Hot temperatures can take a toll on your RV, inside and out.  Here are 10 RV hot weather preventive maintenance checks to help make sure you and your RV are ready to deal with the summer heat.

Let’s start outside the RV

It doesn’t matter if it’s a motorized RV or a truck towing a trailer, the vehicle needs to be ready for the heat. Hot summer temperatures affect the vehicle’s tires, cooling system and the transmission. If the vehicle isn’t prepared for hot temperatures there is a possibility you won’t reach your camping destination.

1) Checking Vehicle Fluid Levels

For starters, it’s a good idea to check all the fluid levels in the vehicle and make sure all service intervals are followed. This includes generators too. Engine oil lubricates moving parts and helps components run cooler. When the temperature increases the engine, transmission and axles are subjected to more heat than normal. Used oil and transmission fluid loses its lubricating qualities and the ability to help keep moving parts cool. Replacing fluids and filters can prevent heat related problems with your vehicles drive-line components.

2) RV & Tow Vehicle Tires

Tires are directly affected by hot temperatures, especially under-inflated tires. An under-inflated tire creates a tremendous amount of heat, and when you factor in hot summer temperatures the results can be disastrous. Inflate the tire pressure based on the load, and if a tire is overloaded try to redistribute some weight to correct the problem. Always check and adjust tire pressure when the tires are cold, and before traveling more than one mile.

3) RV or Tow Vehicle Cooling System

Hot temperatures affect a hot running engine. The vehicle’s cooling system is designed to prevent the heat producing engine from overheating and quite possibly seizing up. If you don’t maintain the vehicle’s cooling system, rust, scale and corrosion build-up in the radiator, water pump and engine coolant passages resulting in an overheated engine. Flushing the cooling system and replacing antifreeze at scheduled intervals can literally save your engine.  Don’t forget to inspect the radiator and heater hoses too. Soft or brittle hoses can indicate potential problems.

4) Batteries (Vehicle & RV)

When temperatures go up lead acid battery life goes down. Heat is a battery’s enemy. Hot temperatures contribute to battery corrosion and water evaporating from the battery cells. Keep the battery connections clean and during hot weather or periods of high usage check the battery frequently. Checking the water levels and adding distilled water can save your engine starting battery and your RV batteries.

Caution: When working on batteries remove any jewelry, wear protective glasses and gloves, and avoid getting battery acid on your skin or clothing. If you are not comfortable working on or around batteries have the work done by a qualified repair facility.

With the vehicle is prepared for the summer heat we can concentrate on staying cool when we arrive at our destination. Here are some more helpful hot weather camping tips.

6) Take Advantage of Shade

Strategically park your RV to take advantage of any shade that is available, especially on the side where the refrigerator vent is located. Don’t be afraid to ask for a shady site when you check-in at the campground. This not only helps keep the RV cool, but your refrigerator and roof air conditioner will work more efficiently too.

7) RV Air Conditioner

You can improve your RV air conditioners efficiency by keeping the air conditioner  filters clean. In most cases you can wash the filters in warm soapy water, rinse thoroughly and allow them to dry before reinstalling. Another option is to clean the filters using a small handheld vacuum cleaner. I recommend you keep a new set of filters on hand in the event the old ones have seen better days.

8) RV Awnings

Use the RV’s main patio awning and any window awnings to assist in keeping the RV cool. In addition to using the awnings, use your window blinds, or day/night shades to help keep the sun out and the cooler air inside. Proper ventilation helps prevent excess heat in your RV too. You can install vent covers, like Maxx Air covers, over the roof vents to allow for ventilation and air circulation. They are inexpensive, easy to install and they let the fresh air in, even when it’s raining.

9) RV Surge Protection

Campground voltage can fluctuate, especially during the hot summer months when all the campers are running air conditioners. You should use a surge protector designed to protect your RV from improper wiring and in the event that voltage drops below 105-volts or spikes above 130-volts.

10) Refrigerator Efficiency

RV refrigerators are affected by outside temperatures too. To help the refrigerator work more effectively in hot weather try parking the RV with the side the refrigerator is on in the shade. Leave room between the food for air to circulate. Avoid leaving the refrigerator or freezer door open for extended periods of time and use an inexpensive battery operated refrigerator fan to help circulate air.

There you have it, 10 quick and easy preventive maintenance steps you can take to help prepare your RV for hot summer camping trips inside and out.

To learn more about using and maintaining your RV works take a minute to check out our RV Online Training Program

Happy Camping

Mark Polk

RV Education 101