheltered garage should eliminate extensive winterizing preparations. Full sun and weather extremes are very hard on even these small trailers. At a typical base weight, many of these trailers can be guided into the storage space by hand. Most truck campers are low profile enough when not mounted on the truck to store in a garage also. You will need to be sure you have sufficient clearance up top and on the sides to prevent damage.

Foldup Trailers

Keeping any type of RV clean and dry in storage is one of the most important steps you can take in maintaining your RV for years of enjoyment. Never store a foldup trailer wet, as mold and mildew can lead to rotting canvas and upholstery. The smell of mildew is extremely difficult to remove from fabrics; it may end up affecting your travel enjoyment now and your ability to sell the RV in the future. Mold can be a health hazard, especially for anyone with a respiratory condition such as asthma or severe allergies.

Foldup trailers have canvas sides that are made from the same material as many tents. This canvas has been specialty treated to make it waterproof. Check your owner's manual for information on cleaning and treatment of tears. Improper use of cleaners or of chemicals not recommended for use on the canvas may void or otherwise affect your warranty.

Check the exterior and the hardtop roof for leaks. Seams in the canvas are especially vulnerable places. Foldup trailers stored outside may be subject to roof damage by things such as falling tree limbs.

Interior cleaning is also recommended for any periods when the trailer is not being used for travel. Cleaning out food storage, cooking, and eating areas will make the trailer much less inviting to critters looking for a new home. There is nothing worse than opening up your trailer to pack for a trip and finding a family of mice or hoards of ants marching through your vacation home on wheels. Baits and traps can help with unwanted guests, but use them carefully when there are children and pets around. Also remove all chemicals or items that could leak or explode — this includes all spray cans. Another step in proper maintenance is to lubricate the lift system and any other moving parts such as locks, bed slides, and hitches twice yearly.

The tires your foldup trailer rides on also deserve a lot of attention. Tires can be one of the biggest safety hazards on any vehicle. Check your tire pressure frequently with a gauge, not by just looking at them. Replace any worn or old tires as needed — ten-year-old tires on your trailer are nothing to brag about. Repack the wheel bearings annually.

Another area of maintenance you may need to be concerned about is your trailer brake. Legal requirements for trailer brakes on pop-ups vary from state to state. There are some that require auxiliary brakes on any trailer weighing as little as 1,000 pounds. Two types of trailer brakes are available: surge and electric. They require little in the way of maintenance other than checking to see that they work properly and that the brakes are adjusted properly. Refer to the manufacturer's manual for information on properly adjusting brakes.

If you need to store your trailer outside:

• Seal any holes (waterline openings) on the underside of the pop-up.

• Remove the battery, store it in a warmer place inside, and keep it charged.

• Cover any vent openings to keep moisture, bugs, and critters out.

• Lower the end where the tongue is to allow for better drainage of rain and snow, instead of letting it accumulate on the roof.

• Cover the tires to protect them from the sun.

• You can buy covers for your tent trailer (similar to car covers). Refer to your owner's manual to see if covering the unit during storage is recommended.

Truck Campers

Maintenance for your truck camper is very similar to that for most other campers. If it is being stored over the winter, it should be stored in a covered garage if one is available. While you may not have tires to worry about with a truck camper, there are other challenges. Truck campers have jacks that elevate them to the proper height for loading on the truck bed. You can store the camper on the jacks, but you should always have additional support under the camper for stability. This support can be anything from a custom-made box to a couple of 50-gallon drums.

You should check and lubricate all moving parts on the camper at least twice yearly. Check the tiedowns for structural integrity. You really don't want the camper sliding off the back of your pickup if you have to stop suddenly. RV system maintenance will depend on the type of camper you have — fully loaded or stripped down.

One important area not to overlook is your roof. Check your roof for leaks. It is a good idea to re-seal or re-caulk all roof seams and around roof vents and openings. This will help prevent future leaks.

The vehicle that carries your camper should not be overlooked when it comes to maintenance. Check your tires frequently and replace them when needed. They will be carrying a lot of weight with a fully loaded camper, and you do not want them to fail. Check all tires (including the spare) frequently to be sure they are properly inflated. Most full-sized, loaded pickup trucks come standard with a full-sized spare. Some smaller or low-end trucks may come with only a temporary or space-saver spare. While these spares are great for day-to-day driving to get you a short distance to a tire shop, they are not appropriate for driving a truck with a truck camper for any distance. They are not rated to carry that additional weight and can be very dangerous.