| Even if you're not mechanically inclined, there are a lot | | | | tank to cool or run the hot water tap until it cools. |
| of things you can do to keep your RV running | | | | - Turn off the water supply to the coach and release |
| problem-free. A bit of regular maintenance will help you | | | | the water pressure by opening up the "hot" |
| learn more about your vehicle and anticipate problems | | | | faucets. |
| before they turn into breakdowns. | | | | - Remove the access panel from the exterior of the |
| Here are some simple how-to's for maintaining your | | | | RV and remove the hex headed plastic drain plug. |
| RV: | | | | - Water will flow out the drain. If necessary, use a coat |
| Regular Maintenance | | | | hanger to break up any sediment which may be |
| 1. Tires keep you rolling, find out how much pressure | | | | blocking the opening. |
| they should have and keep them inflated to that level. | | | | - Direct high water pressure from a garden hose into |
| This easy task will also increase your fuel mileage. | | | | the drain hole, swiveling from side to side to stir up the |
| 2. Know what your RV's weight limits are. Do you | | | | sediment in the tank. |
| know what the gross vehicle weight rating is, or the | | | | - Remove the hose and let the tank drain. |
| cargo carrying capacity? Find out and stay within the | | | | - Repeat this filling and draining process with the |
| limits. | | | | garden hose until the water flushing from the tank is |
| 3. Record the height and width of your RV and keep it | | | | clean. |
| handy to ensure you can fit through that tunnel or | | | | - Reinstall the drain plug, turn on the water supply and |
| under an overpass. | | | | close the "hot" water taps when water has |
| 4. Keep your fire extinguisher nearby and have it | | | | filled the tank and begins to flow. |
| inspected each year. | | | | Winter Storage |
| 5. Make sure your smoke alarm as working batteries. | | | | Whether you winterize your RV yourself or pay |
| 6. For a motorized RV, do regular checks of your oil, | | | | someone to do it, these are the steps for storing your |
| transmission fluid, power steering fluid, anti-freeze, and | | | | vehicle for the winter months. |
| window washer solution. | | | | - Unplug all appliances and disconnect any batteries. |
| 7. Stock your RV for emergencies by ensuring you | | | | - Disconnect the ice maker water feed lines and drain. |
| have warm clothes, bedding and enough food and | | | | - Defrost your refrigerator, if needed. |
| water for a few days. | | | | - Drain the hot water heater and flush (see above). |
| 8. Awnings are easily damaged by wind, it's good | | | | - Once water is drained from your fresh water |
| practice to add additional ratcheting straps for extra | | | | system, pump nontoxic RV antifreeze through all the |
| security. | | | | lines. You may need to borrow a compressor to do |
| 9. Moisture build up is an RV's worst enemy, potentially | | | | this. Open every tap until you see the antifreeze |
| causing staining, freezing or mildew growth. The worst | | | | flowing from the faucets. Add a cup of antifreeze in |
| producer of moisture accumulation is the shower, | | | | the sink and shower traps. |
| bathroom and cooking in the kitchen. Try to do the | | | | - Remove any canned goods (they can burst if |
| majority of your water boiling in the microwave. When | | | | frozen), or foods that may attract rodents. |
| you do boil liquids on the stove top, open the roof vent | | | | - Double check your antifreeze in the engine cooling |
| and a window to reduce the moisture in the air. The | | | | system. |
| same goes for running the shower, always have the | | | | - Put out some rat poison and remove all bedding or |
| roof vent open. If moisture build up persists, you may | | | | anything they may use to make a nest. |
| consider getting a dehumidifier to fight the | | | | - To protect from snow or ice damage, cover your |
| condensation. | | | | RV with a tarp. |
| 10. To extend the life of the hot water heater it's good | | | | This article was submitted by the writers at Palm |
| practice to flush out the heater tank every season. It's | | | | Gardens, a luxury Arizona retirement community. View |
| a simple process, here are the steps: | | | | their extensive listing of Arizona mobile homes for sale. |
| - Shut off the hot water heater and allow water in the | | | | |