We’ll touch on a number of maintenance items, including one that we think is especially crucial to your RV’s longevity: maintenance of its exterior. Believe it or not, this one is commonly overlooked.
Inspection and maintenance should be performed on the following.
While your RV sits in hibernation, it is at the mercy of the elements. Snow, rain, and fallen tree branches can cause damage that, if ignored, can result in costly repairs over time. Snow and water are very sneaky and will find their way into any area they can access.
Carefully inspect your roof, slide-outs and window seals for signs of water intrusion. Freeze and thaw cycles in the winter can cause water to expand and contract, creating entry points for water on the roof and walls of the RV. Points of entry are typically found around penetrations, seams, corners, windows and doors. Such water intrusion will be noticeable via discoloring on interior walls and the ceiling, and in extreme conditions, you might discover ponding on counters or windowsills.
Once water has found its entry point, it can cause bacteria growth and rot and even negatively impact the integrity of the RV’s wood frame. Bacteria and mold can be very costly to remediate and if bad enough can require replacing interior paneling and furniture. Damage to the wooden structure of the RV can render it dangerous to operate and lead to an expensive and labor-intensive repair.
If you notice potential areas of water intrusion, proper repair is critical. A multipurpose tape with an elastomeric polymer adhesive, such as Chase Corporation’s 4EvaSeal™, can block the water’s ingress. 4EvaSeal is UV resistant and adheres to TPO and PVC roofing systems as well as a number of other substrates. It provides excellent leak stoppage around slide-outs and penetrations, giving you peace of mind on all of your travels.
Follow these steps to repair your RV and halt further water intrusion:
4EvaSeal Video - How to Install a Waterproofing Tape on a RV Skylight
Once you have made necessary repairs, keep a de-winterization list to document areas of potential concern, repairs performed, the products used and from where the products were purchased.
While excitement mounts at the beginning of the season, taking the time to thoroughly de-winterize your RV can prevent unforeseen headaches that detract from the joys of RVing, mitigate costly repairs down the road, and extend the life of your unit. When paired with accurate record-keeping, the de-winterization process will be a breeze, getting you more quickly on the road.