Maintenance

Installing a solar panel in an RV supplies enough energy to power your rig throughout the day and is cheaper than other energy sources. That’s why so many RV owners are taking this route, and why you might be considering joining the club too. Keep reading to learn more about RV solar panels before making your final decision.

Will They Provide Enough Energy?

Switching to solar panels sounds like a great idea when you think about helping the environment. In fact, this may be the leading reason why people, in general, decide to use them. However, using them involves some sacrifice on your part.

You need to be aware that if there is no sun, then there is no solar energy to provide power. In this case, you might run into some challenges when saving up and holding the energy for nighttime use. Ultimately, you may need a backup energy source to serve during darker times of the day.

Are They the Right Investment for You?

Solar panels have become less expensive; however, they are still fairly pricey. You’ll want to make sure that you make the most of them once you make your investment, which also includes installation costs.

If you are a frequent camper who normally travels to remote, sunny locations where there is limited to no power supply, then, of course, solar panels may be your best choice. On the other hand, if you are not going to use them very often, then the use of solar panels may not be the most cost-effective investment for you.

Select the Right One for Your RV

You can also use solar energy for just powering selected appliances in your rig or for a limited amount of time. They also are very useful as an emergency backup. Be sure to make a smart investment by figuring out how much energy you’ll need to power your rig without burning fuses. You can start by jotting down the amount of wattage each electrical appliance will need. This will help you search for panels and amps that best suit your RV.

For more information or to explore RVs for sale in Huntsville & Gadsden, AL, visit Bankston Motor Homes. We look forward to serving you!

Maintain the Generator

Generators are an awesome addition to your RV, especially if you’re a fan of boondocking, but an unused generator can become nothing more than dead weight if it’s not maintained.

The most important thing you can do for your generator is allow it to run about once a month, at about 50% load. This will keep oil circulating, and prevents the gas from going bad on you as quickly.

An RV being put away for storage may need the generator to be winterized, or at the very least, have some fuel stabilizer added to the tank to keep things in good shape while you’re away.

Examine the Interior

You should take a walk through your RV’s interior every so often when you’re not on a trip so you can address specific issues. This might involve looking for water leaks, checking appliances to make sure the propane system is functioning, clearing away the debris, and lubricating slide-outs, windows, and doors.

Keep the Roof Covered

One great way to reduce the need for maintenance on your RV is to keep it protected when not in use. A well-fitting waterproof cover will prevent water and debris from building up on the roof if stored outside. The best thing to do is to store your camper indoors in a garage or shed if at all possible. This will keep it safe from precipitation, debris, animal infestations, and theft.

For more information or to explore RVs for sale, visit Bankston Motor Homes. We are located in both Huntsville & Gadsden, AL.

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