RV Maintenance
It’s mid-July and summer camping season is in full swing. State Parks, Camp Grounds, and our nation’s highways are full of RV’s of all types and sizes. Proper maintenance of your RV during the summer can not only help avoid a major disruption to your vacation plans, but also make sure you steer clear of the hassle of an insurance claim. Here are a few must-do’s during the summer to keep your RV on the road and not out of commission in the mechanic’s shop.
Tire Care
No one wants to change a flat on the hot pavement in the middle of the summer. Tire blowouts usually occur due to an overloaded RV, improper inflation of tires, or excessive wear to tread. It’s important to keep tires properly maintained before you head off on your next adventure and periodically check tire pressures on each tire.
Know your tire’s recommended PSI and check them frequently to insure proper inflation.
Replace tires every 5-6 years.
When not in use, cover your tires to minimize wear.
Level your RV and chock tires while parked in camp for a couple of days or longer.
Fires & Propane Leaks
Malfunctions in RV fridge’s cooling systems cause hundreds of insurance claims per year. Carelessness with propane systems can also be disastrous for RV owners. Make sure to familiarize yourself with your manufactures recommended guidelines and exercise proper care when using these systems.
Make sure your refrigerator’s propane setting is not used while driving.
Burner knobs on the front of your stove/range can be easily bumped to On filling the RV with gas.
Consider installing a propane gas detection devise in your RV.
Check exhaust vents for any blockage.
Properly Secure your Awning While in Use
RV Awnings are great shade and cover during rainy weather. However, during severe winds awnings can become damaged themselves or break loose and damage other parts of your RV.
When setting up your awning at camp, make sure it’s properly secured to handle normal breezes and occasional wind gusts.
In severe weather, retract your awning to prevent damage.
The weight from rainwater buildup can cause damage. Angle one end of your awning to allow rain to easily runoff.
Know your RV Clearances
Forgetting to pay attention to clearances on your RV while driving down the road or pulling up at the gas station can result in some serious damage to your RV.
Put your RV height and width on a sticky note visible while driving.
Pay attention to road signs before bridges or overpasses.
Go slow and check your mirrors frequently when navigating around parking lots and gas stations with covered pumps.
Need insurance for your RV? We can help. Contact us at 800-832-4689 or complete our contact form. Enjoy the rest of your summer and have fun in your RV!