Camper Maintenance: Essential Tips For Owners

Maintaining a camper can be a challenging task, but it is essential to keep it in good condition and protect your investment. Campers require more maintenance than the average vehicle as they are also a kitchen, office, and bedroom. Regular checks and services are necessary to prevent costly repairs and ensure safety on the road. This includes inspecting the roof seals and seams, tightening wheel lug nuts, checking tire pressure, maintaining the wastewater system, and keeping the brakes, batteries, and generator in good condition. Additionally, it is important to clean the camper frequently, especially the roof, to prevent leaves, grime, and water damage.

Check for water leaks

Water leaks are one of the most common issues with campers and can cause extensive damage if not caught early. Leaks can occur anywhere in your camper, from the roof to under windows, inside cabinets and compartments, or anywhere with an opening to the exterior. As such, it is important to check for water leaks regularly and address any issues as soon as possible. Here are some detailed instructions to help you check for water leaks in your camper:

Inspect for Signs of Water Damage

The first step in checking for water leaks is to look for signs of water damage. This can include water stains, damaged lamination, discoloured wood, bubbles in your panelling, or soft spots on walls and floors. Be sure to check inside cabinets and compartments, as water damage can occur in hidden areas. If you find any signs of water damage, it is important to locate the source of the leak and address it as soon as possible.

Check Seals and Caulk

Over time, seals and caulking can deteriorate, crack, or become worn, allowing water to leak into your camper. Inspect all seals and caulking on your camper, including on the roof, around windows, mouldings, vents, doors, skylights, and roof seams. Look for any cracks, thinning, worn spots, or other damage. If you find any issues, reseal or replace the affected seals and caulking.

Locate Hard-to-Find Leaks

Sometimes, water damage may be showing up in one spot, but the actual source of the leak is elsewhere. If you think you have a hard-to-find leak, consider using a pressurised leak detection system or a water detector to help pinpoint the source. A water detector will send an electrical charge through the surface of your camper, identifying any hidden moisture behind walls, inside appliances, or under floors.

Inspect Plumbing and Water Systems

Plumbing issues are another common cause of water leaks in campers. Inspect all visible plumbing pipes and fittings for corrosion, dripping, or wet spots. Run water through the faucets and check for dripping water at the connections. Also, examine your wastewater and freshwater systems for any cracks or leaks in the tanks, connections, and hoses. If you find any issues, address them promptly to prevent further water damage.

Regular Maintenance and Inspections

Prevention is the best way to avoid water leaks and the resulting damage. Perform regular maintenance and inspections on your camper to catch any potential issues early on. This includes checking seals and caulking, maintaining drainage systems, monitoring the water heater and freshwater tank, examining plumbing connections, and testing slide-out seals. Consider having your camper professionally inspected at least once a year to identify and address any potential issues.

Clean the wastewater system

Maintaining the wastewater system in your camper is crucial to ensure a pleasant camping experience and prevent unpleasant odours and blockages. Here are some detailed instructions on how to clean the wastewater system:

Understand Your Wastewater System

Your camper's wastewater system typically includes two types of holding tanks: a grey water tank and a black water tank. The grey water tank collects water from your shower and sinks, while the black water tank holds wastewater from your toilet. It is essential to understand that these tanks require different maintenance routines.

Use the Right Chemicals

When maintaining your wastewater system, it is crucial to use chemicals designed for each system. Using the wrong chemicals can damage seals and ruin your sewage system. Opt for chemicals that are compatible with your system and avoid using bleach or antifreeze for deep cleaning, as they can dry out rubber seals.

Regular Cleaning and Flushing

To prevent excessive buildup and clogging, regular cleaning and flushing of your wastewater system are necessary. Aim to perform a deep clean after each trip and, depending on usage, consider monthly cleaning during summer and bi-monthly cleaning in winter. Always ensure your grey water tank is empty before starting the cleaning process.

Draining and Rinsing

When your black water tank is between half to two-thirds full, it is the ideal time to drain it. Connect the sewer drain hose securely to the tank's outlet valve and open it to drain the contents. You may need to fill the tank with clean water and drain it a second time to flush out any remaining sewage.

Utilise a Flush Valve or Rinsing Wand

If your black water tank has a flush valve, connect a water supply and a garden hose to rinse and drain the tank until the water runs clear. Alternatively, if your camper has a built-in rinsing device, refer to the instruction manual for operating instructions. You can also use a rinsing wand, which is inserted into the tank through the toilet to power-wash and remove stuck-on solids.

Final Checks and Clean-up

After flushing and rinsing, don't forget to flush your grey water tank to rinse and clean the sewer hose. Ensure all equipment is cleaned and stored properly. Dispose of gloves, and wash your hands and any splashed clothing.

Priming and Pretreating the Tank

Before using your black water tank, always prime it by adding at least one gallon of water. This helps keep solids from sticking and reduces odours. You can also add blackwater treatment chemicals, although it is not mandatory. Enzyme treatments are recommended as they aid in breaking down waste and paper materials.

