Your RV may be parked for the winter, but that doesn’t mean it should be forgotten until spring. Additionally, heavy rain, strong winds and an RV winter storm can expose small maintenance problems that weren’t noticeable before.
Taking a few minutes to inspect your RV after a major storm can help you find problems before the next round of bad weather arrives.
Start With the RV Roof
During an RV winter storm, your roof takes much of the abuse. When it is safe to do so, inspect the roof or have it professionally inspected.
Look for damaged or deteriorated sealant around roof vents, skylights, antennas, air conditioners and roof seams. Also check for loose components, membrane damage and accumulated debris.
A small opening in the sealant can allow water into the roof structure without immediately showing signs inside the RV.
Check Awnings and Slide Toppers
Wind and heavy rain can be hard on RV awnings and slide-out toppers.
Check topper fabric for sagging, tears, debris or other damage. If your RV is stored with the slides extended, pay particular attention to water and debris collecting on the slide roofs and toppers.
Look for Signs of Water Intrusion
Walk through the inside of your RV after a storm.
Check ceilings, walls, cabinets, windows and areas around slide-outs for water stains, dampness or discoloration. Don’t forget storage compartments and other areas that aren’t normally visible.
Catching moisture early may help prevent a small leak from becoming a much larger repair.
Walk Around the Exterior
Inspect the RV’s exterior for loose trim, damaged sealant, missing covers or other storm-related problems.
Look underneath the RV for hanging or damaged underbelly material and inspect exterior compartments for signs of water intrusion.
Check Your Tires
Even while your RV is sitting in storage, tires deserve attention.
Check tire pressure and look for visible damage or unusually low tires. A tire that slowly loses air during months of storage can create additional problems when you’re ready to travel again.
Remove Leaves and Storm Debris
Leaves, branches and other debris can collect on the roof, slide-outs and around exterior components. When safely possible, remove debris before it traps moisture or causes damage.
Don’t Wait Until Spring
A winter storm may reveal a roof leak, failing sealant or damaged component that wasn’t obvious when you originally stored the RV.
Checking your RV throughout the winter gives you an opportunity to catch these problems early instead of discovering months of damage when camping season returns.
Need Your RV Inspected After Winter Weather?
California RV Specialists in Lodi provides professional RV inspections, roof maintenance, leak diagnosis, sealant repairs, awning and slide topper service, and general RV repairs.
California RV Specialists LLC
200 S. Cherokee Lane, Lodi, CA 95240
209-263-7040
After the storm passes, give your RV a quick check. A few minutes of inspection today could help prevent a costly repair tomorrow.
