 |
Americans love camping, and it has become the majority of American family’s favorite weekend getaway bonding for decades. Some even made RVs their primary home, where approximately 1 million Americans live in their RVs full time.
Traveling via RV gives you enjoyable and comfortable road trips and camping, but owning one could also be a handful, especially when mechanical problems arise. If you are a new RV owner or planning to purchase one, here the issues, you must be aware of to avoid them if possible.
1. Plumbing
Source: autoplexrv.com
Having a properly working toilet and water system is essential during a camping trip. If your toilet or water system is broken, you will end up having the most uncomfortable camping experience in your life.
However, most plumbing issues in an RV are so simple to fix yourself. The most problem RV owners encounter in their plumbing are clogged toilets and backups, resulting from too much toilet paper getting flushed into the toilet. Having not enough water to flush your toilet is another cause of clogs.
What you need to do here is to make sure what goes down must go down all the way to avoid such problems.
2. Exterior Damages
RV Exteriors are expected to wear out over time due to constant exposure to elements that can damage your exterior paint, such as weather.
Direct exposure to sunlight can cause the paint to fade too soon. Salty highways in the winter can cause erosion to your RVs undercarriage when the salty solution comes in contact with your undercarriage.
Windy weather can also cause damage to your RVs exterior. The wind itself may not pose a danger to your RV, but the sand and debris the wind may carry can damage your exterior walls, windows, and even the roof.
Aside from weather conditions, there are objects on the road that can pose harm to your exterior. Examples of these objects are road signages, tree branches, and bridges that cars commonly find during a road trip. To avoid these objects hitting your RV, make sure that you slow down if you approach the object and always be cautious with your size.
3. Overloading Electricals
Source: rvtalk.net
RVs are designed and built to be compatible with various appliances they enclose. Adding new appliances should cautiously be done as it may cause overloading in your electrical AC 110-volt. Most RV owners add to their RV that has a high ampere are coffee maker, blender, and hairdryer.
The roof air conditioner also uses a large amount of power to cause your circuit breaker to trip. It is better to check other appliances and turn them off before turning your AC to the maximum. Be mindful of your electricity consumption inside the RV as it is not the same as the traditional home.
You can upgrade your RVs power by purchasing a portable generator or upgrading your batteries and installing a converter of your AC to DC electric power. Another way to upgrade the electrical power that can also help you save money, in the long run, is to install solar panels. It may cost you more on installation, but it is all worth it.
4. Battery Failure
An RV with a faulty battery will lose its worth. With every broken light or outlet will reduce its appeal. During your check-up routine before you purchase an RV, always make sure that you check its battery. It is recommended to test charge the battery to ensure it is still working properly.
For individuals who already own an RV, you have to make sure that your battery is well maintained. Batteries need to be charged every 7-10 days. You have to make sure lights and other electronic devices are turned off if the RV is not in use. It is best to disconnect battery cables to make sure that the battery will not discharge.
5. Windows and Roof Leaks
Source: cheapism.com
Unlike houses, RVs are not as structurally sound as we think. Although it is considered a second home to most, and primary residence is not designed the way houses are built.
Elements that can damage the RVs exterior have already been mentioned earlier, and the damages caused by these elements can cause windows and roof leaks. To avoid roof leakage, you can utilize a roof cover to minimize possible damages in your roof. If roof cover is not possible, you need to regularly check the RVs roof every month to see if there are damages you can fix sooner.
Another potential leakage can develop on the RVs windows, which is why you should check the windows twice a month to see if the window seals are breaking down. If the breakage is noticed, it is recommended to change it quickly before it can cause more damages to the interior of your RV.
6. Tire Blow out
Constant road trips and passing through bumpy and poorly maintained roads can cause your tires to blow out. Tire blowouts are a dangerous thing to happen during a road trip as it can cause severe injury or worse, death.
Tire blowouts in RVs doubled the danger you can face, given your vehicle’s size and weight. However, this issue is avoidable by regularly checking your tire pressure, whether you are going on a road trip or not.
Additionally, always keep a spare tire in your RV, especially if you take a long drive. Do not forget to check the pressure of the spare tire regularly, even if it was not used. Always prioritize your safety, so always be attentive and observant.
If you are planning to apply for an RV financing at https://www.myfinancingusa.com/, it is best to be more observant in all the details, especially regarding RVs common issues.
Takeaway
Maintaining an RV to make sure it runs and works smoothly could be a handful and costly, but if you neglect just one of the issues mentioned earlier, you will end up sending more. RV is a long term investment, from purchasing up to the maintenance, it is expected that RV owners will spend some money now and then. Always make sure that you get the best of your money’s worth.
