Hitting the road in your RV is always an adventure, whether you’re chasing sunsets on a weekend escape or tackling the open highway for a longer journey. But let’s be real—unexpected hiccups quickly ruin the fun when a little prep could have prevented them. Before your next RV trip, be sure to do the following five things.
Schedule a Maintenance Check
Your RV endures a lot of wear and tear, so a thorough maintenance check is essential before any trip. Inspect the roof, tires, brakes, and exterior seals for damage or leaks.
Test your lights, including turn signals, headlights, and brake lights. Change the oil, check your coolant levels, and top off other essential fluids like brake and transmission fluid.
Dirty air or fuel filters can hinder performance, so it’s best to replace those as well.
Handle Repairs
If your RV currently has any issues, such as faulty appliances, cracked seals, or problematic brakes, now is the time to fix them. Overlooking these repairs can lead to more significant problems.
For instance, ignoring a leaky roof could result in water damage and costly fixes later. Faulty brakes, on the other hand, pose a safety risk for you and others on the road.
Schedule an RV repair service appointment early to address all issues, ensuring your vehicle is as reliable as possible. This step saves you from inconvenience or expensive emergency fixes while you’re far from home.
Sanitize the Freshwater System
Your freshwater system powers your RV’s drinking, cleaning, and cooking needs. Sanitize the tank if you haven’t cleaned it recently.
Drain the tank, flush it with a water-bleach solution, and rinse thoroughly. These actions eliminate bacteria and build-up that compromise water safety.
Cleaning the system regularly also prevents unpleasant odors in your faucets and showers during your outdoor adventures.
Clean and Deodorize the Interior
Cleaning and deodorizing the RV’s interior is an important thing to do before your next RV trip. After all, a clean ride sets the tone for an enjoyable trip.
Vacuum carpets, wipe down surfaces, and thoroughly clean the bathroom and kitchen areas. Deodorize the RV by using air purifiers or natural solutions, such as baking soda, in areas prone to odors. Lastly, check vents and air filters to ensure clean airflow.
Organize Paperwork and Documents
Before heading out, gather and organize all the necessary paperwork you may need for your trip. Paperwork includes your RV insurance, vehicle registration, campground reservations, and any special permits required for your destinations.
Carry emergency contact information and an updated list of medications or allergies for everyone traveling with you. If you’re crossing state or national borders, make sure everyone has valid and up-to-date IDs or passports.
