The roof can be one of the most problematic areas of your RV, which are prone to dry rot and can be very difficult to repair. If the roof needs work due to leaks, remove all the fixtures and roof vents from the roof and any plumbing or AC components. Remove all of the edge molding around the roof and make sure to remember the location of the wiring. If the roof is damaged in one area, just remove that portion. The roof is usually attached by nails and fasteners. Remove these and take off the affected portion of the roof. Attach your new portion of the roof to the area and refasten.
You can prevent rotting of a your RV roof by protecting it with a sealant, which can be found at hardware stores or RV suppliers.
Siding can also be a problematic area due to adverse weather conditions or crashes. Siding on RVs differ among models but are usually made of vinyl, plastic or metal. If you have small scratches on your siding, you may be able to cover the small scratch using touch up paint or drawing over it with a child's crayon. Clean the siding regularly to prevent stains. Use a pressure washer to remove ingrained dirt. If you have an old RV, you may have plastic siding that fits together like common house siding. If the siding is cracked or needs to be replaced, contact the manufacturer or find an RV supplier to see if they have siding that matches.
RVs contain plumbing for flushing toilets and running water. A problem with the plumbing system can make for an uncomfortable trip. An RV will have a gray water tank for water used in the sink and a black water tank for the toilet. Make sure to empty the black water tank regularly in an approved area to prevent odor. If the black tank is at capacity, close its valve the night before leaving a camp to ensure the tank is properly emptied before moving out. Always add chemical deodorant or a break down agent in the waste water tank to prevent buildup.
