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.
Roof
If you own an RV, then you should be cleaning your roof regularly and inspecting the roof at least annually. That way you'll be able to spot roof damage before expensive repairs are necessary. (Because a leaky roof can cause serious damage inside your RV!) Here, experienced RVers show you how to do RV roof repairs yourself without causing more damage, how to clean your RV's rubber roof, which cleaners & protectants are best for RVs, even how to replace RV rooftop vents & breathers.
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!
How To Make An RV Solar Power System Meet Your Specific Needs + Helpful Series vs. Parallel Wiring Tips
When boondocking or RVing full time and living off the grid, you will have to tailor your Solar Power System to meet your specific needs. Here are some clever ways to set up your RV Solar Power System. Plus, everything you need to know about solar arrays, your solar system’s batteries, and solar power wiring tips. See the differences between parallel vs serial wiring connections, and why I chose a series-parallel configuration for my RV solar installation.
A Fulltime RVer Shares Why A 200-Watt RV Solar Kit Is A Good Investment For Boondocking
When it comes to seriously looking at solar power as a dedicated source of electricity when boondocking, a great place to start is a 200-watt Solar Kit. Is 200 watts enough? Yes, it’s enough to power a refrigerator… and watch TV. Here’s what to look for when you’re buying an RV solar system. And remember… you can always add more solar power over time.
My DIY Cargo Van Conversion To A Class B RV – Step 2: Installing Items On The Roof (RV Solar Panels, A TV Antenna, And An RV Roof Vent)
For your DIY RV van conversion, you’ll want to start from the top down. That way, one step won’t interfere with another while constructing your Class B motorhome. First, determine which amenities you want to include. Then, install everything that you plan to have mounted on the roof before you do anything else. I’ll show you how to install RV solar panels, an RV vent, and a TV antenna on the roof of your RV van.
The Best RV Cleaners & Protectants To Protect The Finish On Your RV & Keep It Looking Like New
Washing the exterior of your RV with a mild detergent may keep it clean, but it will do little to protect the finish from the damage that direct sunlight will do. Here’s how to safely get a clean RV, protect the finish of your RV, and keep it looking like new.
RV Odor Problems: How To Remove 10 Different Odors From Your RV
Tackling each specific RV odor with the proper solution is the best way to freshen up your RV. These videos show how to remove sewer odor, as well as how to eliminate moisture and mildew odor. These are the 2 most common RV odor problems you’re likely to encounter.
Do-It-Yourself RV Roof Repair Tips & Yearly RV Roof Maintenance Tasks You Can’t Ignore
Yearly inspections can catch RV roof repair issues early — before expensive damage occurs. Here’s how to do RV roof repairs without causing more damage.
Winter Snow Load Can Seriously Damage Your RV
Any amount of snow beyond a few inches is enough to cause serious damage. The melting and refreezing cycle will force water to creep into all kinds of little places. When it freezes and expands, any slightly leaking seams will turn into major entry points for water. Soon the insulation will be saturated and water stains will start appearing on the ceiling. Here’s what you need to know.
How To Replace RV Rooftop Vents And Breathers
Weather and age will take a toll on every plastic vent, appliance cover, or breather that may protrude through — or is mounted on — the roof of your RV. Here’s how to repair or replace RV rooftop fixtures including RV vent covers and more.
How To Clean And Repair Your RV’s Rubber Roof
Regular cleaning will help reduce the amount of chalk buildup and help prevent the white stains seen on the sides of many older RVs. There are also a number of repair and patch kits on the market should you puncture your RV’s rubber roof. Here’s the inside scoop about rubber roofs.
10 Common RV Repairs The Average Do-It-Yourselfer Can Fix
Unfortunately, in the RV world some RV components have a higher failure rate than what you find in the average house. This is due to weight issues, cost restrictions, and of course exposure to the elements. Here are the top 10 RV repairs you can fix yourself.
