Maintaining The Seals on Your RV is Essential - Standard Maintenance
You might not think about it this way, but your RV is absolutely your home away from home, requiring care and maintenance to remain comfortable and hospitable. Some of your RV’s most important structural elements are the seals, which help keep the great outdoors outside, where they belong. Let’s take a look at why they’re important and how you can do your best to maintain them.
What RV Seals Do
RV manufacturers install seals around the doors, windows, and roof panels to prevent water incursion, which can damage the interior, electronics, and other components. They also help with temperature regulation, acting as insulation, which can significantly reduce your rig’s energy consumption. Finally, your RV’s seals help pad surfaces against bumps and bangs when the vehicle is moving, preventing rattles and noises from the doors and windows clanking against each other.
Inspecting RV Seals
You don’t have to be a professional mechanic to inspect your RV’s seals. Start with a visual inspection to determine the condition, looking for cracks, discoloration, and obvious damage. Press on the seals with your finger to feel how well they rebound. If you notice a problem during the inspection, replace parts that show damage. If you feel unsure of any part of the process, don’t hesitate to ask for professional help.
How Often Should You Check the Seals?
While there’s no set-in-stone timeframe for checking your RV’s seals, it’s a good idea to keep routine reminders so you don’t forget them for an extended period of time. In general, check the seals at the beginning of every RV season, especially if you’ve stored the vehicle over the winter. Inspecting the seals after every major weather event, such as thunderstorms, heavy winds, and more, is also a good idea.
We get it, checking RV weather seals is one of the least entertaining things you can do, but it’s a vital part of keeping your vehicle on the road and in good shape. Most seals don’t wear that quickly, and the inspection process is quick and painless. Spend the time up front to avoid hassles down the road, as damaged seals can let water, dirt, and noise into your vehicle, which can cause expensive issues. Finally, there’s no shame in asking a professional for help, especially if there’s something you don’t understand or are unsure of.
If you have questions about RV weather protection or other RV components, come see us at Valley RV. Our knowledgeable staff would be excited to talk through RV maintenance, the ins and outs of weatherstripping, or help you order the new Jayco RV of your dreams.
