There’s quite a bit of work that goes into tending to the exterior of your RV. When you think about its exposure to extreme weather, turbulent roads, unsightly dirt, and pesky bugs, it’s no wonder why exterior care is such an ongoing process
While the maintenance part of owning an RV is certainly not the fun part, it’s well worth the return on your effort. The better care you give to your rig, the more years of invigorating adventures and intoxicating journeys you’ll get to experience.
If you don’t know where to start with RV exterior maintenance, it helps to start with the basics. It’s quite an involved process, so let’s take a look at a few of the major dos and don’ts when looking to preserve the outward health of your cherished RV.
Do: Seek Out RV Maintenance Advice Specific to Your Make and Model
The owner’s manual is going to be your best resource for learning the ropes of caring for your RV. The manufacturer will specify detailed tips on how to operate and maintain the rig, and those tips will be created specifically for your make and model.
It’s important to remember that not all RVs are created equal, and RV maintenance isn’t a one-size-fits-all kind of deal. Some RV roofs are made from fiberglass while others are made from rubber, and certain care requirements, including types of cleaning solutions and products, will help one and hurt the other. As such, it’s highly important that you seek out advice that’s specific to your RV type.
Don’t: Neglect Your RV Awning
Even though your awning is technically an accessory, it’s still an important part of your RV’s exterior. RV awnings help expand your living space and provide a protective barrier between you and the overbearing sun, so naturally, you want to keep them in as best shape as possible.
Much of awning care is simply inspecting it on a regular basis. Because it’s frequently exposed to weather conditions such as heat, moisture, and humidity, it’s important to keep an eye out for signs of fading, mold, and mildew in addition to general wear and tear.
Here are a few simple awning care tips to keep in mind:
- Never roll your awning up when wet, as the likelihood of mold or mildew forming increases. If you absolutely have to roll it up while still damp, unroll it as soon as possible and let it air dry before re-rolling it.
- Keep the fabric clean, and follow cleaning instructions for the specific type of fabric you have.
- Close your awning during inclement weather. Leaving your awning open during strong winds can cause the awning to tear off of the RV, though installing canopy clamps can help minimize damage. Leaving it open during periods of heavy rain can result in the fabric stretching out as well as the hardware getting ruined.
- Keep the mobile parts in good shape by making sure they are well lubricated. You can use a silicone spray to do this, but don’t use too much or else it will attract debris.
- Regularly check for rust, dirt build-up, and corrosion.
- Check that your awning is secured for travel every time you hit the road. If it were to fly open while you were driving, damage to your RV or injury to yourself and others on the road could occur.
- Regularly check for damage to your awning. If you notice the fabric is fraying or tearing but the rest of the awning is functioning as it should, you can always look into RV awning replacement fabric without having to replace the entire thing.
Do: Keep Your RV Covered as Much as Possible in the Summer
The best way to store your RV is in a dry, cool, and covered location, as too much exposure to the sun can wreak havoc on your RV. The UV rays can cause the finish to become dry and crack, and if you have a rubber roof, the same risk applies.
While many tires do have an element of UV protection build-in, prolonged subjection will gradually wear that barrier down, and the tires are more likely to crack, enhancing the risk of a flat tire or a blowout.
While utilizing an RV storage center is your best bet, it’s not always feasible. However, there are covers specially designed to protect your RV and tires from sun-related damage. Additionally, always try to park in the shade when possible.
Keep in mind that much of this advice also applies to frigid temperatures. It’s important to protect your RV from extremes of any type of weather.
Don’t: Clean Your RV Without Ensuring Everything Is SealedHow often will I be traveling?
Before cleaning your RV, make it part of your routine to walk around and make sure there are no sealant leaks and open points of entry, and also avoid getting water near the vents. If you were to overlook something, you could spray water inside, potentially causing water damage as well as harming your appliances.
Remember, giving your RV a simple once-over will prevent the need for expensive fixes!
Do: Clean Your RV Often From the Top Down
For streamlined cleaning, always make it a habit to clean your RV starting with the roof and then make your way down.
The reason for this is that you don’t want to have to go over the same area twice. If you clean the roof and find a surplus of leaves, dirt, bugs–you name it, then the debris will most likely fall down and stick to the main body of the RV when you go to brush off the roof. This leaves you having to double back and clean the body twice, which doesn’t make for an efficient job.
It’s best to clean your RV frequently, as the longer bugs and dirt stick to your RV, the harder they will be to wash off. If you make it a habit to rinse it off after each trek, you’ll prevent residue from building up.
