Heading out for a long-term trip? Keep these tips in mind to keep your rig in top condition during your extended campground stay.
Normally when you plan a trip in your RV you conduct some type of pre-trip checks to make sure the RV is properly prepared for travel. When it’s time to leave the campground you perform these checks again for the return trip. But what happens when you find that perfect campground or RV Park and stay put for extended periods of time? Do you conduct routine maintenance checks on the RV to make sure it’s in a safe and operable condition while it’s parked? Most likely you do, but if not here are some extended-stay maintenance checks to help keep your rig in tip-top shape.
Inflate the tires to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure.
Tires can lose as much as 2 to 3 psi a month. If you stay in one spot for 3-6 months the tire pressure could be dangerously low. If the unit is not being moved check and adjust the tire pressure on a monthly basis. Ozone in the air and UV rays from the sun shorten the life of your RV tires. Ozone causes tires to dry rot and deteriorate and UV rays make it happen quicker. This is especially true of the tire’s sidewall. You should inspect your tires periodically for any checking or cracks in the tires’ sidewalls. If you notice any damage, have the tires inspected by a professional before using the RV. Tire failure on an RV can be extremely dangerous and can cause costly damage to the RV. Keep the tires covered to block out the sunlight when the RV is sitting in one spot or not in use.
Place some type of RV leveling blocks between the ground and the tires.
Be sure whatever you use for leveling blocks are larger than the footprint of the tire. No portion of the tire should hang over the edge of the tire block. This can cause internal damage to the tire. There are actually several reasons for blocking tires. One reason is to make sure the RV is as level as possible so more weight isn’t on one tire than the others. Storage surface areas can cause your tires to age prematurely. You don’t want to leave the tires in contact with any heat producing material or petroleum based material like asphalt for long periods of time. And, you don’t want them exposed to constant cold or moisture, like sitting on the frozen ground. The wood or blocking acts as a barrier between the tires and the ground surface they are being stored on.
If it’s a motorized RV you should fill the fuel tank prior to parking it for periods of time and add a fuel stabilizer.
Run the engine and the generator long enough for the fuel stabilizer to get through the fuel system. If you are not using the generator while the RV is parked you should exercise it monthly, for at least 2-hours with a minimum of a ½ rated load on the generator. Consult your generator set owner’s manual for rated loads.
Check and fill the water levels in all lead acid batteries and make sure the batteries stay fully charged.
The electrolyte levels in batteries can be depleted through long term use. Check the water levels once or twice weekly depending on usage. Many older RV converter chargers provide a constant charge of about 13.5 volts which is too high for fully charged batteries and the water is depleted, resulting in an early death for batteries. You can use a digital voltmeter to measure voltage and get a quick picture of the battery’s depth of discharge. A fully charged battery should read about 12.7 volts. Battery readings less than 12.5 volts indicate the battery needs re-charging. Don’t check the voltage when the RV is plugged in, you will get a false reading. For a true reading of the batteries they should be tested after resting for 12 hours. Resting means the battery is disconnected from any charger or any load for at least 12 hours.
And don’t forget…
Change the oil and oil filter on the engine and the generator prior to long-stays or long-term storage. Acids accumulate in used oil and can corrode engine bearings over time.
Routinely test the operation of the carbon monoxide detector, LP gas leak detector and smoke alarm. Check the fire extinguisher monthly to make sure it is fully charged. Clean or replace air conditioner filters as required.
Before moving the RV, after extended stays or periods of storage check all fluid levels in the transmission, power steering, engine coolant, engine oil, windshield washer and brakes. Consult your vehicle owner’s manual for proper levels. Start the engine and check for proper readings on all gauges. Check the condition of windshield wiper blades and replace them if necessary. Check the operation of all lights. Make sure the vehicle emissions / inspection sticker is up to date.
Complete your normal pre-trip checks before heading out on the road again.
About the Expert
KOA’s resident RV expert, Mark Polk, and his wife Dawn started RV Education 101 in 1999. Since that time RV Education 101 has helped educate millions of RV owners and RV enthusiasts on how to properly and safely use and maintain their RV. Mark’s favorite past times are RVing in their 35-foot Type A motorhome, and restoring vintage RVs, classic cars and trucks. For more information on using, enjoying and maintaining your RV visit RV Education 101.
