Servicing your RV

Your RV probably endures a lot of abuse, especially during camping season. This is especially true for those who like to explore all corners of the country to gather new experiences and see new places. But you’ll want to make sure your RV gets enough TLC so it can continue to help you explore all parts of America. This is why Scott’s Recreation has provided a list of basic maintenance checks that you can perform at home. However, if you need a professional to check out or repair your rig, then stop by your local Maine RV dealer so we can help you find the perfect RV for your family. We’re in Turner and Manchester, proudly serving Portland.

Visual Inspection

One of the easiest ways to ensure your RV is running smoothly is to perform regular inspections of the entire vehicle. You’ll be looking for signs of wear and tear, damage, dirt and grime, and anything that might indicate there’s some cleaning that needs to happen or a repair. On exterior surfaces, you’ll want to look for rust and leaks. Pay extra close attention to all your seals, as it’s a little easier for those to erode over time.

In the interior, check every nook and cranny for all the same types of issues as you did the outside, as well as mold, mildew, debris, critter infestations (which is particularly important after winter storage), and any other signs of damage or disrepair.

If your RV has a drivetrain and engine, then you’ll want to perform some basic engine maintenance fairly regularly as well. This should include looking for damage, inspecting hoses, gauges, and fluid levels, like coolant, oil, and windshield wiper fluid, and anything else you might normally check for on a mobile vehicle.

Tire Check

Speaking of normal mobile vehicle checks, your tires should get their own close inspection as well. There are a couple of things you’ll want to check for, starting with tire pressure. Get a tire pressure gauge (which you should keep handy in your RV) and check to make sure the tire pressure is at the recommended level. You can also invest in a tire pressure monitoring system, which will give you regular updates in an easy to access place.

You’ll also want to check for excessive or unusual wear. You’ll probably want to get your tires replaced, but if they’re wearing down in a strange way, it could be a sign that there’s improper weight distribution or that there’s another problem with the rig. You’ll also want to look for damage. Never drive on compromised tires. And don’t forget that they’ll need to be rotated and replaced on a regular basis.

Keep it Covered

One easy way to keep the elements away from your RV and prevent a lot of maintenance issues is to keep your RV covered when it’s not in use. Ideally, you’d have a large covered barn or garage that would completely protect your rig, although we know this isn’t exactly practical for many people. You can still keep debris and rain away by covering your rig with a tarp or specialized RV cover. Any kind of barrier you can put up between it and mother nature will help prolong its life and usefulness to you.

At the end of the day, you’re the one who knows your RV the best. You know how it performs, so you’re going to be the one to notice when something is off. We recommend spending as much time on inspection as you can at home, so if you do run into an issue, you can stop by your friendly RV dealer in Maine to help figure out a solution before you hit the road. Talk to the service department at Scott’s Recreation and see what we can do for you. We welcome all RV owners from Turner, Manchester, and Portland, Maine.