How To Keep Your RV In Traveling Condition

RVs are popular for a lot of reasons. One is they help bring down the costs of vacations. The second is they pack in a lot of people whether that's family or friends. They carry your personal belongings without an extra charge. More and more people are turning to RVs as an alternative to regular air and hotel travel.

However, to get the most out of your RV or motor vehicle, you have to be kind to it. By that, I mean, you need to make sure everything is running smoothly before problems happen. This can be done through a routine maintenance stop. If you are RV savvy, you can check most things yourself.

Some people realize after a while they aren't getting the mpg they used to or were promised. It's easy to look up what the manufacturer claims. If you aren't coming close, there may be another problem that needs to be looked at. Driving in the city will reduce your mpg while highway driving will increase it.

If you find yourself in this boat there are several services you can schedule (or take care of yourself) for your RV that should alleviate the problem. To increase fuel efficiency of your vehicle:

- check tire pressure

- check the condition of your tires

-Your wheel alignment can also be throwing off your gas mileage. If the alignment is off, your car will pull to one side when you let the steering wheel go. If you feel you are constantly 'correcting' the direction of the vehicle, you may need to have your alignment fixed.

-The engine should be looked after at regular intervals. Check your car's maintenance schedule to find out when to take it in.

-Oil should be changed every 3,000 miles or on new vehicles, every 6,000 miles. If you don't, you run the risk of having your engine seize up. Dirty oil can be damaging to your vehicle.

- tire rotation and balance

- check condition of gas cap (you don't want any of your gas evaporating because you don't have a tight seal)

-Brakes not only stop your car, but if your brakes aren't working properly, they can cause a 'drag' and eat away at your fuel. Replace brake pads and brakes as needed.

-Make sure your fuel injection system is running properly.

Hopefully you'll see a dramatic difference in your vehicle's fuel economy after the above list is completed. You might be able to shave a few off your list if you've recently purchased a used RV. Just look through the documents you received or that came with the vehicle. You should find a maintenance record. And if you're lucky…some of these services may have been performed recently. Then you've got one less item on your to do list!

Learn more about RVs and motorhomes. Stop by Beaudry RV where you can find out all about new and used RVs and what they can do for you.