Have you been planning your recreational vehicle road trip for months? If so, we have some great tips and tricks to make sure that nothing goes wrong during that scenic drive through New Zealand or somewhere in USA! The recreational vehicle life is not always easy.
You need to keep on top of maintenance and repairs, scheduling routine RV upkeep and inspection appointments, and making sure the interior stays clean. For many people who live in an RV full-time this is a way of life; but for those who only use their recreational vehicles once or twice a year it can be overwhelming. That’s why we’re here with our list of 10 things that every recreational vehicle owner should do before hitting the open road:
1. Always check tire pressure
Recreational vehicles require more tire pressure than cars, and the tires should never be allowed to run completely flat. Your recreational vehicle owner’s manual will list a recommended psi for your specific recreational vehicle model and size of tire; consult that before heading out on your trip. Tire pressures can increase or decrease depending upon weather conditions such as heat, cold, rain or snow.
When inspecting your recreational vehicle tire pressure, always look for bulges in the sides of the tires that can indicate a puncture or other issue with your recreational vehicle’s wheels. If you find any problems with recreational vehicle tires make sure to contact an RV service center as soon as possible!
2. Check oil and transmission fluid levels
Make sure recreational vehicle oil levels are correct, and never allow recreational vehicle fluids to get low enough that they become a hazard or cause damage while you’re on the road. There should be an indicator in your recreational vehicle’s engine compartment indicating when recreational vehicle oil needs to be changed – consult this before setting off! Recreational vehicles have different types of transmission fluid depending upon their type (manual vs automatic).
If you know what kind of recreational vehicle model you have, check for any leaks around the base of your recreational Vehicle where it will sit – leakage could indicate problems with the transmissions’ seals which can quickly lead to bigger repairs down line if not identified early on. When checking recreation Vehicle oils and transmission fluids make sure to do so with the recreational vehicle engine running to get an accurate reading.
Some recreational vehicles have a “transmission dipstick” which should be pulled out and checked against the levels marked on it; others will require you to remove a plug located at the rear of the transmission in order for you to check fluid levels. If your recreational vehicle doesn’t have one of these, take it to an RV service center and they can help you out!
If there is any leakage around your recreational Vehicle’s base or if the fluids are not at correct levels, make sure to bring your recreational Vehicle in for repair before setting off on your trip – this could save you money and headaches down the road.
3. Checking recreational vehicle fluid levels
Check recreational vehicle fluid levels including brake fluid, power steering fluid and radiator coolant. These fluids should all be at the correct level before you hit the open road – low levels can cause problems while driving.
If your recreational vehicle has a manual transmission, check the clutch fluid level as well; if it’s low, add more to the reservoir before starting your road trip.
When checking any recreational Vehicle fluids, always consult your owner’s manual for proper procedures and locations of reservoirs. If in doubt, take your recreational Vehicle to an RV service center and have them do a complete inspection!
4. Recreational vehicle oil changes
Recreational vehicle oil changes are a must for keeping your recreational Vehicle in good condition. Depending upon the make and model of recreational Vehicle you have, recreational vehicle oil change intervals can be anywhere from 3000 to 10000 miles or more.
It’s important to stick to the recommended recreational Vehicle oil change schedule as stated in your owner’s manual – not only will this help keep your recreational Vehicle running smoothly, but it will also lengthen the life of your recreational Vehicle’s engine.
Changing recreational vehicle oil is a dirty job, but it’s one that every RV owner should know how to do. If you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, most RV service centers offer this service at an affordable price.
Just like with checking fluid levels, always consult your recreational Vehicle’s owner’s manual for proper oil change procedures. And remember, if in doubt – take it to the pros!
5. RV Preparation Checklist
So once again, while you are still stationary at home or in your campervan park, its always good to do a proper check to ensure everything is in order!
- Check recreational vehicle fluid levels, including brake fluid, power steering fluid and radiator coolant
- Make sure recreational vehicle oils are at correct levels – consult owner’s manual for proper procedures
- If there is any leakage around recreational Vehicle base or if fluids are not at correct levels, bring recreational Vehicle in for repair before trip
- Check recreational vehicle tire pressure and adjust if necessary
- Inspect recreational vehicle awning and make sure it is properly secured
- Clean recreational vehicle windshields and windows
- Pack essential items for recreational vehicle road trip such as first aid kit, tools, spare parts etc.
- Ensure your RV Batteries are charged and functioning
- Double check that you have the correct type of RV Heater for the season and climate of your travel
Pack your bags, grab your kids and enjoy your RV road trip! 🙂
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