For many families, taking road trips in an RV is a cherished tradition. Due to the comfort and investment, you likely take excellent and meticulous care of the vehicle. If you’re taking the RV out of storage for spring and summer travel, follow the maintenance tips below to extend the life of  your RV.  

3 Maintenance Tips for Your RV

1. Inspect Tires

Depending on where the RV was stored, temperature fluctuations could cause air to leak from the tires. Check the pressure in each one and make the appropriate adjustments. Check the lug nuts to make sure they are tighten to keep the wheels secure.

2. Flush the Water System

To prepare for a long winter, you probably pumped non-toxic antifreeze into the RV. The ethanol- or propylene glycol-based solution keeps the pump, water lines, and tank from freezing in low temperatures and keeps plumbing seals lubricated.

The residue can cause the liquid to have a bad taste and smell. To flush out the antifreeze, simply hook a clean water hose, either from your garden tap or city water tap at the campground. Connect the other end to the clean water intake connection. Then, open the gray water tank and turn on all of the faucets and flush until the water runs clear. If you do not have a gray water tank you can catch the outflow in buckets or direct it to a proper drainage outlet.

You can do the same with your holding tank. Turn the pump on and run several tank-fulls of water through to make sure the is antifreeze completely out of the tank and pipes.

3. Test Gas Appliances

If air bubbles developed while in storage, bleed the propane lines to remove them. Otherwise, you’ll have difficulty turning on propane-operated RV appliances.

To direct gas into the lines, turn the propane tank valve counterclockwise and light one of the stovetop burners. If the flame is steady and the lines are clear, you can turn off the burner. Otherwise, call a repair specialist for help. To prevent leaks, replace damaged burners. 

For replacement RV parts to improve vehicle efficiency, contact Brad's Trailer Service in Rochester, NY. Open all year, the company has been a reputable supplier of trailer hitches, RV accessories and parts, and camping supplies in Monroe County since the 1950s. Browse and shop the selection online or call (585) 458-4498.