Check all of the seals on your RV trailer. Start at one end of the trailer and do a thorough inspection of all seams, window seals, exhaust vents and plumbing vents. Get up on the roof, taking care not to hurt yourself or damage the rig, and check the roof and all seals around skylights, vents and anyplace the manufacturer cut a hole. Use the proper type of sealant to replace any worn, cracked or missing seals. Inspection of seals should be part of a yearly RV maintenance routine. Replace any water-damaged walls and flooring immediately.
RV hot water heaters have an anodized rod in them. Over time this rod deteriorates and needs to be replaced. It is an inexpensive repair that anyone can do. If you can open a bottle of soda, you can change the anodized rod. Unscrew the old one and slide it out. Replace with a new one. Check this on a yearly basis to avoid problems in the future. Other hot water problems with an RV water heater are critter nests blocking the exhaust vent. Prior to heading out on a camping excursion, open the panel where the hot water heater exhausts are and remove any dirt, debris or nests. Eventually the hot water heater will require replacement, but on an RV trailer less than 10 years old, this should not be the case.
The propane tanks on an RV should be checked routinely for leaks and soundness. Look the tanks over, checking for cracks or large dents. Check the tank's fixtures and valves to make sure that they do not leak. An easy way to check for propane leaks is to use a spray bottle filled with soapy water. Spray all of the connections and valves with the soapy water. If there is a leak, the soapy solution will start to bubble. Repair the leak by replacing hoses or repairing the connection.
The most common problem with an RV trailer's water system is a clogged or dirty filter. Change the filter yearly to avoid this issue. Another issue is the water pump. To check the pump, make sure the freshwater tank is full. Check to be sure that the battery is at full capacity. Have a helper run the water while you open the panel to where the water pump is located. Listen for the sound of the pump operating. You should hear the pump operate. If there is no sound, then the problem is either the pump has gone bad or the electrical connection has a problem.
