The last year has put everything we call life in turmoil.  The fear of the pandemic, nose-diving economy, and people losing their jobs or even homes- all had turned our lives upside down just within a year. While almost all sectors took some serious hits from the crisis, tourism might be the worst hit one. However, despite travel restrictions and people's apprehension about traveling during a pandemic,  the outdoor recreation sector has seen some unexpected growth. The restriction on international travel has actively promoted domestic tourism all over the world. And what better way to explore the great outdoors in your own country than the reliable RV?

Sales of new RV have seen a record-breaking surge, and most of the buyers are first-timers.  And if you are one of the 9 million RV owners in the USA or even a new RV owner, you have to quickly learn how to take care of your prized possession. Here are the things you should know about the exterior maintenance of your RV.

Wash the RV after Each Camping Trip

The exterior of your RV bears all the brunt from the elements of the great outdoors. From dust, dirt to rain, mud, and insects, almost all environmental factors affect your RV exterior's look. If you don't frequently wash your RV exterior, you will notice a layer of tough grime and mold growing in no time. Hence you need to wash off the grime and dirt from the RV regularly.

You can get rid of the loose dirt with a hose, use a soap water solution, and wipe down the surface. You might have to use a gas pressure washer to get a complete washdown.

Always try to wash from the roof and go top-down to allow the grime and dirt to wash off from the exterior.   Use a stepladder and a long-handled soft-bristled brush to wash the roof of your RV. However, be careful to avoid accidentally spraying water into the vents.

Wax to Protect the Exterior

Waxing or using a protective layer over the exterior is a great way to save it from nature's harsh elements. Besides, it will protect the paint from strain and chipping. While waxing or polishing might require time or seem costly, it will keep the exterior more protected. And you only need to wax your RV twice a year. Before choosing a wax type, make sure it is compatible with the RV surface.

To assess if the wax chemical is suitable for the surface, check with the manufacturer's instruction and apply a small amount to the RV surface before starting the full-on wax job. Always begin the wax or polish when the RV is freshly cleaned and dried. RVs can be large, and you might find it challenging to wax it all at once. You should segment the surface into 2 square foot sections to have a better grasp of the chore. Tackle each segment at a time and move on to the next.  Be patient and be thorough!

Clean the Awning and Dry Properly Before Storing

RV travel is convenient with awnings, and they serve different purposes. You might use yours as a rain protector or a glare protector, or even as an extended shade for outdoor space. Whatever is the use, you have to wash and clean it the same way you would maintain your RV exterior. As most awnings are adjustable or removable, you can easily give it a thorough wash.

If you can't remove the awning, consider dismantling the legs; this will make the awning fall flat against the RV.  A simple soap water solution will be enough to clean the awning. Make sure you lubricate all the joints and hinges. After washing, let it dry properly before you roll up the awning.

Inspect the Exterior to Find Any Leaks In the Seal

Rain or shine, the RV exterior takes all the abuse of mother nature. After use, there might be some wear and tear to the exterior; especially, there is a high chance of developing leaks in windows, doors, roofs, vent, compartments, end caps, and other areas. So before you winterize your RV, make sure you have checked all these areas for leaks.

Run your hands along the seams to find if there are any leaks or holes. Use caulk or sealant to seal any holes you find. Otherwise, water will sneak into the interior and badly damage it.

Remove Black Streaks from the Sidewall

RV's rigid sidewall can quickly get black streaks from mildew and mold from tree sap and droppings. If left unattended, they will be hard to get rid of later on or, worse, even damage the exterior's paint. Regularly wash the exterior to remove the black streaks.

Lubricate the Hinges and Locks

RV doors and slide-outs can get creaky when they are not lubricated. Lubrication doesn't take much time. You can be done lubricating the locks, hinges, and slide-outs within a couple of minutes. However, make sure you use the best product for lubrication.

Keep the Outside Vent Covered

Vents are an easy way for bugs and critters to get inside your RV. To prevent this, make sure you cover all the outside vents- AC, refrigerator, furnace, and heater with metal wire mesh that rodents or insects can't chew through.

Keep Some Ventilation

You need to keep the RV well ventilated during the hottest times of the summer, even when it is not in use. The corrugated metal exterior can get quickly heated, and it will create a temperature rise in the interior. And not all material can fare well with intense heat. As a result, some RV materials can get damaged during the time.

Besides, if left without air circulation, the interior air will get stale. Hence you need to keep some vents and windows open to let some air inside. If you fear any water damage, use a vent cover to protect the interior.

Take Care of the Slide-Out

RV slide-out is a great way to maximize floor space. However, without lubrication, they might get jammed on their track. The rubber seal might dry out if you don't lubricate it at least twice a year. Lubricate the rubber sweeper seals or slide out and check if there is any damage.

Damage in the seal can let moisture penetrate the RV membrane and get inside. You should inspect the slide-out seal at least once a year to prevent even costly repair or replacement down the road.

Keep the Roof Covered

One of the best ways to protect your RV when it is not in use is to store it somewhere shaded. If you can't manage shaded storage, consider covering the roof. If possible, use a UV protector to prevent the exterior from fading.

The Bottom Line

The pandemic lockdown and travel restrictions have almost brought the tourism industry to its knees. However, people are looking for alternatives to travel that don't involve large airport gatherings or indoor spaces in flights and hotels. As RV checks all the boxes and more, RV travel is soaring in popularity! It is fair to say that RV traveling will be popular even after the pandemic. If you have become quite a fan of RVing, you should ensure proper maintenance of your RV. Because, the way things are unfolding, RVing might be the best traveling option for you for a long time to come.  Make the most of it and savor the joys of RV travel!