Motorhome Maintenance You Should Do Even If You’re Stationary

My wife and I are full time RVers but that doesn’t mean we travel all of the time. We typically travel from job to job, and a job can last anywhere from three to six months on average. This means that our motorhome spends a lot more time sitting still than it does moving on the highway. Many people assume that if they aren’t moving, nothing is wearing down, so no maintenance needs to be done. This is far from the truth. There are things that need to be checked and maintained on a motorhome, even when it’s sitting still for a long period of time.

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Batteries

Your batteries are constantly being charged, even when you are plugged into power. Many RVs will still pull juice from the batteries to run the 12 volt devices in the rig. Those devices can include the lights, furnace, some TVs and more. Most RVs use wet cell deep cycle batteries. Deep cycle batteries lose water in the cells as they charge and discharge. It is important to check them once a month and add distilled water as needed. I made a video about this which you can watch here.

Oil

Most of us remember to change our oil every x amount of miles the vehicle’s manufacturer recommends, but what if your vehicle isn’t going anywhere? Does the oil still need to be changed? Engine oil can go bad. As it sits in your engine, it may begin to break down. Unfortunately this can cause the oil to not be able to lubricate as well as it should. Bad oil will inevitably cause the engine to run hotter and wear it down faster. It is recommend that if you change the oil every six months whether you reach the mileage limit or not.

Changing the oil in a motorhome can be a difficult task if you are stationary as most RV parks aren’t keen on you draining the oil yourself in the park. If we are lucky, when it comes time to change the oil, a mobile lube technician is available in the area. If no mobile service can be found, we will search for the closest place that can change our oil and make an appointment with them a few days before we are set to depart from the campground. This forces us to mostly pack up early, so when the day comes to actually depart the campground, we will pretty much be ready to leave.

Tires

Tires are meant to be driven on. When stationary and in the sun for a long time, they tend to square off and break down. This can increase the chance of a blowout while driving, even on tires that don’t have a whole lot of miles on them.

While parked, it is important to cover them with wheel covers to block out the sun. Check the pressure in them every couple of months. If the tires appear to be getting small cracks on the sides or if the general condition doesn’t look good, it is a best practice to have a technician look at them before taking a long trip. With RVs that sit for long periods of time, it is not unusual to have to change the tires because they are breaking down after three or four years, especially if they are exposed to the sun on a daily basis. Remember to check your tires regularly, especially before taking a long trip after a period of sitting. This site has some good information about checking your tires.

Related Read: RV Tires: Selection and Care

Generator

Most motorhomes have generators built into them. This is convenient, but if you stay at a park with power for long periods of time, the generator sits unused. This is mostly a problem because of the gas that runs the generator. There are diesel, propane, and gasoline generators. Each has its own maintenance plan and length of time it can be safely inactive.

Gas and diesel have “shelf lives.” After awhile, they will start to go bad and gum up parts of a generator. One way to prevent sticky parts and a fouled up generator is to run it periodically. I run mine about once every three weeks for about twenty minutes. It is preferable to run the generator under a load. To do that, unplug your rig from the power pedestal and run some appliances using your generator’s power. Here is a good article that discusses when and how gas can go bad.

Slide Out Seals

Many RVs have slide outs. If you have them, you have probably noticed the protective rubber seal that prevents rain and outside weather from getting in. These seals are exposed to the sun and the elements all the time when you are stationary. It is important to check the seals every four months or so for cracking and wear. They make special seal conditioner that you can put on the seals at that time. Finding some wear before it becomes a problem can save you time and possibly money later on.

Toilet Water Seal

Another safeguard to maintain can be found in your toilet. A rubber seal keeps a little water in your RV toilet after you flush. The water actually helps serve the function of keeping smells from your black tank from seeping into your rig. The rubber seal is susceptible to breaking down over time as it is always covered in water. Fortunately, a seal conditioner fluid is produced that can extend the life of your toilet water seal. You simply pour some into your toilet and let it sit for 8 hours. My wife and I usually pick a day we are going to go to work. We pour it in, go to work, and it has done its job by the time we get home. This is done about every four months.

Did I miss any important maintenance tasks? Share your tips and trick in the comments below.