Maintain the engine

Maintaining the engine of your camper van is essential to ensure it remains in good condition and to prevent costly repairs. Here are some detailed instructions on how to maintain your camper van's engine:

Engine Oil:

Engine oil is crucial for lubricating the engine's moving components, reducing friction, and preventing wear and tear. Check your engine oil level regularly using the dipstick. The bottom 5 inches of the dipstick should be covered in oil. If the oil is dark and resembles the colour of a dark cup of coffee, it's time to change it. Depending on the oil quality and driving conditions, engine oil typically needs to be changed every 3,000 to 10,000 miles or once a year.

Transmission Fluid:

The transmission fluid lubricates the transmission system and ensures smooth gear shifts. Check the transmission fluid level and condition regularly, and refer to your owner's manual for guidance on replacement intervals, which are typically every 30,000 to 60,000 miles.

Coolant System:

The coolant system is critical to preventing your engine from overheating. It is recommended to flush and replace the coolant every 30,000 miles or according to your vehicle's maintenance schedule.

Air Filter:

The air filter ensures the engine receives the correct amount of air and should be replaced every 15,000 to 30,000 miles. A clean air filter improves fuel efficiency and engine performance.

Battery:

Regularly inspect your battery to ensure it holds a charge and operates efficiently. Keep the battery terminals clean and free of rust build-up. Use a battery monitor to supervise the battery's charge and avoid overcharging or completely depleting it.

Belts and Hoses:

Belts and hoses are essential components of your engine. Belts keep the engine components working together, while hoses transport fluids that cool and lubricate the engine. Check for any signs of wear, cracks, or leaks in the belts and hoses, and replace them as necessary.

Water Tank:

If your camper van has a water tank, it is important to maintain it. Clean the water tank regularly and check for any leaks or damage. Ensure the water pump is functioning correctly after any repairs.

Lights:

Check all external lights, including headlights, brake lights, turn signals, and taillights, to ensure they are clean and functioning. Replace any burned-out bulbs and keep spare bulbs in your toolbox.

Fluids:

In addition to those mentioned above, other fluids to maintain include brake fluid, power steering fluid, and windshield washer fluid. Check their levels and condition regularly and top up or replace as necessary.

By following these maintenance procedures, you can help ensure your camper van's engine remains in good working condition, reducing the risk of breakdowns and extending the life of your vehicle.

Inspect the brakes

Inspecting your camper's brakes is an essential part of maintaining your vehicle. Brakes should be checked at least once a year, and some sources recommend doing so every 3,000 miles or three months. This is because there are many factors that can affect brake wear and tear, such as how often you brake, the type of roads you drive on, and the weight of your vehicle. Checking your brakes regularly will help you stay on top of any necessary repairs and ensure your safety on the road.

The process of checking your camper's brakes will depend on the type of brakes your vehicle has. For example, motorhomes often have two brake systems, hydraulic and air brakes, while towable RVs typically have electric or hydraulic brakes. Here is a step-by-step guide to inspecting the different types of brakes:

Hydraulic Brakes

• Check the master cylinder: Ensure the fluid levels are adequate and perform a complete brake fluid flush every two years.
• Inspect the rotors: Look for any deep grooves or cracks on the rotors, as these can impact braking performance.
• Check the brake pads: Measure the brake pads to confirm they are wearing evenly. Also, look for any signs of rust, as this can cause reduced braking capacity and uneven wear.

Air Brakes

• Check the cartridge: The cartridge absorbs excess moisture in the system, and it should be checked at least annually and replaced every two to three years.
• Droplets in the air brake system reduce air pressure, which can lead to brake failure, so it is important to keep an eye on this.

Electric Brakes

• Check for worn shoe linings: Look for any cracking, separation, oil saturation, or a lining that is less than 1/16-inch thick. If you notice any of these issues, replace the shoes.
• Inspect for worn or missing parts: Electric brakes don't self-adjust, so you'll need to adjust them regularly to maintain the appropriate spacing between the drums and shoes.

Additionally, here are some general tips and warning signs to be aware of when it comes to maintaining your camper's brakes:

• Keep the wheel bearings lubricated.
• Ensure your brakes have enough material left and are working properly, allowing for good working activation in the trailer.
• Brake replacements can cost anywhere from $300 to $500 and typically include repacking of wheel bearings and replacing the seals.
• Pay attention to any strange noises, such as squealing or clicking, as these can be indicators of worn brake pads.
• If your vehicle is taking longer to stop than usual, it could be a sign of low brake pads.
• A vibrating brake pedal or a vibrating vehicle when braking can indicate that your rotors are warping.
• Always pay attention to your dashboard, as faulty brakes will often activate a brake light.

By following these steps and staying vigilant about brake maintenance, you can help ensure the safety and longevity of your camper.

Keep the awning clean

Keeping your awning clean is essential to preventing mildew and mould buildup. Before storing your awning, ensure it is spotless and completely dry to avoid issues with mildew and mould. Check for any buildup of grime, sticks, and leaves, and give your awning a wash before letting it dry and then storing it.

Awnings are exposed to the elements, so they need to be cleaned often. If you don't clean off your awning during an RV trip, debris could cause nests to build up, or items could get stuck and tear the fabric. Depending on the type of damage, a tear in the fabric could cost up to $600 to repair, while replacing the awning itself can cost around $1,300-$1,400.

To clean your awning, use a mild detergent and water. A high-pressure hose is not recommended as it could damage the awning. After cleaning, allow the awning to dry fully before storing it rolled up to prevent oxidation.

Frequently asked questions