Living There
Motorhomes provide safety and comfort for families who enjoy taking camping trips. But these convenient homes on the road are an expensive investment. If you travel frequently in your motorhome and you’re interested in using it for many years to come, there are a number of things you can do to extend its overall lifespan and protect your investment. Here are a few tips for effectively maintaining your motorhome so that you can continue to enjoy traveling in it with your family for years to come.
Maintain the Exterior
One of the most often overlooked, yet important, steps in taking good care of your motorhome or recreational vehicle is maintaining its exterior. Over time, the exterior body of your home on wheels can begin to deteriorate. Exposure to the elements can cause several problems if your vehicle’s exterior isn’t properly maintained. Not only will the paint on your motorhome fade and chip without regular care, rubber finishes can also dry and crack from prolonged exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays. This can result in damage to door and window seals, which can make your motorhome’s heating and air conditioning units less efficient.
Have it Tuned up Regularly
As with any other vehicle, it’s important to have your motorhome tuned up and serviced regularly. Unfortunately, most regular auto mechanics aren’t equipped to handle motorhome service. Look for nearby RV companies that offer service packages for motorhome owners. For safety purposes, it’s a good idea to have your brakes, axles, tires, and engine checked and maintained regularly. You may also want to have a professional take a look at things like your heating and air conditioning system and on board appliances. Remember, there are few things more inconvenient than getting stranded in the middle of nowhere when you’re supposed to be enjoying your vacation.
Store it Properly in the Off-Season
In order to keep their costs down, some motorhome owners make the mistake of storing their vehicles outside during the off-season. This can prove to be an expensive error, especially if you live in a harsh climate where your motorhome will be exposed to extreme temperatures while it sits in your yard. Extreme weather conditions can cause the exterior and interior systems of your recreational vehicle to deteriorate. If you want to protect your motorhome from the elements and keep your repair costs down over time, it’s a good idea to store it properly during the off-season. Look for a large storage facility that provides a safe and secure place to park your recreational vehicle once you’ve closed it up for the season.
Performing preventative maintenance to your motorhome and storing it properly when it isn’t being used can help extend its overall lifespan. If you are a frequent camper, consider taking the proper steps to maintain the exterior and interior systems of your vehicle and looking into nearby storage facilities for the off-season. This can help protect your motorhome so your family can enjoy the comforts of home on camping trips for many more years.
