Tips on How to Take Care of Your RV Inside-Out
Motorhome Maintenance
Today’s motorhome is a very sophisticated piece of machinery, certainly in the engine compartment, but almost as much in the ‘house’ area as well. Mechanical and electrical systems are very complex and fuel injection/turbo diesel engines aren’t something easily tuned in the home workshop.
Raising the bonnet of a contemporary motorhome engine reveals a few yellow coloured caps and dipsticks for checking and that is about it. Many an electrical system consists of nothing more than a touch panel for interface. However, that does not mean there is nothing to do, indeed there is plenty. Here’s a bit of a check list of items that can be attended to:
EXTERIOR
- Thorough wash down, including the awning and rooftop
- Check vents to make sure they are free of dust, dirt and insects
- Look at any compartments for water leaks
- Head underneath for anything hanging down or loose
- Check hoses (gas/water) and connections for leaks
- Look at all lights (road and house) to make sure they are working correctly
- Check electricals (batteries, chargers, inverters, solar panels and generator) are all connected and working properly
- Inspect all electrical power cords, particularly those used outside
INSIDE
- Overall clean and dust, including curtains and seat covers
- Give bathroom and kitchen areas a general clean and check for leaks inside cupboards
- Damp check inside all cupboards and hard to get at/dark places around the ceiling areas
- Check all doors/drawers open and shut properly
- Review smoke alarm and gas detector function
LEAVE TO THE PROFESSIONALS
- Engine maintenance and tuning
- Electrical and gas systems work
- Warranty work
- Anything you don’t understand
Regular servicing and inspection may well prevent an annoying but early detected issue becoming a very expensive problem. It may also give time to get quotes and organise the most appropriate time for repairs/maintenance.
