Essential RV Checks Before Your Next Adventure

Many South Africans dream about escaping over the horizon for that once-a-year summer escape. One of the best vehicles for exploring Mzansi with the family is in a Recreational Vehicles or an RV (sometimes called a motorhome).

It’s impossible to narrow down the exact official numbers of RVs in South Africa due to how the National administration Traffic Information System (NaTIS), which classifies in the same motoring group:

Motorhomes (or RVs)
Light Delivery Vehicles (LDVs)
Panel vans
Other light-load vehicles

Also, the Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) needs to be equal to or lighter than 3,500kg.

However, even with no concrete numbers about the popularity of RVs on South Africa’s roads, many RV owners reading this article will want an easy-to-follow checklist.

So, let’s review what this checklist involves.

1. RV Mechanical Checks

Before heading off on any lengthy road trip in an RV, some general mechanical checks must be done. After all, your RV might be parked away in storage for several months.

Here’s a quick mechanical checklist for you to perform on your RV:

Oil and Fluid Levels:

The lifeblood of any vehicle is its oil and fluid levels. Make sure that you check engine oil levels, along with its:

Transmission fluid;
Brake fluid;
Power steering fluid;
And coolant.

If it is too low, make sure to top it up. Most manufacturer manuals indicate where to find these fluids for those who are unsure how to top them up.

Brakes

If any vehicle’s brakes fail, this can be a major problem. Always make sure that your RV’s brake pads and discs are in good condition.

Telltale signs that your brakes are not working as they should include:

A strange squealing or screeching noise when pressing the brake is a sign that the brake pads are worn.
A grinding or growling noise when pressing the brake is a sign that brake pads and discs are rubbing metal against metal.
When pressing the brake pedal, the steering wheel or pedal itself vibrates.
Uneven braking or the vehicle lunges to one side.
Soft or spongy pedal response.
Fluid leaks under the RV.
Burning smell.
Or an increased stopping distance.

If a braking warning light is on, it is a sure sign that you need to check your RV’s brakes.

Tyres

The South African roadworthy limit for tyre tread depth is 1.6mm. This tread depth applies to the entire tyre, which means if it is worn down unevenly, it will need to be replaced.

Most tyre manufacturers will recommend replacing them every five to seven years. Older tyres’ sidewalls are prone to cracking due to ageing rubber and potential dry rot.

Check Your Battery

If you haven’t been driving your RV regularly, you would have hopefully attached your battery to a smart trickle charger that will ensure it is working.

Signs that your RV’s battery is going flat will include:

A battery that is slower to start the RV
Your RV’s lights and electric systems turn on, but the engine does not turn over.
A more severe sign is if the battery under the bonnet becomes swollen.
And the last sign we’ll mention is if the battery warning light on the dashboard illuminates.

The last mechanical check is to check if all the exterior lights, such as headlights, brake lights, indicators, and hazards, are working.

2. Exterior And Interior Checks

Unlike other motor-powered vehicles, your RV needs to be lived in. Usually, checking if it can make it from point A to B is good enough, but in your RV, you’ll be stopping a few times in between.

You will want to conduct an exterior and interior check before going on holiday, which is focused on the RV’s accommodation sections.

Exterior Checks For An RV

When conducting your exterior inspection, you’ll look for signs of damage, such as cracks and dents in the RV.

Check if the seals on the windows and doors are intact. Also, look closely at the weatherstripping that will join sections of the vehicle to the accommodation part.

The next section to inspect is the RV’s air vents. You want to ensure they are completely clear of any blockages.

If you have a retractable awning, it is also a good idea to check if it is waterproof.

Interior Checks For An RV

As a home on wheels, there are many domestic systems that you’ll want to ensure work before heading off on an adventure. These include testing:

Whether the electrical system is working and powering appliances.
The plumbing is working with no signs of leaks
That all the gas systems are safe and working
And if your air conditioning and heating work.

If you discover an issue after completing the interior checks, you’ll probably need to examine the utility system linked to electricity, plumbing, and gas.

3. Utility Systems

Your RV must ensure that it stores all its home conveniences onboard. This means it has to carry a:

Two/Three water tanks
Hoses and connections
Power supply socket
And spare equipment

You will want to ensure that one of the water tanks is filled with fresh water and that the grey water (wastewater from the sink and shower) is empty. Those with a flushing toilet onboard will also have a black water tank that should be empty before you leave.

If you need to refill or empty any of these tanks, you will need to connect one of the hoses. Be sure to mark which hose is which and that the connection points are water-tight.

Unless your RV is solar-powered and has a battery system onboard, you must have a power supply hookup point. Make sure that this connection point is clean and works.

And as the expression goes, those who don’t prepare prepare to fail, so ensure you have spare equipment, such as fuses, bulbs, and hoses.

Lastly, make sure you have all the safety essentials onboard, items like:

A fire extinguisher
Comprehensive first aid kit
A tool kit
And emergency supplies (like a torch)

After completing all your checks and repairs, take your RV for a 20-minute test drive to ensure everything is in order.

If you need advice about your RV’s lead-acid battery, visit one of our many Willard Xpress stores.

Top Checks To Do With All Recreational Vehicles Before Having All The Fun