Preventative Maintenance

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Winterizing is more than just putting antifreeze into your water system. It also should include battery maintenance or removal, sealant inspections, roof inspections, holding tank maintenance, and several other routine inspections before closing up your unit for winter.

Bringing your unit out of winter storage also requires several inspections, removing antifreeze, sanitizing, battery maintenance, water heater maintenance, air conditioner maintenance, propane pressure adjustments and leak testing, water leak testing.... and more. 

Sealants on the exterior around windows, doors, moldings, vents, appliances and anything attached to the outside of the unit should be frequently inspected for cracks, voids, and deterioration. 

Electric brakes and wheel bearings should be serviced every 12 months or 12,000 miles, whichever comes first, by a qualified RV repair technician. Many units are not equipped with self-adjusting brakes.  Brakes should be adjusted, and wheel bearings should be repacked with grease at this time.

FYI - Maybe you have noticed that grease zerk in the center of your wheel hub and even occasionally shot some grease into it. This is NOT the same as wheel bearing service. Too much grease added this way can actually cause damage, create a fire hazard, and damage brake parts.

Propane pressure and leak checks should be performed at least once a year - only by a qualified RV repair technician. Incorrect propane pressure and faulty regulators can cause operation issues with any L.P. appliance. 

Unknown L.P. leaks are a major life safety issue for RV owners. Leaks can be detected during a pressure / leak test. 

Water leaks are a common nuisance for many RV owners. Many times, small water leaks go unnoticed while structural damage is already occurring. Water system leak tests can detect the existence of an unknown leak in your water delivery system. Although it can detect if a leak exists, further diagnosis would be required to locate it. 

Water intrusion is the number 1 cause of structural damage to RV's. It causes mold, wood rot, wall delamination, attracts insects, smells bad, and devalues your unit substantially.

Manufacturer warranties require the roof membrane and sealant to be inspected at least twice a year by a qualified RV repair technician. Some manufacturers require more frequent inspection and maintenance intervals.

Additionally, most roof types should be cleaned and then conditioned with a U.V. protective conditioner at least twice a year.

Electrical panels should be inspected annually for loose, burnt, or broken wires. Wires can become loose due to road vibration and should be inspected only by a qualified RV repair technician.

Air conditioners should be inspected and serviced at least once a year by a qualified RV repair technician. Clean filters, evaporators and condensers allow the air conditioner to run much more efficiently.

Throughout the year, furnaces collect insects, pet hair, and other debris which can disable the system. Keep air intake areas clean, don't block registers with rugs, furniture and other obstructions. Internal furnace cleanings and service should be performed by a qualified RV repair technician at least once a year. Many warranties require the furnace to be cleaned and serviced annually.