| Exterior |
As part of your pre-trip routine also examine the RV's exterior.
Inspect the body and roof of your RV for any separation or cracks. If you have a towable RV, inspect the hitch system for cracks, general wear or loose bolts.
Check the tire pressure while also looking for cracks, uneven wear and any objects stuck in the tire that could create a leak. Make sure the lug nuts are tight on both inner and outer wheels. And, don't forget the spare tire!
Look underneath the RV, taking a deep breath to see if you smell gasoline, diesel or LP gas. If you do, shut down all pilot lights and get professional help
Also check for leaking fluids. If you discover a leak, move the RV and check again, noting the color and location of the leak in relationship to the RV. Have a certified RV technician at a dealer or service center inspect the vehicle if there is a leak. Be sure to relay the information about the color of the leaking fluid and the location of the leak.
Tips for the exterior care of your RV/Caravan
- Bugs and bird
droppings on your paint, grillwork and windshield? Saturate the area with
spray cooking oil, let it sit for 10 minutes then wash the windshield as
usual.
- To remove salt
deposits from a painted metal RV exterior, wash with a solution of baking
soda and warm water. For extra heavy stains, make a baking soda paste and
rub on with a damp sponge. Rinse well.
- Wash your RV on
a cloudy day or in the shade. Use warm but not hot water, as hot water can
bleach paint.
- Clean from the
top down so that you're following the direction of gravity. If you can,
clean the roof too so that dirt doesn't run down the sides during rain and
heavy dew.
- WD-40 serves as
an alternative to commercial bug & tar remover on the oily road buildup
that accumulates on the lower panels of your RV. Wash the RV as usual after
application.
- To make your
tires look like new, scrub them clean with soap and water using a hard
bristle brush, then apply self-polishing floor wax.
- To clean tough
spots on your windows, wipe down with rubbing alcohol, allow to dry, then
clean as usual.
- Renew your
windshield wiper blades by cleaning with a low-abrasion scouring powder then
wiping them with rubbing alcohol. Makes the wipers last longer and stops
them from streaking.
- A child's wax crayon, close to the same color, makes an effective repair to tiny scratches on your paint. Rub the crayon over the scratch, then buff smooth with a clean cloth
NOTE: This online manual is a work in progress and is subject to change at any given time. It is also a generic peace of work and is meant only as a general guide. Each Caravan/RV is distinct and individual in it's own right, do not take anything written here literally as it may or may not apply to the exact Caravan/RV you will be using.