When you don’t interact with features or systems on a daily basis, out-of-sight-out-of-mind is a very real possibility. We’re here to offer a helping hand, with these annual maintenance tips. While schedules will naturally differ based on use and unit, including the following in your annual (at the very least) maintenance routine will reap rewards and reliably fun getaways.
- Remembering what you ate for dinner last night can be hard sometimes, let alone the maintenance you did on your RV last year. First and foremost, find a way to log what you do and when, so you know when a certain task is due. Jayco owners, you'll find a handy form for this in the back of your Owner’s Manual.
- Servicing your home’s A/C and furnace regularly is a given; the same should go for your RV’s systems. While there are steps you can take more frequently, like replacing filters or cleaning connections and vents, it’s recommended to have your heating and cooling systems professionally tuned up at least once a year.
- The occasional adventurous terrain or shifting load makes brakes especially important on trailers and motorhomes. In addition to frequent visual checks for wear, we suggest having brakes professionally serviced once a year. Also, for towable owners, always use tow vehicle and RV brakes together to avoid accelerating wear.
- Vacuum carbon monoxide and smoke detector covers, wash them with a lightly dampened cloth, dry and test (replace if not functioning as intended). Do not spray the front panel with cleaning solutions and replace immediately if there are any issues.
- Propane tanks deserve some periodic TLC. Regular spot checks for connection integrity, dings, paint damage and rust is a good idea. If you plan to touch up or repaint a canister, use a light reflective color. It’s also wise to have a qualified propane service representative inspect your tank and test for leaks once a year, or every 5,000 miles, whichever comes first.
- The importance of sealants can’t be overstated. Since seal “lifetimes” and environmental factors vary, it’s recommended to reseal the exterior of your RV every six months. If you plan to do this yourself instead (with the help of a dealer), be sure to replace with the same type of sealant.
- Last, but definitely not least, take advantage of your dealer’s know-how. At Jayco, we work hand-in-hand with our dealers so that they can help owners understand new construction features and how systems work.
