Cheap Car Rentals and Basic RV Maintenance
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California
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Any experienced RV traveler will tell you that the key to a successful RV road trip is the attentive maintenance of your RV. On all your RV rentals, be sure to follow some simple advice that will make your journey enjoyable and worry-free. Here are a few helpful tips that you should always follow.
RV maintenance tasks can be broken down into two general categories based on how often they need to be performed. Not everything will be performed by people who only travel using RV rentals, but knowing what should be done will help you evaluate the roadworthiness of your coach.
Daily Inspection
Inspections must be completed every morning before you set off on the next leg of your trip. Here are some of the things to look for:
- Check the oil - RVs, especially heavily laden ones, demand a lot of work from their engines. Make sure the oil level is topped up and the oil is free of debris. Nothing spoils an RV rentals excursion like a seized engine.
- Check the coolant level - same as with the oil, keep your engine happy and you are likely to have a fun and trouble-free vacation.
- Make sure the jacks are up - check these even if you didn't put them down the night before. The road is a terrible place to discover a major problem with your jacks.
- Have a walk around the RV - make sure that all of the lights are working properly and that there are no unexpected puddles of fluid under or around the coach.
- Make sure everything is disconnected - this includes TV and power lines and sewage drains. RV rentals are supposed to be a hassle-free way to enjoy the open road, damaging accessories and the vehicle by not double checking that everything is disconnected is a negative way to start your day.
- If you are towing a vehicle, make sure it is properly hitched and set up for the drive.
- Check the tires for proper inflation and tread. Giving each tire a kick or a smack with a hammer is good, using a reliable pressure gauge is better.
Regular Maintenance
Refer to your vehicle manual for detailed information. Perform these tasks more regularly if you put more stress than usual on your RV rentals. Hot or very cold weather, hilly terrain and heavy loads all add to the regular strain on your coach. The steps listed in the daily maintenance section should be performed along with these steps.
- Check the automatic transmission fluid - stuck in first or neutral and your RV rentals vacations end right where you are - possibly the middle of nowhere. Remember that most vehicles need to be running when the transmission fluid is checked.
- Roof-Mounted Air Conditioning Unit - make sure the unit runs and blows cold air without making excessive noise. Clean or replace the filters regularly.
- Engine tune up - keeping the engine in top condition will reduce unnecessary wear and tear and prevent massive and expensive failures on the road.
- Safety Equipment - ensure your fire extinguishers are fully charged and that your fire and CO2 detectors are working properly. During your RV rentals, your RV is your house, ensure that it is as safe as your home is while you are in it.
- Check all appliances - make sure gas appliances are not leaking and that everything works like it should. Having all the comforts of home with you on the road requires that everything that you bring is in good working order.
- Check the wiper blades - look for cracked or split rubber. It is always a good idea to keep a couple of spare on hand at all times as well.
Above and beyond the list of maintenance activities listed above, it is important to keep an emergency kit on hand during your RV rentals vacations. First aid supplies, warm clothes and basic tools should be considered standard equipment on your RV.
Be prepared, keep your coach in good condition and enjoy many miles of fun in your well maintained RV.
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