While recreational vehicles may come in a variety of shapes and sizes, they all share common problems that can lead to RV failure if left unaddressed. Don’t let time get the best of your vehicle. With a little quick thinking and proactive problem solving, you can prevent RV stress cracks, plumbing problems, and water leaks.
How To Prevent RV Failure
RV travel is a one-of-a-kind experience and a rewarding lifestyle. Whether you’re a full-time RV aficionado or a summertime adventurer, your RV needs routine maintenance to avoid expensive repairs. To navigate common RV problems and keep your vehicle on the road, you need to perform regular maintenance and look out for the telltale signs of RV failure.
Let’s review a few common problems and their solutions.
Avoiding Water Damage in the Camper
Water leaks are inevitable. As sealants harden and crack over time, it becomes easier for the elements to find their way into your recreational vehicle. Water damage affects almost every part of your RV, from the moving parts and metal fixtures to your internal electrical system.
To prevent water damage in the camper, it’s best to store your RV in an indoor storage facility. If you can’t afford to keep your vehicle in a facility, purchase a waterproof and UV-resistant RV cover. This may set you back a few hundred dollars, but the upfront price is far lower than the cost of repairing an out-of-control water leak. Plus, a cover will last for many years.
As an additional measure, prevent broken seals by applying a new coat of roof sealant at least once a year. Also, inspect your vehicle before you set out on a trip and just before you return it to storage. Address any stains or openings inside the camper and near your HVAC unit.
Navigating Water Line and Water Pump Problems
Most people travel in their RVs during the summer and keep their vehicles in storage for the winter. During this inactivity, your water tanks can expand due to freezing liquid, leading to burst lines and other damage. Water line damage is a serious issue that results in expensive repairs. To prevent this, empty your water tanks at the end of the summer before storing your RV for the cold weather.
Dealing With Toilet Issues
A private bathroom is a major advantage, especially in the wild. While an RV toilet can last you a long time, constant travel over rough terrain causes damage. You may experience trouble with water flow in the toilet bowl due to rubber seal and water valve issues. Unaddressed RV plumbing problems affect your water supply and lead to extensive water damage. If you notice anything amiss with your toilet, it’s best to get the repairs done sooner than later.
You should also try to avoid smaller common RV problems, like toilet clogs. Filling your toilet bowl with too much toilet paper or having too little water can prevent it from flushing correctly. A clean flush every time will go a long way to improve your toilet’s longevity.
If it’s too late to prevent a clog, you can snake the line through the toilet’s black tank drain valve, or if the trouble is too far gone, call in professionals to help.
Tire Maintenance
Tire blowouts are a very common RV problem. Aging and road debris wreak havoc on tires and can lead to RV failure. To prevent a sudden snag in your travels, do the following:
- Check and maintain inflation levels
- Routinely check tread wear
- Carry a spare tire that’s in good condition
Slide Out Problems
Like other motor vehicles, an RV’s moving parts are susceptible to rust and corrosion. RV slide outs provide ample space for relaxation, but to keep them in working order, you need to perform routine maintenance.
Be sure to lubricate your slide out arms to prevent sticking issues with your equipment. To avoid water damage, reapply the solution any time you engage your slide out. Replace seals that have RV stress cracks and keep an eye out for water damage anywhere on your rig. With enough care and attention, your RV will be in working order for the long run.
Finance Solution Protects You From Common RV Problems
Keeping a recreational vehicle in shape is a commitment. Water damage and plumbing problems can happen suddenly and throw you for a loop. Finance Solution is here to help make sure your dream RV stays intact from the moment you roll it off the lot. Our comprehensive RV financing, insurance, and warranty services protect you and provide everything you need to keep buyer’s remorse at bay.
Ready to embark on a new journey without the financial stress? Reach out to our experts today.
