Are you an RV owner? Has your RV been sitting in your garage for months? Well, then you better start driving it. You made a big investment in this thing, you should get the most out of your RV usage.

An idle RV can lead to many different mechanical issues down the road. Therefore, if you are planning an RV trip, it’s important it’s in the best and safest condition.

So, if you’re wondering how often do you use your RV? This guide is here to help.

Keep reading to learn how often you should use your RV and a proper RV maintenance routine.

Common RV Issues

Before we go over how often you should use your RV, let’s first go over the common RV issues you may experience. Keep in mind that these issues may be inevitable even if you go above and beyond to maintain your RV properly.

Tire Troubles

No one likes a flat tire. This is especially true when it comes to driving long distances or on a road trip.

That’s why it’s always important to check your inflation levels and tread wear and always keep a spare tire in case of an emergency to get the most from your RV usage for years to come.

The more you drive your vehicle, the more likely you are to catch any issues ahead of time that could prevent a flat tire.

Water Issues

RV users also tend to deal with water tank issues. Why? Many people will leave their RVs idle during the winter causing the tanks to freeze up or burst.

To prevent this, make sure you empty the water tanks of your RV while it is stored away.

Toilet Problems

Finally, RV users will inevitably face issues with their toilet/plumbing system at some point. Toilets can get clogged due to a lack of maintenance and the constant mobility of the RV can cause the toilet to become damaged.

So, if you notice that the toilet water in your RV is not staying in or flowing over, it’s important to get it repaired ASAP.

Battery Damage

One of the biggest risks of leaving your RV idle for several months is permanent battery damage. Besides driving your RV consistently, another way to prevent battery damage is to keep unused batteries on hand.

Even if you haven’t left your RV idle, it’s always a good idea to have your batteries tested before a road trip just in case there is an issue. It’s much better to deal with it before than deal with it thousands of miles away from home.

How Often Do You Use Your RV?

So, how often should you use your RV? How many times a year is typical RV usage? Well, you may be surprised to learn that RV drivers should take their RV for a drive at least once a month for about 30 minutes.

It’s also recommended to drive on the interstate with your RV because it will rid the motor of any water condensation that has built up.

If you are a new RV owner, you should also be sure to get your RV serviced at least 12 months after buying it. You may also wait till the RV travels at least 2,000 kilometers.

Annual service is also essential, or whenever your RV has driven 10,000 kilometers.

Extend Your RV Usage With An RV Maintenance Routine

So, we’ve talked about the common issues your RV may experience and how often you should drive your RV. With that said, let’s talk about the proper maintenance routine for your RV to ensure your road trip will be smooth sailing.

Cleanliness

This may not seem important but believe it or not, cleaning your RV should be at the top of your RV trip checklist. Your engine could be filled with dust, dirt, debris, cobwebs, mud, etc – all things that could inhibit the function of your vehicle.

Not only should you clean the interior of your RV, but it’s also wise to clean the exterior as well. One great and essential tip is to keep your RV covered when it is not in use. This could be a physical cover, storage unit, etc.

Not only will covering your RV keep it cleaner, but it will also prevent damage from other falling debris such as trees.

Oil Change

Before hitting the road, RV drivers should always have their engines checked and their oil changed. This is even more true if your vehicle has been relatively idle for a long period of time.

The auto shop will also be able to capture any issues with your RV’s transmission fluids, windshield wiper fluids, and filters.

Keep Tires Up To Date

As we’ve discussed, flat tires are something every driver wants to avoid. So, not only should you bring around a spare tire and check your inflation levels, you should also replace your tires after every five years.

Check for Gasket Leaks

Finally, another key tip is to check your RV’s gasket for leaks. If your RV was left unattended, the gaskets of the windows, doors, hood, tailgates, hood, and trunk may have leaked or become damaged.

This is commonly due to dust or dry air. However, it can also occur from frequent use of your RV, especially if your gaskets are old and are constantly being opened and closed.

PS, Plan Your RV Trip

So, those were some common RV issues and maintenance tips to help prepare you for your next RV trip. By driving your RV for 30 minutes at least once a month and having it properly maintained, you will avoid the headaches and expenses that come with repairing your RV.

Are you looking to rent an RV for your next road trip? RVnGO provides fantastic RV rental services for your next adventure.

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