Basic Maintenance Tasks That Could Save Your Winter RV Vacation

It is that time of year when most motorhomes and trailers are stored away for the winter. But the hardy a few who are not afraid of a little winter weather are making plans to hit the road once again. They will be in their RVs through the Christmas holidays and beyond, soaking up as much of the camping experience as possible.

If this sounds like you, do yourself a favor and pay attention to maintenance. Cold temperatures and the winter elements are tough on motorhomes and trailers. RVs are more than capable of surviving, but they need extra TLC in the form of routine maintenance. Below are some basic maintenance tasks you should not ignore. They could save your next winter RV vacation.

Install RV Skirting

This first maintenance issue is at the top of the list because ignoring it could cost you big time. Without RV skirting, your pipes and water tanks could freeze. They could also burst. And if that happens, you are in for a monumental headache. Burst plumbing leads to two big problems.

First and foremost is water damage. When pipes burst, water inside your RV has to go somewhere. It can damage everything from flooring to cabinetry. Water can ruin your furnace. It is just bad news all around.

The second problem is that RV insurance policies do not cover losses incurred by broken plumbing. If your pipes and tanks burst, you’re going to be paying out-of-pocket. Why not just invest in skirting instead? Even more expensive products like AirSkirts can save you money by preventing frozen plumbing.

Maintain Your Tires

Next up, winter driving requires tires that are in top-notch shape. Check the treads on all your tires according to the instructions in the owner’s manual. If you are running a fifth wheel or trailer rather than a motorhome, it is especially important that the drive tires on your tow vehicle be up to snuff.

In addition to good treads, maintaining tire pressure is very important. Overinflated tires will make your RV harder to handle on slick roads. Underinflated tires may give you more traction, but they will also wear more quickly. It is best to keep tires inflated at the pressure recommended by the manufacturer.

Check Exterior Seals

Exterior seals around windows, doors, and AC units can be negatively impacted by fluctuating winter temperatures. Before it gets too cold, it’s a good idea to check those seals thoroughly. If you find any cracked or worn caulk, remove it and put new caulk down. You may have to move your RV into a heated environment if temperatures are already too cold where you are.

Check Your Fluids and Brakes

A lot of people do not realize just how important fluid levels are in the winter. Starting with anti-freeze, you need to maintain a full radiator to ensure that your engine continues running properly. In terms of your oil, cold weather can do a number on it. Have your oil changed if you haven’t done so in a while. The same goes for transmission fluid.

As long as you are doing fluid maintenance, check your brakes. Make sure you have plenty of pad and rotor to support safe travel. If not, have your brakes serviced before you head out. Just remember that your brakes may get a heavy workout if you are driving in inclement weather.

Winter RV camping can be a blast. But if you don’t take care of your RV, your next winter trip could turn into a nightmare. Do not let that happen. Take care of the maintenance issues mentioned in this post.