Owning an RV makes it easy to enjoy your favorite recreational activities. Whether you enjoy camping by the lake on fishing trips or are embarking on a cross-country trip, keeping your RV in top condition is a major priority. Planning for regular maintenance on your mobile living quarters helps you save money over time in several important ways.
Compare the Costs for Repairing and Replacing Parts
Even new RVs can suddenly develop problems due to the forces that occur when the weight of the vehicle places strain on the vehicle’s moving parts. Professional mechanics often discover minor issues during routine inspections that they can repair before you have to pay for more expensive replacement parts. For instance, they might discover a leaky hose that is simple to fix compared to having to pay for a new engine due to overheating.
Prevent Serious Water Damage With Roof Inspections
Roof leaks are another common RV issue that can destroy thousands of dollars worth of property in a short period of time. If your RV sits outside for long periods of time, then mold, mildew and rotting materials can occur while you have it in storage. Alternatively, you might discover a roof leak when a storm hits while you were once sleeping soundly in bed. Routine maintenance includes checking the structural integrity of the roof and replacing any faulty seals to keep your RV’s interior dry.
Consider Potential Safety Hazards and Liabilities
The sheer size of an RV makes it more likely to cause severe damage in an accident. A bent axle, faulty brakes and other common issues could add up to expensive legal and restoration fees for personal injuries and property damage. Doing a quick RV inspection on a regular basis helps you to know that your travel vehicle is as safe as possible.
Avoid Having to Change Your Travel Plans
In many cases, the cost for a minor RV repair is less than you might have to pay for hotel rooms and rental cars if the vehicle breaks down. Needing to cancel your reservations for special events can result in lost money, and having to switch to a normal vehicle may cause you to cut your trip off early and waste the time you took off work for vacation. Taking a look at the less obvious costs of skipping an RV inspection can make the repair even more of a smart investment.
Skip Paying for a Tow With Road-Ready Inspections
Towing companies typically charge more to transport broken-down RVs because of their large size. If you frequently travel in rural parts of the country, then you could face many miles of towing charges to get to a mechanic. Planning a pre-trip inspection when you are close to home helps you to identify and repair small problems before they become an expensive roadside emergency.
RVs are constantly exposed to environments that increase the risk of damage. Road vibrations, inclement weather and major temperature fluctuations from the climate can all add up to serious wear and tear. RV inspections only take a short period of time, and performing routine maintenance ensures that you can enjoy your next road trip without worrying about inconvenient breakdowns.
