Welcome back to TVC Live! The late night show created just for RVers to help them get the best tips and have the most fun out there on the road.
Tonight we interview Ed Wilcox, founder of Fix It Yourself, a beginner’s course for RV maintenance. Join us as we talk about how you can fix 80% of your RV maintenance woes yourself through simple procedures and routine maintenance.
Whether you’re a full-timer or still dreaming of buying a rig, this is a must-watch.
Don’t feel like watching and just want the info? Here are Ed’s top tips when it comes to RV maintenance.
Here are the basic tools you need for RV repairs.
- multimeter
- ratcheting screwdriver
- pliers
- adjustable wrenches
- drill
For a full list, you can check out this article on RV tools you absolutely need.
Your RV generator needs to be regularly maintained.
It never fails. The power goes out at your local campground. You go to start your generator but CRAP. It won’t start and now you’ve got to spend an hour in the heat trying to Google the problem.
Servicing your RV generator is very important and should be on your list of must-dos when it comes to RV maintenance!
Check the manufacturer’s recommendations for how often the oil and filter should be changed. And don’t forget to run the darn thing monthly for 1-2 hours on half load. (This means run your air conditioner, turn lights on, etc etc!
If not, you could end up spending lots of time and money getting it fixed.
Remember to run your generator regularly when your RV is stored too. If you don’t, it could cost you up to $400 to take care of the build-up on the unit’s carburetor.
Don’t neglect your roof.
If you don’t listen to anything else, ohmyword, listen to this! Your roof needs to stay sealed and seamless, my friend.
Every RV owner should be up on their roof every 6 months. Is everything still properly sealed up?
If not, Dicor is your best friend.
And if you have a rubber roof, don’t forget to have that inspected 1-2 a year and have it treated at least annually.
RV preventative maintenance isn’t too hard.
There are more than a few things you can do to prevent a lot of RV horror stories.
First, batteries need to be checked for every trip you take. Open up the cap and check the level of the water in all cells. The water is low if you can see the plates sticking out of the water. If it’s low, fill up the water with distilled water only.
FYI: Batteries should last from 3 to 5 years.
FYI 2: Batteries can freeze and break. This will void their warranty. If you’re winter camping, make sure you keep them warm. If you’re in a cold place and storing the rig for the cold months, take your batteries out and store them somewhere warm.
Next, your tire pressure should be checked annoyingly often.
Every time you go out for a trip. Every time you leave to go home. If your spouse is taking too long in the gas station bathroom. Check that tire pressure, baby! And while you’re at it, tighten up the lug nuts, too.
You can thank me later.
Last, take good care of your water system.
I always say the black tank is the great equalizer of RVing. Whether you have a luxury RV or a more affordable camper, we all store our poop below deck.
And we all need to take realllll good care of that system.
- Don’t put too much paper down the toilet.
- Use excessive amounts of water when flushing to avoid a poop pyramid.
- Flush your tanks on a regular schedule.
- Rinse your tank, yo.
- For the love of all that is holy, do not leave your black tank valve open. I repeat. DO not leave your black tank valve open.
For more tips and specific questions answered, I highly recommend watching the video at the top of this page. Ed answers questions live about common RV maintenance issues and gives you lots more tips and tricks!
Then check out Ed’s course on RV maintenance right here!
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