Preparing Your RV for Summer Travel
Warmer weather makes it tempting to pack up and hit the road right away, but it’s a good idea to do some planning and preparing before adventuring. If an RV road trip is in your future, take the time to plan ahead to avoid hiccups and surprises along the way.
Take Care of Maintenance
Don’t ignore the boring stuff when it comes to keeping your RV running properly. Oil and filter changes, tune-ups, and other regular maintenance items can help prevent significant issues down the road. Staying on top of the basics also improves the performance of your RV and can help preserve fuel economy and engine life, saving you money over time.
Have Your Tires Checked
Tires are one of the most important parts of any vehicle, especially large, heavy RVs. Beyond visually and physically checking the tires at home for damage and wear, regular tire rotations are important to preserve tire life and maintain performance. It’s also a good idea to plan your route, accounting for any unusual terrain or weather conditions you might encounter, including snowy roads that could require tire chains.
Service the Water and Sewer Systems
You’ll want to inspect and service your RV’s water and sewer systems, even if you thoroughly cleaned the RV before storage. Ensure the water systems is sanitized and make sure to flush the lines to prevent buildup of cleaning products. It’s also important to inspect the hoses and seals in the system to prevent leaks.
Check the Electrical System
Make sure all of your batteries are charged and ready to go before hitting the road. Inspect any solar panels or other power generation systems. This also applies to generators, though they also come with the added complication of needing to be stored and used in an open-air environment. It’s a good idea to pack extra lightbulbs, small batteries, and other equipment if you plan on being on the road for an extended period.
Inventory Emergency Supplies
We’d all love to think that our road trip will go off without a hitch, but accidents can happen. That makes it essential to plan for medical emergencies, bad weather, mechanical breakdowns, and more. You don’t need to go overboard, packing everything possible, but a basic first aid kit, extra food, and spare blankets can help salvage a trip.
If you want to learn more about preparing for summer RV travel or have questions about any of the new Jayco RVs, Valley RV should be your first call. Our knowledgeable staff will be excited to walk through our favorite RV road trip tips.
