Seasonal Maintenance Tips for your RV

Thinking of taking an RV trip now that the weather is warming up? Before you take it out on the road there are some maintenance items to address to be sure your RV is ready to go. If you’ve been doing regular maintenance throughout the year already, good for you. You will extend the life of your camper by checking on it periodically during the off season and taking small steps to preserve it. Could it be time for an upgrade? Trade in your old camper for a shiny new one at Out of Doors Mart, one of the biggest RV dealers in the Greensboro, NC area.  

What to do Now to Get Ready to Use your RV 

If you’re just now getting the RV out of storage to prepare for a trip, there are some things you should check and do before going too far from home. 

• Roof. It can be easy to forget because it’s hard to see, but you should always check the condition of your RV’s roof. Obviously holes need to be repaired. Also, look for any significant rust, dark patches, or sagging areas as these can indicate leaks. It’s possible your roof may need to be resealed before you head out camping.  

• Weather Stripping. Check the weather stripping around doors and windows. These are typically made of rubber, which deteriorates over time, losing its shape and even disintegrating which can lead to water and air leaks.  
• Slide Outs. If you have an expandable RV, pop-up camper, or any other slide-out feature, the rails will likely need lubrication. Make sure all sliding parts move easily both in and out before you go. Take your choice of lubricant along in case any slides get stuck from being in transit or from changes in weather.  
• Systems. Check all systems from plumbing to electricity to heat and AC. You want to be sure everything works ahead of time.  

Routine Maintenance Throughout the Year 

The condition of your RV will improve significantly when you perform maintenance throughout the year. Here are some of the things you should do year-round, even when your RV is not in use.  

• Cover your Roof. If possible, park your RV under a carport or some kind of shelter. This will go a long way toward extending the life of your RV and its roof. 
• Run your Generator. Generators work best when they run frequently. If you rely on a generator for your RV, fire it up every month or so and run it for a couple hours with at least half the load it would need to handle on a typical camping trip.  
• Check Weather Stripping. If the weather stripping leaks while your camper is in storage, you could get it out after a few months and find that you have water damage and mold growing. Checking the seals around doors and windows every so often can prevent a lot of problems.  
• Open the Vents. During the hot summer months with the sun beating down, the temperature inside of your RV can rise to damaging heights. Simply opening the vents to allow airflow can keep the temperature down and preserve the materials inside from breaking down from the extreme heat.  

Looking for the Most Experienced RV Dealers in Greensboro, NC? 

Visit Out of Doors Mart on 8510 Norcross Road in Colfax, NC for maintenance on your RV before your next trip. Whether your RV is in need of repair or you’re looking for a new or used camper for your next trip, visit or call (336)993-4518.