When your motorhome, travel trailer or fifth wheel is kept
clean and attractive, it can make a difference of several thousand dollars when
you sell or trade it. Just as when you
sell your home or car, “shine can put a gleam in a buyer’s eye”. And, you’ll enjoy using a camper that’s clean
and well maintained!
Whether a camper is fiberglass or aluminum, UV rays, tree
sap, bird droppings, acid rain and road salt will fade the paint if it’s not
protected.
Your RV needs to be washed and waxed periodically. Given the size of most RVs, many people
aren’t able to wax them. If your RV is new or a late model, you can buy a
protection package, which eliminates the need for waxing. The protection
packages include exterior paint sealant and interior fabric, carpet, vinyl and
leather protection. Another good option
to protect the exterior of your camper is to buy a cover. Covers are made for all types and sizes of
RVs as well as for your tow vehicles.
Tires need care to keep them in good shape, too. Obviously, they must be inflated at the
proper pressure. Also, protecting tires
from cracking and drying out is important.
Covers made to protect RV wheels are great to use when you’re parked at
a campground and when the RV is in storage.
If you have an awning on your camper, it should be cleaned
from time to time. When it is wet, leave
it open to dry, as rolling it up wet could cause mildew to form.
Your camper’s windshield and windows should be kept clean
and free of bugs and road debris. There
are window cleaners made for RVs that will remove any stubborn particles.
The interior’s condition will make a big difference in
resale or trade-in value. If there are
carpet stains, dirty appliances, upholstery tears or stains, unpleasant odors,
etc., your camper will not be as valuable as one that is clean. If you have a protection package, the carpet,
upholstery, leather and vinyl will be protected from fading and stains. Otherwise, you must wipe up any spills as soon
as possible. Occasionally, it’s a good
idea to shampoo the carpeting. And,
clean the bathroom, refrigerator, stove, oven and microwave as you would at
home.
Finally, make sure the caulking on your camper’s roof and
around the windows is solid. If water
were to leak into the interior, the stains or damage would affect the camper’s
resale value.
When your RV is clean and beautiful, you’ll enjoy traveling
in it and be proud to show it off when you reach your destination!