RV Maintenance Tips for Single Parents: Keeping Your Adventure on the Road

RVing is a fantastic way to create lasting memories with your family, and it can be an especially rewarding experience for single parents. However, it's important to remember that RVs require regular maintenance to keep them running smoothly and safely. As a single parent, you may not have a lot of spare time, but taking the time to properly maintain your RV can save you a lot of headaches and money in the long run.

Here are some RV maintenance tips for single parents:

1. Know Your RV Inside and Out.

The first step to RV maintenance is to familiarize yourself with your RV's systems and components. This includes understanding how to operate the plumbing, electrical, and propane systems. You should also know how to locate and access important components like the water heater, generator, and batteries.

There are a number of resources available to help you learn about your RV, including owner's manuals, online forums, and RV maintenance classes (by Escapees). Once you have a good understanding of your RV, you can start to develop a regular maintenance schedule.

2. Create a Regular Maintenance Schedule

A regular maintenance schedule will help you stay on top of all the things that need to be done to keep your RV in good condition. There are a number of factors to consider when creating a maintenance schedule, such as the type of RV you have, how often you use it, and the climate you live in.

A good starting point is to follow the recommendations in your RV's owner's manual. You can also find general RV maintenance schedules online. Once you have a schedule, be sure to stick to it! One of the biggies is repacking the wheel bearings. This should be done annually or at least every 12,000 miles.

Another thing many people overlook is the water system. Your fresh water tank needs to be treated and cleaned routinely to ensure your water is always safe. We use the Clear2O Tank Fresh and add it when we fill the fresh tank. Additionally we keep our black tank treated with Matt’s Liquify to ensure the tank doesn’t smell or build bacteria.

3. Inspect Your RV Regularly

In addition to regular maintenance, you should also inspect your RV regularly for any signs of damage or trouble. This includes checking the tires, brakes, lights, and other important components. You should also look for leaks, cracks, and other signs of wear and tear. A good rule to follow is to check your tires and lights after hooking up and before ever moving. We all individually check everything and all 3 of us must agree we are safe to travel.

When checking the tires it’s also a good idea to visually inspect your leaf springs. These wear and you don’t want one to break on the road…..TRUST ME!!!!!!

If you find any problems, be sure to address them promptly. Don't wait until something breaks down to fix it.

4. Learn Some Basic RV Repair Skills

There are a few basic RV repair skills that every single parent should know. This includes how to change a tire, fix a leaky faucet, and troubleshoot electrical problems. You can learn these skills by taking a class, watching online videos, or reading RV repair manuals.

Having some basic repair skills can save you time and money in the long run. It can also give you peace of mind knowing that you can handle minor repairs on your own.

5. Get Help When You Need It

Don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. There are a number of resources available to single parents who RV, including RV clubs, online forums, and professional RV technicians. We are members of Fulltime Families that has a single parent group.

If you're not comfortable doing a repair yourself, don't hesitate to take your RV to a qualified technician.

Additional tips:

• Keep a well-stocked RV toolkit. This should include basic tools like screwdrivers, wrenches, hammer, socket set, allen wrench set, volt meter and pliers. I also HIGHLY recommend keeping a can of Boeshield T-9 Lubricant as well! This stuff beats WD-40 hands down. It’s developed by Boeing and works wonders.

• Bring along spare parts and supplies. This can include things like fuses, light bulbs, hose clamps, zip ties, rubber O-rings, electrical tape, leaf springs, various nuts/bolts/screws and duct tape.

• Be prepared for emergencies. This includes having a first aid kit, fire extinguisher, and emergency supplies.

Conclusion

RV maintenance can be a daunting task for single parents, but it's important to remember that it's not something you have to do alone. There are a number of resources available to help you, and with a little effort, you can keep your RV running smoothly and safely for years to come.

By following these tips, you can ensure that your RV adventures are always enjoyable and stress-free. So get out there and enjoy the open road!

I hope this blog article is helpful. Please let me know if you have any questions.