RV battery check
O'Connor RV
After the long cold winter, most of us our jumping for joy in anticipation of the hot weather that summer will bring. While we are all more than ready for some heat, it’s wise to make sure your RV is also prepared. Hot temperatures can have a negative affect on your RV, both inside and out, so we have prepared a series of weather RV preventive maintenance checks to help ensure your RV is as ready as you are for the summer.
Outside the RV
Hot summer temperatures can affect your RV’s tires, cooling system and the transmission.
1) RV & Tow Vehicle Tires
Hot temperatures and roads directly affect your tires so be sure to take due care before hitting the road. Make certain your tires are inflated to the correct pressure based on your weight and load. An underinflated tire can be extremely dangerous as it will create a huge amount of heat and the results could be disastrous. No one wants a blow out while driving down a hot mountain road or overcrowded highway. Before any trip and while your tires are cooler, check and adjust the tire pressure accordingly.
2) RV Cooling System
Your hot running engine will be even more hot in the summer. Even though your RV’s cooling system is designed to prevent the engine from overheating (and even seizing up), if you don’t maintain the system you will be asking for certain trouble. Flushing the cooling system and replacing antifreeze on a regular basis can save your engine. You must prevent rust, scale and corrosion build-up in the radiator, water pump and engine coolant passages to avoid an overheated engine. Make sure to also check your hoses – worn out or brittle hoses can also cause potential problems.
3) Check Your RV’s Fluid Levels
Always make sure to check your fluid levels and get your RV serviced regularly. Clean engine oil will lubricate moving parts and keep them running cooler. In hot weather, the engine, transmission and axles will be affected and old or used fluids will lose their lubricating abilities.
4) Check Your RV Batteries
Hot temperatures can also do a number on your battery. Battery corrosion and water evaporating can be especially damaging. Keep the battery connections clean and check the water levels on a regular basis during the summer months.
Inside the RV
There are many systems to maintain to ensure proper working conditions during the warmer months. Here are a few to get you started.
5) Maintain the Air Conditioner
Keep your A/C filters clean by either washing or vacuuming them. Wash the filters in warm, soapy water, rinse thoroughly and allow them to dry before you put them back in. It’s also a good idea to keep a spare set of filters on hand, in case they can’t be cleaned thoroughly.
6) Power Surge Protection
Everyone will be running their air conditioners this summer so be wary of fluctuations in voltage at your campground. Use an RV surge protector to protect from sudden spikes or drops.
7) Keep it Cool
Parking in the shade will not only keep your RV cool but will also go a long way in protecting the efficiency of your air conditioner and the refrigerator. Ask for a shady site if possible when you get to your campsite and try to maneuver your RV so that the refrigerator vent gets the most shade.
Some added Points to Remember
RV Awnings and patios can also assist in keeping your RV cool. Be sure to close your window blinds or curtains to help keep the sun out and the cooler air inside. If you don’t have vent covers, installing some over the roof vents that will provide better ventilation and air circulation.
By taking care and practicing these simple maintenance tasks, you can be sure you’ll reach your camping destination this summer and stay comfortable once you’re there.
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