The Campfire Blog #14 | RV maintenance and Cleaning Tips
Owning an RV is basically having a golden ticket to adventure... Except instead of a chocolate factory, you get endless miles of questionable gas station bathrooms and the occasional raccoon staring you down at 2 a.m. But hey, that’s the mystery of the open road! To keep your home on wheels from turning into a rolling dumpster fire, regular cleaning and maintenance are non-negotiable. Here’s how to keep your RV in tip-top (and non-stinky) shape:
How often should you inspect your RV?
Think of your RV like your own body: ignore it long enough and something’s gonna break, probably at the worst possible time. Make it a habit to give your rig a once-over before every trip. Check the tires-unless you want to practice the fine art of roadside tire-changing at midnight. Peek at the roof for leaks or cracks (unless you like surprise indoor rain showers). And inspect all those exterior seals, because water damage is a real party pooper. Trust me, catching problems early will save you from dropping a small fortune at the repair shop later.
What should you do before storing your RV long-term?
Before you tuck your RV in for a long nap, channel your inner neat freak. Wipe down the fridge and cupboards unless you’re running a science experiment on mold growth. Leave the fridge door open, unless you want to be greeted by the smell of death next season. Cover vents to keep out bugs and rodents-because nothing ruins a road trip vibe like a mouse rave in your pantry. Seal any suspicious holes with steel wool (take that, sneaky critters!). Oh, and don’t forget to empty all tanks, ditch anything perishable, and toss in a dehumidifier to keep things dry. Future You will thank you for not coming back to a biohazard zone.
How often should you flush the water heater?
Twice a year, give that water heater a good flush. Seriously, don’t skip this. Sediment buildup is the silent killer of hot showers and happy campers. It’s a quick job that’ll keep your water heater humming and your showers blissfully non-explosive.
What other cleaning tasks should you prioritize?
Clean your AC filters and ducts regularly, unless you’re aiming for that “musty crypt” ambiance. Deep clean your carpets too-because nothing says “welcome home” like mystery stains and questionable odors.
Follow these tips and your RV will stay fresher than your neighbor’s Instagram feed. Now get out there, hit the road, and make some memories (preferably the kind that don’t involve calling roadside assistance or animal control). Happy trails, you glorious road warrior!