Types of RV Inspections

Just like any other vehicle, RVs need to be inspected on a yearly basis.  What most people don't realize is that there are numerous inspections that can (and need to) be done on an RV at least twice a year. 

There is, of course, the mandatory yearly state inspection.  During this inspection the brakes (including the emergency brake), tires, drums, wheel bearings and outside lights (marker lights, brake lights, turn lights, etc.) are checked to ensure they are all operational.  If any of these things are not working as they should be, they will need to be repaired before an inspection sticker can be issued.

In addition to the state inspection, there is the sealant inspection which is, perhaps, one of the most important inspections done on an RV.  Water damage to an RV is one of the number one service issues faced by RV owners and it is not usually an easy nor cheap repair.  Manufacturers recommend that you perform a sealant inspection every 90 days to ensure that there are no water leaks.  Silicone products should not be used at all - they do not bond with the material on the camper and will peel right off.  With rubber roofs, self-leveling lap sealants are recommended.

A third inspection that is done on RVs is the appliance inspection.  This inspection is done to ensure that your refrigerator and water heater are functioning on both gas and electric.  The furnace and air conditioning units are also checked to confirm they are working properly.

The best time of year to do this is mid-autumn to early spring, when your unit is not being used.  If you decide to wait until early spring to do your inspection, MAKE SURE YOU DO SO AT LEAST A FEW WEEKS BEFORE YOU PLAN TO START CAMPING again for the year.  That way, if there are any issues that need to be taken care of, they can be fixed before you take your camper on the road and before they interfere with your plans!

If you have questions regarding what type of inspections you should have done on your camper, or to schedule an inspection, give us a call!  We're always happy to help you keep your camper in tip-top condition!

Winterize Your RV Before It's Too Late

Winter is only six weeks away.  That means it is time to start getting ready to fight the ice, snow and freezing temperatures; to dig out the snow blower, stock up on salt for your walkway and take the sweaters and coats out of storage. 

What many people overlook is the task of winterizing their RV.  While winterization may seem unimportant, the old adage holds true: "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."

During the winter, as temperatures drop to (or below) freezing, any fluid left in your RV lines and pipes can freeze and thaw repeatedly, leading to their stretching or even breaking open.  Come the spring, when you're ready to set out for your first camping trip, you may find your excursion delayed by time-consuming and costly repairs.

Here at Susquehanna Valley RV, we don't just sell campers - we care about making sure our customers are able to enjoy theirs year-round.  We have knowledgeable service technicians on hand to winterize your RV for you.  Our service and parts representatives can also answer any questions you might have about winterizing your RV yourself, from what tools you'll need to the best products to use.

Let us help you get your RV ready for winter - and keep it ready for spring!  Contact us to schedule your winterization appointment today!