Dog Days Of Summer RV Care

Now that you have driven the RV through the spring and into summer, you know what you need to finish off the summer. You need to do as little as possible. The only work you want to do is level the jacks for stop-overs, empty the storage tanks, and fuel up and refill with water. That's a real list for the hot days left. If you've followed the plan to get the RV going in spring, you should be doing much more than that. It's too early to think about fall and winter, you just want to get as far as you can before you have to head home.

Here are my ideas for getting that done:

1. If you're using non-synthetic engine and drive train oils, watch your oil change intervals. If it's getting close to the recommended time, get it into a garage for new oil, filters and coolant top-up. You don't know what kind of conditions you will be driving into so I'd recommend the best money can buy, namely 100% synthetic lubricants.
2. If you're fussy, think about doing something more than just cleaning your leather and vinyl. The ultraviolet rays from the sun and food and grime is an enemy that can be conquered by a good protectant.
3. Unless you want to keep the dirt on your exterior to show off where you where this summer, I'd suggest a good washing and wax job. Here you might want to do it at drive-thru where you can just select the wax option instead of using elbow grease which is at a premium. Your elbow has other more important priorities.
4. If you haven't kept a log, it might be helpful for next year to check fuel consumption. If you're rig has a diesel pusher, think about your fuel and what you can do to improve the emissions by using a good Diesel Fuel Modifier additive. If you can find Number 2 fuel, you can increase it's quality cheaper than buying Number 1 Diesel. The Amsoil product will do 150 liters (Canadian) or a bit under 94 gallons.
5. At the outset I suggested coolant top-up. as an RV'er, you're more aware and conscious about the environment than other motorists, that's why you enjoy RV'ing. It's getting more important each trip to think about not impacting the water ways with antifreeze leaks. Sure you say that your rig is tight and doesn't leak. If you are driving in the heat of the summer your overflow will get used to collect excess fluid. You may then want to use a superior environmental compatible product like Propylene Glycol Antifreeze/Coolant instead of the common but poisonous and lethal ethylene glycol.
6. Your onboard generator is easy to forget about because you service technician may not think about the small stuff. If you've used a lot, check it for oil and top up if necessary. Here again may I suggest for the next season, use synthetic.