Whether you’re an RV novice or professional, every RVer needs to know the basics of rig maintenance. We all make mistakes, but we want to tell you some that we’ve made over the years, and why we’ll never make them again! Here is our list of commonly overlooked RV maintenance issues.

Commonly Overlooked RV Maintenance Tips

Leaving your RV uncovered 

This could be considered more of an opinion, and it also depends on what kind of rig you have. For the most part, if you decide to cover your RV during the offseason, you aren’t running as much of a risk as leaving it out in the elements. All it takes is one busted pipe or hole in the roof in the dead of winter for it to start draining your pockets.

You have a few options if you want to cover your RV (and your savings account). You can rent a storage facility, or you can purchase a cheap awning or garage for storage at your own house. If you choose to buy your own, you might want to consider buying a large tarp for extra coverage!

Winterizing

Let’s say you do find a place to store your RV for the winter, and you even by a cover for it. You still need to winterize your rig to make sure the pipes don’t bust. Walking into that after a long offseason is not the best way to start the RVing season off right! You’ll need to take care of this before the temperatures begin to drop before freezing.

Leaving without necessities 

This is especially true if you’re boondocking or traveling to a place with little to no civilization. It’s so crucial to bring a few mandatory items with you so you aren’t stranded in case something happens. Here’s what we’re talking about:

• First aid kit.
• A set of basic RV tools.
• Air compressor that is powered by a cigarette lighter.
• Dump hose.
• Water pressure regulator.
• A paper (yes, paper) map.

Skimping out on a backup camera 

We know purchasing an RV is a big decision, and we know it can be expensive. But, backup cameras are essential to safety these days. They can save so much money down the road by being able to see themselves backing up. Who knows what you could possibly back into without them! If they’re available for added safety and security, why not use them?

Speed limits 

You may think you’ve found the right speed right before taking a curve, but you’re probably going a bit faster than you need to be to handle it safely. Taking turns too quickly can not only put you and others in danger, but it can absolutely total your RV or travel trailer if it flips over. For this type of accident to happen, one of three things probably took place: the person was driving too fast, the trailer fishtailed, or the wind was blowing too hard. In other words, those road signs that caution you to slow down because of a sharp turn? Though most of us ignore them in our car, it’s a different story when driving your motorhome. Pay attention to these signs and you’ll be golden!

Tire pressure

This is a simple step that should be performed every single time you pack up and move campsites. There are several little steps like this that really need to be done, so a great idea is to make a quick checklist for each time you relocate. Especially if the weather changes along your trip, checking the tire pressure is critical in ensuring a smooth and safe journey.

Buying the wrong toilet paper

Sure, this is a luxury in your stationary house, but packing the wrong toilet paper in your RV could mean a backup in the pipes. We most certainly aren’t suggesting you bring along the thinnest, cheapest you can find (this is 2020, after all), but we’re saying to maybe leave the luxurious toilet paper at home, and bring a brand your RV can handle. There is a special kind of RVing toilet paper that is biodegradable and dissolves quicker.

Not routinely looking for water damage

Water damage can ruin everything from the inside out. And at a rapid pace! No reason to check for leaks before and after each trip, but get into the routine of checking before and after each season. Water can easily get anywhere, and it’s usually a massive headache for most RVers.

What are your best tips for RV maintenance and upkeep? Let us know in the comments below.