When you hit the road in your RV, you want things to go smoothly for the entirety of your trip. Unfortunately, you can’t always predict when your RV will run perfectly and when things will go awry. Like any vehicle, RVs can face troubles on the road. From flat tires to engine issues, breakdowns are sometimes part of life.
Fortunately, RV troubles don’t have to ruin your vacation. If you have the right tools on hand, you can fix many of the problems that arise during a normal trip. Hope for the best but prepare for the worst by keeping these top four essential RV maintenance accessories on hand when you travel.
Spare Tire
A spare tire is a good idea no matter what you’re traveling in. A spare will save you a lot of time and headaches if you get a flat while you’re out on the road. Make sure you also have a tire repair kit on hand. These include a jack that will work for your vehicle, a lug wrench, and other essential supplies you need to remove the flat tire and put on your spare. Additionally, it’s a good idea to keep a few tire-maintenance staples—such as a pressure gauge and air hose—in your RV.
Basic Toolkit
From flat tires to kitchen cabinets, there are many things in and around your RV that you might need to fix throughout your trip. You can’t predict what will go wrong, but you can ensure that you have the tools for most jobs with a standard toolkit. At the very least, make sure you have a few crucial tools on hand, including:
Wrenches
Pliers
A hammer
A cordless drill and bits
Screwdrivers
A tool bag or box with these essentials—as well as spare screws, nails, and other components—can help you through many of the most common issues that come up when you’re traveling.
Sealant
Like in any home, you want the interior of your RV to be dry and comfortable no matter the weather. A leak on the roof, around windows and doors, or anywhere else in your vehicle will make for a miserable trip.
That’s why caulk and other forms of sealant are among the top essential RV maintenance accessories to have around. These materials are perfect for performing quick repairs around windows, doors, and other weak spots in your RV’s seals or insulation. You can also purchase roof-specific sealants to help prevent leaks and keep your RV’s roof in good shape as you travel.
Winterization Gear
If you plan on taking your RV out in the cold, you need to stock up on seasonal maintenance accessories. An RV skirt, indoor space heaters, vent covers, and other gear will help you outfit your RV and keep the interior warm and comfortable no matter where you travel. You should also look ahead at where you want to travel and decide if snow chains are a necessary accessory for the wintry trip. Finally, a winter RV trip calls for RV pipe heaters from UltraHeat. Pipe heaters and other RV heating pads will protect your water system and deliver flowing water no matter how cold the air around your RV gets.