If you’re like most people, the COVID-19 pandemic has you rethinking your usual travel plans. This may be the year you dust off that RV you’ve been meaning to use or buy one outright and hit the road in the safety and comfort of your own home on wheels.
But before you hit the open road, you should do a few things to ensure your RV is up for the journey. In this blog post, we’ll give you a few tips on RV maintenance and let you know about how to get the best rates on RV loans to ensure you’re safe and ready for life on the road.
How to Prepare Your RV for Road Life
If you’ve already got an RV parked and gathering dust, you’ll need to do some basic “back to work” tasks to ensure it’s ready for use. Here are a few key things to check:
Tires
Ensure your tires are inflated to the proper PSI and that there is no excessive wear. Check your RV for a spare and the tools to change your tire if you get a flat.
Brakes and Brake Lights
Check your brakes and make sure your brake lights are working properly. It doesn’t hurt to find out how to replace the bulbs and the brakes on your own and stock spares for your travels.
Fluids
Check all fluid levels (engine oil, antifreeze, windshield wiper fluid, brake fluid, power steering fluid, etc.) and top them off if necessary.
Windows and Mirrors
Make sure all windows and mirrors are clean and free of cracks. You may even want to treat the mirrors and windows with anti-fog treatments and update your windshield wipers before taking off.
Awnings
If your RV has an awning, ensure it’s in good condition with no rips or tears. Also, make sure that the deployment method is working. There are very few frustrations quite like parking for the weekend and not being able to use your awning.
Pull Outs
Ensure that you’ve checked that the pull-out sections of your RV are working correctly so you can make the best of your limited space during your travels. For some RVs, having access to your pull-outs is the difference between using your 2nd bed and being stuck without the extra sleeping surface. For others, not having your pull-out can affect the use of your kitchen space.
De-Winterize Your Tanks
When winterizing your RV, you typically flush out the water tanks and put antifreeze in them. You’ll want to flush all the antifreeze or winterize chemicals out and ensure the fresh water tank is complete and the grey or black water tanks are empty and cleaned.
Don’t forget to check your route for places to top up your water tanks and empty your grey and black water. Depending on the size of your tanks and the length of your planned trip, you may need to stop more than once to do this step.
Clean and Restock
When an RV sits in storage or is used for storage out of season, it’s not unusual for it to become dusty and need a good cleaning to refresh it for use. During your pre-trip check, you should clean all the surfaces, wash all the bedding, and open it up to air it out before you embark on your trip.
This is an excellent time to restock things like compostable toilet paper, dish soap and cleaning supplies, non-perishable snacks, etc. Don’t forget to stock up on activities for you and your family to enjoy while you’re on the road. Board games, music, and movies are a great way to pass the time while you travel.
You can avoid costly repairs and grocery store trips down the road by taking the time to perform this maintenance yourself.
RV Loans
Once you’ve given your RV a once over and taken care of any necessary repairs, you may be thinking about some cosmetic updates. Or maybe you’re in the market for a new RV altogether.
In this case, you may need to look into an RV loan. Discuss your loan need with your local bank or trusted financial advisor. You can also find loan rates and options when you visit your local RV dealership. They have professionals on staff to help find you the best route to get your RV repaired or buy a new one before you hit the road.
Home Away from Home – On the Road Again
Now that you know how to get your RV road-ready, nothing stops you from hitting the open road this summer! With some preparation and great financing options from your local dealerships, you will be well on your way to making memories that will last a lifetime. Bon, voyage!
