Shabby Chic Boho For many Americans, an RV represents the ultimate freedom: the perfect combination of a home and a vehicle. It’s a way to travel anywhere and everywhere while still having a warm bed nearby. For that reason, RV ownership is a dream for millions, and they spend years saving up the money they need to purchase a vehicle of their very own.
Once you have achieved this dream, however, it’s important to remember that, as a combination of a house and a car, an RV needs just as much maintenance as both. There are also legal requirements for upkeep and repair of your recreational vehicle. Plus, being diligent about RV inspection will help reduce expensive breakdowns. Below, we’ll offer guidance on how often inspections are needed, helping you to maintain value, reduce repair costs, and ensure safety for your recreational vehicle.
What’s Involved in an Inspection?
There are multiple types of RV inspections, with some being a great deal more comprehensive than others. For example, drivers should perform basic pre-trip assessments to ensure all major systems are functional before they begin any medium- or long-term travel. They should also perform seasonal checkups to address any potential issues that may have arisen over the course of the last few months. Finally, RV owners should invest in an exhaustive annual inspection of every system in their vehicle, ensuring that a thorough analysis is performed regularly to keep the vehicle safe and reliable.
Whether the inspection is basic or extensive, RV owners should work from a checklist that includes the key items. This will ensure consistency during the process, as well as keep any potential issues documented so they can be addressed in a timely manner.
Some inspections, such as those conducted for DMV requirements or insurance purposes, are required to be performed by a trained professional whose job is to evaluate vehicles before issuing legal certifications. An RV owner’s responsibility is to anticipate what will be on these professional inspectors’ checklists to ensure their vehicle is in compliance when the time comes.
Before a Trip
The simplest version of an RV inspection is the pre-trip assessment. Rather than creating a comprehensive list of all potential future maintenance issues, the purpose of the pre-trip assessment is simply to make sure everything is operational before beginning travel. This is critical for both safety and preventing breakdowns on the road. Even for very short trips, some level of assessment should always take place before the vehicle begins moving, since the safety of the occupants may very well depend on it.
To perform a pre-trip assessment, begin by using a pressure gauge to check the air levels in each tire. If you determine that they are below the manufacturer’s recommended level, these should be topped off before the trip begins. The next step is to check the fuel level to ensure you have enough gas for the distance you expect to cover. Other fluids, including coolant and engine oil, should be checked and topped off if necessary. After confirming that the vehicle’s systems are in working order, perform a quick inspection of the interior to ensure there are no items that might shift or fall and cause damage when the vehicle starts to move.
Seasonal Inspections
Each season, it’s necessary to perform additional checkups to ensure your RV is prepared for the upcoming stresses caused by changes in the weather. This is particularly important if the RV has sat unused during the wintertime, as the cold weather can take a toll on a vehicle’s systems and cause damage that might affect its functionality if not addressed.
A post-winter inspection of your RV should first involve checking for any signs of freezing damage. Any fluids left in the tanks during the coldest months can cause cracks to occur when they freeze and expand. Check your blackwater and greywater tanks, as well as your water supply and any pipes that might have had residual fluids inside.
After the cold season, you should also pay careful attention to any rubber elements, including the seals around doors and windows. This is because the cold, dry air can cause the rubber to crack or otherwise degrade. If this occurs, these elements will need to be repaired before any trip takes place.
Annual Diagnostics
At least once a year, your vehicle should undergo a more comprehensive RV inspection. Ideally, this should be performed by a trusted professional from a reputable company that specializes in these types of vehicles. Look for a professional RV service like Albany RV, which has different levels of service depending on the need. For complete peace of mind, opt for a comprehensive inspection that covers every element of your vehicle: These inspections last around four hours and include both the interior and exterior systems of the RV.
During a comprehensive yearly inspection, your RV professional will begin by assessing the integrity of the vehicular elements of your RV. They’ll check the engine, the tires, and the batteries, for instance. They will also inspect the appliances (such as the refrigerator, microwave, and air conditioning) and assess the electrical connections to ensure effective operation. The comprehensive inspection will also include a thorough analysis of the plumbing connections to determine if there are any leaks or other issues that may hamper the comfort and safety of your next trip.
Regular Maintenance
To keep your vehicle in good working order, you must invest in regular checkups and perform any needed repairs. Neglecting this maintenance can lead to costly repairs and can put a damper on your much-anticipated trip. More importantly, it could make your vehicle unsafe to drive.
Some checkups can be done by you, well more thorough ones should be performed by a qualified RV service professional. It’s well worth it to keep your RV in tip-top condition by performing regular inspections.
