| Even if you're not mechanically inclined, there are | | | | season. It's a simple process, here are the steps: |
| a lot of things you can do to keep your RV | | | | - Shut off the hot water heater and allow water |
| running problem-free. A bit of regular maintenance | | | | in the tank to cool or run the hot water tap until |
| will help you learn more about your vehicle and | | | | it cools. |
| anticipate problems before they turn into | | | | - Turn off the water supply to the coach and |
| breakdowns. | | | | release the water pressure by opening up the |
| Here are some simple how-to's for maintaining | | | | "hot" faucets. |
| your RV: | | | | - Remove the access panel from the exterior of |
| Regular Maintenance | | | | the RV and remove the hex headed plastic drain |
| | | | plug. |
| 1. Tires keep you rolling, find out how much | | | | - Water will flow out the drain. If necessary, use a |
| pressure they should have and keep them inflated | | | | coat hanger to break up any sediment which may |
| to that level. This easy task will also increase your | | | | be blocking the opening. |
| fuel mileage. | | | | - Direct high water pressure from a garden hose |
| 2. Know what your RV's weight limits are. Do you | | | | into the drain hole, swiveling from side to side to |
| know what the gross vehicle weight rating is, or | | | | stir up the sediment in the tank. |
| the cargo carrying capacity? Find out and stay | | | | - Remove the hose and let the tank drain. |
| within the limits. | | | | - Repeat this filling and draining process with the |
| 3. Record the height and width of your RV and | | | | garden hose until the water flushing from the tank |
| keep it handy to ensure you can fit through that | | | | is clean. |
| tunnel or under an overpass. | | | | - Reinstall the drain plug, turn on the water supply |
| 4. Keep your fire extinguisher nearby and have it | | | | and close the "hot" water taps when water has |
| inspected each year. | | | | filled the tank and begins to flow. |
| 5. Make sure your smoke alarm as working | | | | Winter Storage |
| batteries. | | | | Whether you winterize your RV yourself or pay |
| 6. For a motorized RV, do regular checks of your | | | | someone to do it, these are the steps for storing |
| oil, transmission fluid, power steering fluid, | | | | your vehicle for the winter months. |
| anti-freeze, and window washer solution. | | | | - Unplug all appliances and disconnect any |
| 7. Stock your RV for emergencies by ensuring | | | | batteries. |
| you have warm clothes, bedding and enough food | | | | - Disconnect the ice maker water feed lines and |
| and water for a few days. | | | | drain. |
| 8. Awnings are easily damaged by wind, it's good | | | | - Defrost your refrigerator, if needed. |
| practice to add additional ratcheting straps for | | | | - Drain the hot water heater and flush (see |
| extra security. | | | | above). |
| 9. Moisture build up is an RV's worst enemy, | | | | - Once water is drained from your fresh water |
| potentially causing staining, freezing or mildew | | | | system, pump nontoxic RV antifreeze through all |
| growth. The worst producer of moisture | | | | the lines. You may need to borrow a compressor |
| accumulation is the shower, bathroom and cooking | | | | to do this. Open every tap until you see the |
| in the kitchen. Try to do the majority of your | | | | antifreeze flowing from the faucets. Add a cup of |
| water boiling in the microwave. When you do boil | | | | antifreeze in the sink and shower traps. |
| liquids on the stove top, open the roof vent and a | | | | - Remove any canned goods (they can burst if |
| window to reduce the moisture in the air. The | | | | frozen), or foods that may attract rodents. |
| same goes for running the shower, always have | | | | - Double check your antifreeze in the engine |
| the roof vent open. If moisture build up persists, | | | | cooling system. |
| you may consider getting a dehumidifier to fight | | | | - Put out some rat poison and remove all bedding |
| the condensation. | | | | or anything they may use to make a nest. |
| 10. To extend the life of the hot water heater it's | | | | - To protect from snow or ice damage, cover |
| good practice to flush out the heater tank every | | | | your RV with a tarp. |