TL;DR: Regular RV maintenance saves money, prevents breakdowns, and ensures safety on the road. You don't need to be a mechanic—simple tasks like sealing the roof, changing oil, and cleaning filters are manageable with some research. A little effort goes a long way in avoiding costly repairs and staying road-ready.
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Fix It Before It Falls Off: My Idea of a Survival Guide
Owning an RV means endless adventures, thrilling sights and a guaranteed good time (usually) but keeping it in great shape takes more than just paying for the gas and dreaming of the places you’ll go. Regular maintenance is key to making sure your rig stays safe and road-ready for all your trips. And do you realize this maintenance is directly related to your safety while on the road?
The good news is, you don’t have to be a mechanic to handle a lot of the upkeep. Simple tasks like checking your tire pressure, sealing the roof, changing the engine and generator oil can easily be done by most RV owners.
Because I travel full time, I get my generator and engine oil changed at least three times a year. This has been a regular expense where I am at the mercy of whatever town I am in and how quickly the shop can fit me in the schedule. I don’t have the luxury of comparison or coupon shopping.
Teaching another woman how to change her RV engine oil
The last time I paid to get my engine oil changed, the mechanic took all of 20 minutes, then handed me a bill for $199. That really got me thinking, so I watched a YouTube video on how to change the oil. Then once I was down the internet rabbit hole, I looked up how to change the generator oil, I found my last invoice for that—it was $99—and standing in my dining room, I decided it was time to learn to do both myself. Once I tackled those, I started figuring out what other RV maintenance tasks I could handle on my own. Here are some very easy things I do myself after minimal research on instructions.
Since I travel full-time solo, staying safe is always top of mind, and that’s why I take RV maintenance seriously—it’s directly tied to how smooth my trips go. A well-maintained rig means fewer chances of breakdowns or risky malfunctions while I’m on the road.
Getting in the Car with Strangers
One of my biggest worries, I’ll admit, is breaking down in the middle of nowhere and having to rely on the kindness of passing strangers. It’s not exactly comforting to think about waiting for a tow that might not come quickly—or, even scarier, having to hop into a tow truck with someone I don’t know. Remember all those warnings about never getting into cars with strangers? Well, they still stick with me! That's why I’m so committed to staying on top of maintenance—it gives me peace of mind and helps me avoid those nerve-wracking situations altogether.
To be fair I did have a blowout on one of my RV tires and at least six people stopped to offer aid. They were very kind, although once they saw the 22 inch tire they kept on going. The tow truck driver, who could not tow my 30 thousand pound RV, went out of his way to help me. The insurance parking lot I had to sit in for four days was extra nice-they even offered me some of the office bagels each day! But still I am not inclined to rely on the kindness of strangers (no offense Tennesse Williams). I’d much rather stay ahead of any issues, especially since it just takes some time and effort.
In the end, staying on top of RV maintenance is not only manageable, but it also pays off in more ways than one. Tackling simple tasks can save you a lot of money on potential repairs down the road. Anyone can do these chores, they are only a Youtube video away. More importantly, it keeps you safe, reducing the chances of dangerous breakdowns while traveling. Plus, there’s a real sense of accomplishment in knowing you’re taking care of your home on wheels, making each trip smoother and worry-free. So, roll up your sleeves and dive into the projects you can handle—you'll be glad you did!
