A guide to maximising the lifespan of your RV
There are a lot of benefits to owning an RV, but it does come with a heft price tag which can prompt questions about how long your RV will last.
There are many benefits to travelling in a recreational vehicle (RV). They give you the freedom to free camp, where allowed, or choose between a variety of campsites or caravan parks where you can spend more time with your loved ones. And most motorhomes, caravans and campers will have some type of kitchen setup (either internal or external), so you won’t be reliant on eating out every night while on holiday.
But the key to ensuring your RV doesn’t become a financial burden and lives a long healthy life comes down to how you care for it between adventures.
The average lifespan
When you’re considering what RV to buy, you should be aware that different types of RVs have varying lifespans. Your RV’s longevity can range from 10–30 years, depending on how often you use it, maintenance diligence and local weather conditions.
Caravans, campers and fifth wheelers tend to outlast motorhomes due to the tow vehicles being a separate element of the setup.
Malcolm Street is one of Caravan World’s regular reviewers, and he commented that “Caravans have the least moving parts”, meaning they tend to have the longest lifespan. If cared for correctly, a high-quality caravan built for Australian conditions can have a lifespan of 30+ years.
“Campers have more [moving elements], with the folding, lifting and/or extending roofs/ends as well as canvas and PVC components,” Malcolm continued. All of these elements — no matter what kind of RV they are found on are prone water damage and deterioration, which if left unchecked can negatively impact the lifespan of the unit. Likewise, fifth wheelers have more moving parts than a caravan when you take into account the coupling that links the unit to the tow vehicle.
“Motorhomes obviously have engines and other mechanicals [all of which can fail],” Malcolm said. Typically, motorhomes have a lifespan of 10–20 years, or 300,000km+ with proper maintenance. “Good, regular maintenance is essential [for maximising their lifespan]. But the biggest problems with older motorhomes in particular can be sourcing spare parts. A friend of mine runs a group for older KEA motorhomes for that very reason. Like-minded clubs and social media groups are very good for that purpose.”
There are several factors that can reduce the life expectancy of your RV:
1. Improper care and maintenance
Routine maintenance is fundamental to any vehicle’s functionality – whether it’s your motorhome or tow vehicle. Neglecting essential tasks such as oil changes and battery maintenance can result in breakdowns during your travels, which can be an expensive error depending on where you are.
It is wise to keep maintenance records for tracking any needed services. And in the event that you do sell your RV, you will be able to clearly showcase its good condition to potential buyers.
2. Leaving it in storage
While we might all love to live on the road, it is not always feasible. Therefore, storage is an inevitable part of owning an RV. When storing your vehicle, you should aim to minimise any exterior damage or weather exposure. “It’s not always possible but storing undercover reduces UV impact,” Malcolm recommends. And if possible, keep it on the flattest surface available if you know it will be stationary for a prolonged period.
Regular use is vital for maintaining optimal performance of your RV. If there are long stretches between your adventures, you still need to turn your RV on and move it forwards and backwards every couple of months to rotate the tyres and extend their performance. And don’t forget to recharge your stored RV batteries while you’re at it.
For motorhomes in particular, Malcolm suggests taking it out “every three months […] for a run and make sure that everything (engine, brakes, tyres and so on) was fully warmed up and functional.”
Another thing to watch out when leaving your RV in storage (let’s say six months) is that “lubricants can become dry, as can seals and washers,” Malcom advises. “Rodents can be a problem, so removing any food items is essential, as is giving the fridge a good clean. Any openings like grey water tanks and water heaters should be sealed off to prevent anything nasty from taking up residents.”
When it comes to whether or not to fill up the diesel tank before putting it in storage, Malcolm comments that “there are two schools of thoughts about motorhome diesel tanks, but the majority seem to favour filling the tanks right up so that the possibility of water condensation is minimised.”
3. Weather exposure
Leaving your RV — no matter what kind — out in the elements can lead to rust, seal damage and pest infestations. Using an RV cover can protect your vehicle from environmental factors and keep it clean and free of mildew and debris.
Common issues and solutions
There are many typical issues that arise for RV owners, and if not treated they can negatively impact the lifespan of the unit or lead to costly repairs.
These include:
1. Tyre maintenance
Regular tyre inspections help prevent blowouts. Check tyre air pressure and look for signs of wear and tear. When storing your camper, use stabilisers to relieve tyre stress, and be sure to move your RV backwards and forwards (or go for a short drive) every couple of months.
“Tyres do deteriorate whether on the road or not,” Malcolm commented. But if you’re looking for ways to help protect them, he recommends covering them in some way to reduce the effects of sunlight. “Flat spotting can be a problem (usually more of a cold climate occurrence) but in most cases that is temporary as long as the tyre is maintained at the correct pressure.”
2. Water damage prevention
Leaky slide-outs are a common issue that invited mould and rot. Regular inspections of the roof and window seals and cleaning are crucial to prevent water damage. Roof and seal inspections should be done every 60–90 days, or after storms. And be sure to check your solar panels have not sustained any damage. Many of these inspections can be done personally, but if you have any concerns, it is a good idea to get it professionally inspected.
Don’t forget to check in cupboards around the internal kitchen or bathroom, as the last thing you want is to find a leaking pipe months after you’ve packed away your RV.
3. Electrical system care
Moisture and pests are no friends to your RV’s electrical system. When out on the road, keep food in sealed containers to deter pests and when you get home be sure to give the van a thorough clean so that there aren’t any morsels left to tempt them.
And, as mentioned, when your RV is in storage you still need to take care of your batteries. Malcolm suggests two options. The first is to “have some sort of trickle charger setup or use solar panels if fitted. Or if no charging facilities are available onboard, then remove the batteries altogether and put them on a trickle charger at home.”
Check on the batteries every two to three months to ensure the charge is being maintained. Running to zero diminishes battery life, and the last thing you want when getting ready to hit the road again or have arrived at your campsite is to find a dead battery.
4. Plumbing maintenance
It’s important to keep your RV’s water tanks clean. If water is left in the tanks too long, there’s a chance it will develop bacteria and algae. Water tanks (fresh, black and grey) should be emptied as soon as you return from a trip, rinsed or flushed with an RV-safe chemical. Ensure they are thoroughly drained and then covered before putting them in storage.
Toilets and other plumbing should be likewise cleaned and sanitised prior to storage to avoid bacteria growth.
5. Exterior care
This one might be obvious, but regularly cleaning your RV and performing DIY checks to ensure all seals, doors and latches are all in working order can go a long way to catching any concerns before they can negatively impact the lifespan of your unit.
The wrap
There are a lot of factors when it comes to the longevity of your RV, from what kind of unit it is, how you use it and where you travel — but the determining factor is how you care for it when you’re not on the road. With proper storage and maintenance, you can enjoy a beautiful, cost-effective home-on-wheels for many years to come.
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