An RV is loaded with features and amenities that make your vacations more fun than ever before. The interiors are cozy, convenient, and just an all-around joy to live in. However, that doesn’t mean that they don’t require a little bit of maintenance every once in awhile. When it comes time to repair your RV, we recommend leaving that to us, but you can at least keep an eye out for major problems and try to avoid them to the best of your abilities. We put this guide together so you can read about what you need to look out for, and if you ever need repairs, don’t hesitate to stop by Crabtree RV. Our service department is available to customers from Fort Smith and Fayetteville, AR, and we’ll have your RV healthy and running again in no time!
Blown Out Tires
Tires are expensive, and driving on an unhealthy one can also be a safety hazard. There’s a lot of weight in an RV that your tires support, which means they can get worn down very quickly, especially when you drive over bumpy, run-down roads. As your trip goes on, the pressure will start to lower, and this could lead to a blowout over time. You don’t want this to happen while travelling at highway speeds, because the loss of stability could send your high-profiled RV reeling toward the side of the road. To avoid this, you should take care to check the tire pressure before every trip. This can be achieved with a simple tire pressure gauge, but if you want minute-by-minute updates on your tire pressure, consider having a tire pressure monitoring system installed. That way, you won’t even have to stop on the side of the road to check the pressure, and you’ll know the instant a potential problem arises.
Mildew, Mold, and Wood Rot
Condensation can be a huge problem for RV owners, especially when you’re vacationing in a moist climate. This is because a travel trailer, fifth wheel, and even large motorhome has a very compact structure, making it very easy for water vapor to get trapped in the interior. If you allow this moisture to run rampant, you’ll eventually see your RV fall prey to wood rot, mold, and mildew. The mold and mildew can create a foul odor and, worse, a toxic environment for you and your family, while wood rot can permanently ruin the structural integrity of your vehicle. If you ever have any of these issues, be sure to take your RV into our service department right away to get it repaired. However, to prevent them, open vents and windows when showering and cooking, and it’s a good idea to get a dehumidifier if you’re still having problems with humidity.
Damage to the Exterior
An RV’s exterior walls are designed to be durable, but that doesn’t mean they’re invincible. Over time, all the debris like rocks and scraping tree branches will start to tear apart the paint and frame, which is very hard to avoid. Not to mention, hailstorms and other elements can wear down the walls quickly. That’s why we recommend you cover your RV when it’s not in use. As for the road debris, be mindful of your trailer or motorhome’s higher profile, as this is more likely to scrape against limbs and branches. Avoid straying off into the shoulder on corners, and try taking roads that don’t have as much overgrowth.
By following these tips, you should be able to avoid a lot of expensive damage to your RV and avoid spending money on repairs. However, when the time does come to get some serious maintenance done, don’t hesitate to come see our service department at Crabtree RV Center. We serve the areas of Russellville and Van Buren, Arkansas, as well as Poteau, OK.
