RV Maintenance in Hot Weather

Sun's out, time to roll! Summer is traditionally the busiest season for RVing. Families and friends hit the road for vacations and rallies. All that RVing means that your rig needs to be in good condition. To help with that, we're here with six RV maintenance tips for hot weather.

6 Tips for Summer RV Maintenance

1. Have the Cooling System Inspected

The cooling system is an integral part of your RV. In hot environments, it's more important than ever. That's why you'll want to get it inspected by a professional mechanic. Look for brittle radiator lines, corrosion, and other signs that may indicate future problems.

On your own, you can check the coolant fluid levels. Make sure the fluid tank is filled to the proper level. Additionally, carry extra coolant as part of your RV maintenance kit.

2. Consider RV Electrical Capacity

One thing to keep in mind is the electrical capacity of your RV. In hot weather, you'll likely need to run your air conditioning. Doing other activities at the same time, like cooking, could overload your RV's electrical system. This is more common with older RVs.

Additionally, check the voltages in your RV. Focus first on critical systems, like the generator and batteries. Then, check on other electrical systems like interior lights. Preventive RV maintenance ensures that you won't run into trouble on the road.

3. Clean the A/C Filters

Your RV air conditioner is going to get a workout in hot weather. Make it a part of your annual RV maintenance to clean the A/C air filters. These screens collect lots of dust. In turn, this reduces the effectiveness of your air conditioner. Plus, it can lead to mold and mildew.

Cleaning the air conditioner filters is very easy. Simply pop the filters out, wash in soapy water, and rinse and dry before reinstalling them. Alternatively, you can use a vacuum brush attachment to remove dust.

If your RV is older, consider getting a new set of A/C filters. This is only necessary if your filters are worn down.

4. Watch the Oil and Transmission Fluid Levels

We've mentioned that you should check the coolant levels. But you should also keep an eye on the oil and transmission fluid levels. These play important parts in keeping your engine cool and running smoothly. As these fluids age, they lose their lubricating qualities, causing more heat. Follow the maintenance schedule in your RV manual for servicing oil and transmission fluid.

5. Fill Your Tires Properly

An important part of RV maintenance is tire pressure. In hot weather, tires play a critical role. If underfilled, tires will create an extraordinary amount of heat, potentially leading to a fire. Fill them according to your RV manual's recommendation.

Additionally, try and distribute the RV's weight evenly. This will minimize extra strain on your tires. While some weight is outside of your control, smart packing can ensure that the load is balanced.

6. Frequently Test the Batteries

Heat is the enemy of batteries. It causes corrosion and evaporates the water in the battery cells. When RVing in hot weather, regularly test the batteries. As part of your RV maintenance, keep the battery connections clean and check the water levels in the batteries. If you're uncomfortable working on batteries, RV technicians will be happy to help.  

We hope these tips have helped you prepare for your next summer trip. Remember to always practice safety with RV maintenance. And please share these tips with your fellow RVers!  

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