Traveling with a campervan is one of the best ways to explore new places. You have complete freedom over where you go and how you travel.

That complete freedom may feel a lot less fun if you wind up breaking down on the road. Nobody wants to spend time at the mechanic’s instead of camping.

Regularly maintaining your campervan even when it’s sitting in your driveway can prevent it from breaking down once you’re ready to go on vacation. Here are some of the most important maintenance tips you need to follow before starting the engine.

 

Check Your Fluid Levels

Before you go on a long trip, make sure that you check all of the fluid levels in your campervan. This includes the engine oil and coolant. If these fluid levels go down, your engine will have trouble working.

One important fluid that people forget to check is brake fluid. According to the expert mobile mechanics at AutoFordable, brake problems are one of the primary reasons they have to go into the field. Inspecting your brakes and brake fluid means that you don’t get any nasty surprises when taking sharp curves.

If your campervan is parked in the driveway for a long time without moving, make sure to periodically check the fluid levels and top them up. Losing fluids will make your van run poorly once you try to turn it on.

 

Get Rid of Rust

One of the most common problems that campervan owners run into when summer road trip season comes around is rust. Rust is a red-brown residue that forms on metal when it interacts with air and water. Over time, it can corrode the metal part until it disintegrates.

Camper vans are prone to rust because they have larger metal bodies than regular cars. They are also more exposed to the elements when you go camping or park them outside.

Regularly inspect your campervan to catch any signs of rust. Besides the exterior, examine other parts such as the undercarriage, brake pads, and battery connections. Catching rust early is the best way to prevent it from destroying your van.

 

Check Your Tires

Having sturdy tires is important for a campervan. The tires need to carry a heavy vehicle over terrain that is often rough or uneven. They can get damaged while parked for a long time or while driving over uneven roads.

Don’t get surprised by a flat. You should check your tire pressure before camping season starts. Visually examine the tires for any uneven treads, bald spots, or other signs of wear and tear.

When in doubt, ask your mechanic about recommendations for how often you should be changing your tires and what you can do to increase their lifespan.

 

Don’t Ignore These Signs of a Problem in Your Campervan

If you own a campervan, you need to be maintaining it all year round, even when you are not using it to travel. Topping up the fluid levels, eliminating rust spots, and checking your tires are basic steps you can take to keep it going.

Be sure to follow these tips to keep your campervan on the road—and save the number of a good mobile mechanic for emergencies!