Embrace the thrill of adventure on the open road with the peace of mind that comes with properly maintaining your RV. Your beloved vehicle serves as the cornerstone of your mobile lifestyle and ensuring it's in top condition is crucial. As seasoned road warriors know, there's more to keeping your RV or trailer running smoothly than meets the eye. Here are a few insider tips to keep your vehicle in tip-top shape!

Roofs

Keep your head above water by staying vigilant about the condition of your RV or trailer's roof. Make a monthly habit of inspecting for signs of discoloration, damage, or potential leaks. Once a year, give your roof the royal treatment by thoroughly cleaning it or replacing any old sealant with a fresh coat. Regular roof maintenance will protect you from the elements and give you peace of mind.

Take a closer look at any points of attachment on the roof, like vents, AC units, or solar panels. Keep an eye out for cracks or separations that could let water sneak in. If you spot any issues, take action by cleaning the area and sealing up any cracks with new lap sealant. Eternabond is a great product for quick and permanent repair of any holes or tears. Don't wait for a problem to occur, take preventive measure to ensure the longevity of your RV or Trailer roof. 

Sliders

Experience the magic of RV or trailer living with fully functioning sliders. These convenient features can make or break a trip, so it's important to stay on top of their maintenance.

To keep your sliders smooth and reliable, lubricate them with dry lube every time you take them in and out. The rubber seals play an important role in keeping your sliders smooth, so don't forget to give them a little TLC every six months. Apply a conditioner to keep them in tip-top shape and ready for any journey.

Regular maintenance of your slides will not only increase their lifespan but also save you from the discomfort of squeaky and stuck sliders, making the trip more enjoyable. Not to mention, the good karma with your RV neighbors by avoiding any unwanted screeches.

12-Volt Electrical System

Keep the lights on and power up your adventures with a well-maintained 12-volt electrical system. RVs often have two electrical systems- 110-volt shore power and 12-volt battery power, the latter of which needs regular attention to keep it running smoothly.

To keep your 12-volt system in check, make it a habit to regularly inspect your battery for any signs of swelling or leaks. Keep an eye on the water levels of lead-acid, non-sealed batteries and top them up with distilled water as needed. It is important to also check the terminal connections and cables, and to clean the battery with diluted baking soda and water if necessary. Batteries have a limited lifespan, depending on their type, so it's important to know when to replace them.

Stay safe while working on your battery by never using open flame, disconnecting the negative battery cable, and turning off all 12-volt power sources before doing any maintenance. With regular care, your 12-volt system will keep your RV running like a dream and allow you to focus on the journey ahead.

Water System

Stay hydrated and healthy on the road with a water system that's always in top condition. Your RV's water system is vital for maintaining good health and sanitation, and a simple maintenance routine will help keep it that way.

Aim to do this simple yet effective routine every six months or so:

1. Drain all the water from your freshwater system
2. Refill the water tank with a mixture of bleach and water in the ratio of 1/4 cup bleach per every 15 gallons of water.
3. Run the water through all the lines in your RV until they are full.
4. Turn off the water and let it sit for 12 hours.
5. Run the water through all the lines in your RV again until you can no longer smell bleach.
6. Refill the tank. 

By sticking to this routine, you'll ensure that your water supply is free from bacteria, mold, and other contaminants, keeping you and your family safe and hydrated. Don't wait for a problem to occur, take preventive measures to keep your water system in a healthy condition.

Bearings

Keep your RV rolling smoothly with properly maintained bearings. Wheels and bearings may not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about RV maintenance, but they play a vital role in ensuring a safe and smooth journey. It's important to keep your bearings greased, and this maintenance task should be done at least once a year or every 100,000 miles, whichever comes first.

Don't let this task intimidate you, it's not as hard as it sounds when you take it step by step. The process involves removing the hub and repacking the bearings. There are plenty of helpful YouTube videos to guide you through the process, but if you're unsure, don't hesitate to enlist the help of professionals. Many RVs come with "EZ-Lube" hubs which make it easy to add extra grease with a grease gun, but it is still important to repack the bearings at least once a year for safety. So, don't neglect your wheels and bearings, keep them in good condition and enjoy a smooth and safe ride.

Lug Nuts

Don't let a small oversight cause a big disaster, protect yourself by regularly checking your lug nuts. As you get ready to hit the road, take a quick minute to go around your wheels and make sure all the lug nuts are tight and secure. It's a simple yet essential step to ensure the safety of you and your loved ones.

Want to take it a step further? Make it a habit to go around and give them a snug tightening with a lug wrench every once in a while. If you ever need to remove your wheels, be sure to retighten the lug nuts with a lug wrench when putting them back on. And as an extra precaution, stop every 50 miles and retighten them again until they no longer get loose. It may seem like a small task, but it's a vital part of your vehicle maintenance, that will ensure your journey to be safe and comfortable. Keep an eye on your lug nuts, it could save you from a costly and dangerous situation.

Trailer Hitches

Don't let an overlooked hitch ruin your road trip. When was the last time you gave your trailer hitch a close inspection? Here are a few signs that it may be time for an upgrade:

• Worn out holding pin
• Loose hinges
• Rust buildup
• Lack of electrical connection
• Visible cracks
• Inadequate rating for your load
• Improper safety chain positions

If you're experiencing any type of trailer sway, it's time to address this dangerous situation and upgrade to a high-quality hitch. The ProPride 3P Trailer Sway Control Hitch is a great option, it's easy to install, durable, and designed with driver safety in mind.

Regular maintenance, including checking on your hitch, will keep your RV running smoothly for many enjoyable miles. Digital tools like the Maintain My RV app make it easy to stay on top of all aspects of RV maintenance. When your RV is in top condition, you can travel with peace of mind and enjoy the journey.

For over 20 years, ProPride has been providing cutting-edge solutions to eliminate trailer sway. Contact us to discuss all aspects of trailer and RV maintenance, and safe RVing. We're here to help you and your trailer travel smoothly and safely!