Are you already planning out your next RV adventure? For many families, annual road trips are an exciting tradition full of great memories and family bonding. Some spend a week or two in their RV each year, while others spend the majority of the summer on the road. No matter what kind of RV experience you choose, follow these steps to get your RV ready for your next big adventure. Clean Inside and Out When tackling your RV after the winter, the first step is to clean it thoroughly inside and out. Wash all the bugs off the outside and give it a coat of wax to protect the exterior. Vacuum and mop inside, and clear all the spider webs out of the cabinets. Leave the windows and doors open for a few days to get rid of that musty smell. Fix Winter Damage Winter weather can cause a lot of damage to RVs that are stored outside. Heavy snow piled on your RV can cause cracks, so check to see if you need RV roof repair in Lafayette. Freezing temperatures can cause serious damage to pipes or hoses that weren’t completely emptied of water the season before. Be sure to inspect every part of your RV, even the ones that are out of sight. Unroll your hoses and awnings to make sure they don’t have cracks or other damage. Check Battery, Tires, and Fluids Just like any other vehicle, your RV’s tires and fluids have to be changed on a regular basis. The tires need to be in outstanding shape to safely carry the weight of the RV. Make sure there are no cracks, and that there is still plenty of tread left on them. Inflate them to their proper pressure and make sure it holds. You will also have to clean your battery and get it ready for use after a long winter sitting idle. Hot water and baking soda work well to clean mild corrosion from your battery and terminals. Test your battery to make sure it is fully charged and will last all season long. Most RV batteries last between 3-5 years. Test Your Appliances While cleaning out your RV, spend a little extra time on appliances like your stove and sink. Inspect your wiring for damage from mice and other pests to make sure there isn’t a dangerous leak. Test your water pipes for leaks as well. If you aren’t sure how to test your appliances or suspect that there might be severe damage, take your vehicle into an RV servicing center. You don’t want to take a chance with these important systems. Inspect for Exterior Leaks Water damage can be disastrous in an RV, especially if you don’t catch it until well into your vacation. Not only is it unpleasant to stay in a damp RV, it can cause thousands of dollars of damage. Clean and inspect your roof and seams thoroughly before making the first trip of the year. Pay attention to soft spots, discoloration, and other signs of water damage. Ask your RV dealer about a sealant to reinforce your seams throughout the year. Have It Serviced Finally, before hitting the road in the spring, bring your RV to your dealer for a full servicing and inspection. Although it may feel redundant, technicians who deal with RVs on a regular basis are able to catch many potential problems you might have missed. They can make sure every part of your RV is in perfect working order and provide you with a new battery, stove maintenance, or RV roof repair in Lafayette as needed. Once inspected, you can take to the road with complete peace of mind knowing you are ready for anything.
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