Just like the items inside your house, RV components have a certain life expectancy. Following is a list of all the items in and on your RV — and their expected lifespan. Items are listed in the order they are most likely to wear out, with time ranges showing the approximate number of years each item typically lasts. The list includes all major RV components — from the drivetrain and electronics to slideouts, roof vents, toilets, refrigerators, and more! A checklist of RV repair issues that you should be prepared for + DIY tips to make things last longer.
Main Content
RV Driving / Towing Tips
Driving An RV For The First Time? 12 Ways RV Driving Is Completely Different From Car Driving!
Driving an RV is very different than driving a car! Most of us learned how to drive an RV the hard way — through trial and error (and a lot of mistakes). But sitting behind the wheel of a large RV on your first road trip is not the best time to figure out all the challenges and nuances that come with driving RVs. Here are 12 important first-time RV driving tips for newbies to learn before renting an RV… or buying one.
RV Shipping Guide: RV Movers Will Deliver Your RV Wherever You Want! See How Much It Costs + Helpful RV Shipping Tips
RV Shipping 101 – How much does it cost to ship an RV? See how freight carriers ship RVs, how to prepare your RV for shipping, and how to find RV movers.
RV Seat Belt Laws By State + Tips For Keeping Children Safely Restrained While RVing
Do you have to wear a seat belt as a passenger in an RV? Do kids have to wear RV seat belts? See what’s legal & what’s not. Plus, what’s safe for children and adults riding in the back of RVs. Since most RVers travel between states, it’s important that you know the RV seat belt laws in each state.
Repairs & Add-Ons
RV Maintenance Checklist For Spring – 8 Things You Must Check Each Year Before You Start RVing For The Season
How do you dewinterize an RV and get ready for summer RV camping? Our Spring RV Maintenance Checklist includes 8 tasks that will quickly verify that no damage was done by winter’s wrath while your RV was in storage and ensure that your RV is safe to drive for the spring and summer RV camping season.
RV Maintenance Checklist For Fall – Things You Should Check Each Year Before Winter
See a list of fall/winter RV maintenance tasks that are most important. These are the things you should do every year during the fall before winter hits. One of the MOST important is RV roof maintenance… see why!
DIY RV Dinette Replacement: How To Make Better Use Of Your RV Living Space By Removing The RV Dinette!
For me, the 3 most important items inside an RV are: a decent bed, a decent shower, and a decent kitchen. You’ll notice that an RV dinette is not on that list! Since a dinette is not an item that I use, I decided to remove it myself. Here’s how I tackled the RV dinette replacement myself… and put a comfy recliner in its place!
Before You Buy An RV
Tax Deductions For RV Owners – A Fulltime RVer’s Personal Experience And Advice
Did you know that you can save money on your taxes if you buy an RV? Yep. Here are all the IRS tax deductions for RV owners. And… if you run your business out of your RV, then the RV tax deduction is even greater!
My DIY Cargo Van Conversion – Step 1: Choosing From The Best Cargo Vans For Class B RV Conversions
See how I built a Class B motorhome from a cargo van. Today, I’m covering the first step in my DIY RV camper van conversion series: How to choose the best cargo van for an RV conversion.
Living In An RV
Long Term OFF-Grid RV Living vs. Long Term ON-Grid RVing: See The Costs, Comforts, Pros And Cons Associated With Each
Have you considered living off the grid in your RV? I’ve been full-time RVing for the past 7 years. I split my time between long term stays in RV parks and living off the grid in my RV as a nomad wandering with the weather. If you’ll be staying in one place for at least 6 months at a time, then living off the grid (boondocking) is an option that you might want to consider. I’ve put together this helpful guide to give you an idea of what to expect in the way of living expenses and overall comfort when living off the grid in an RV, compared to on-grid RV living. See the costs and comforts associated with both on- and off-grid RV camping.
RV Thanksgiving Dinner: How To Prepare A Hearty Holiday Feast (With All The Fixins!) In Just 10 Minutes In Your RV
Wondering how to cook a turkey in an RV? I’ve cooked plenty of large turkey feasts for family gatherings and special occasions in my RV — and I have some quick & easy RV cooking tips for you! You can prepare this RV Thanksgiving dinner in just 10 minutes, and it will be finished cooking in under 2 hours.
An RVer’s Guide To Spooky Halloween Fun At Your Campsite
Wondering what other RVers do for Halloween on the road? Here’s what you can expect to see at the RV parks and RV campgrounds – a fun Halloween guide for RVers. Plus tips for making your own RV Halloween decorations!
Things To See & Do
RV Electric Bike Options & Ideas: See Why I Chose The Lectric XP Ebike For RV Camping
Wondering which electric bike for RV owners is best? I live full-time in an RV travel trailer and I just bought my first e-Bike. My choice for an RV electric bike is one that folds in half, making storage simple! Mine is the Lectric XP ebike. I’ll share with you some tips to make sure you get the right e-bike setup for your needs while RVing and camping.
Pros & Cons Of National Park Camping vs. National Forest Camping: Here’s What You Can Expect At Each
Trying to decide between National Forest camping vs. National Park camping? Having done both, I can attest to the fact that there are pros and cons to each. Here’s what you need to know about RV camping in or near National Parks. If backcountry camping in an RV is your goal the next time you visit a National Park, start here!
Best Reasons For RVers (Especially NEW RVers) To Try A Good Sam Club Membership
Jim and I have used our Good Sam Club membership card at lots of different RV campgrounds to save on camping costs AND at lots of different Camping World stores (and online) to save on RV parts and accessories. Those discounts alone have more than paid for our membership. Here’s why we think membership in the Good Sam Club is a good thing — especially for new RVers who are planning their first RV trips.
