Real Estate

How to take care of a motor home

Mobile homes need the care and maintenance that traditional homes require. If you allow problems to continue, no matter how minor or major, they will lead to bigger problems in your trailer.

Problems must be fixed as soon as they arise. Remember that proper maintenance is very important to ensure the value of your motorhome and save money in the long run.

When shopping for an RV, the first thing to ensure is accurate installation. Also, you should read the provided manual carefully. Here are some helpful tips to help you take better care of your motorhome.

The ceiling:

1. Use a long-handled brush to remove accumulated dirt from the ceiling. Similarly, snow and ice must be removed from the roof.
2. Never walk directly on the roof. Lay boards about 4 feet long across the roof and put your weight on those boards.
3. Make a good quality covering of the roof, its fasteners, gaskets, vents and edges once a year.
4. If the shingles are lost or broken, replace them.

The ceiling:

1. Use a good quality acoustic ceiling paint to paint accumulated dirt or stains on the ceiling. Cover stains before painting.
2. Use white chalk or shoe polish on ceiling scratches.
3. Use a soft rubber eraser to remove dirt stains from the ceiling.

Wall coverings:

1. Soak a soft cloth in a mild detergent and use it to clean vinyl wallcoverings.

Floor:

1. Before placing anything heavy inside, make sure the area provides additional support to support that weight. You can also consult with a local contractor about the additional support needed for your motorhome.
2. Water is your soil’s greatest enemy. So clean up the water as soon as it falls somewhere. Also make sure there are no water leaks in the house.
3. Hire a professional to replace the old or damaged floor with a new one.

Windows:

1. Use caulk or caulk to fill in window leakage points.
2. Use silicon / graphite lubricant to lubricate the windows.

Frames:

1. If your trailer is made of steel frames, paint it to prevent rust and corrosion.
2. If the frames are scratched or damaged, apply an asphalt primer, zinc chromate, or a good paint.

Doors and Cabinets:

1. Add soap to hot water and clean the doors with it.
2. Apply silicone spray to the hinges to prevent squeaks.
3. Lubricate the locks with graphite.
4. Apply wax to the drawer guides and edges so they move freely.
5. Apply a mixture of boric acid and propylene glycol to eradicate termites.

Gutters:

1. Never let your gutters become clogged with debris and clean them regularly.

Fans:

1. Clean the fan blades once a month. Use a long-handled brush or a damp cloth to clean accumulated dirt and grease from the blades.
2. Lubricate the fan bearings.

Fiberglass Countertops, Fixtures, and Porcelain Surfaces:

1. Use a mild detergent mixed with warm water to clean countertops, porcelain surfaces, and fiberglass accessories.
2. Use chlorine bleach to remove stains formed on porcelain surfaces.
3. Do not place hot utensils directly on porcelain surfaces and use wire racks or hot pads.
4. Use paint to cover any scratches / damage formed on the surface.

Leveling:

Make sure your motorhome is level properly. Some symptoms that show that your house needs leveling are:

1. The doors / windows do not close properly.
2. The floor rises or falls when you walk.
3. Bathtubs, sinks, or gutters are not draining properly
4. There is space between walls and ceilings.
5. Dishes fall off the table or counter.