Moores' Tips on Fall and Winter RV Maintenance
We have had far too many reports of water damage in both the roofs and side walls of all RVs, but especially Motor Homes. For your protection, please follow these recommendations.
Carefully inspect the roof seams for possible causes of leaks. Dig out any cracked sealer with a putty knife, clean with thinner, and re-seal the seams with a good RV type sealer. It is usually not a good idea to coat the entire roof. The exception is raw aluminum roofs which should be cleaned and coated with aluminum Kool Seal after the second year.
Check the plastic roof vent lids to be sure they are still flexible. Replace any that crack easily. Just as important as the roof, check every opening in the side walls for cracked sealer. Pay particular attention to cab-overs on mini homes and the four corners on all RVs. Re seal as needed.
Sight down the side wall on laminated bodies looking for bulges or soft spots. Have your dealer inspect any you find.
Winterize before night time temperatures drop below 25 deg.
Put rodent and ant poison in hidden spots.
Fully inflate and cover tires to prevent sun rot. Test the LP system for leaks.
Put moth balls inside the water heater door to discourage spiders.
Spray rubber surfaces with pure silicone spray to keep flexible.
Wax your RV. Use a special fiberglass wax as needed.
Remove any rust from LP tanks and paint with a light colored rust proof paint.
Check inside monthly for leaks.
Be aware of any mildew or rotted wood odors.
Store off level to let water run off.
Monthly, run engine and generator for 1/2 hour and move motor homes, even if only for a few feet.
Do not cover your RV unless you use a cover specially made for this purpose. Tarps can cause mildew and chafe the paint.
Be sure some air can circulate through the unit and prop the refrigerator door open.
Keep your batteries charged to prevent freezing damage.