Are your boat and RV ready for summer?

With summer already in full gear and weekend plans centering around the outdoors, it’s good to make sure your recreational vehicles are in their best shape—so they can serve you for many vacations to come.

To help you get ready, here’s a handy checklist to ensure all your boat and RV maintenance needs are covered for the warm days ahead:

Damage to your boat or RV can come from animals (both large and small), seasonal weather events or just from regular wear and tear, so it’s good to ensure there is no damage to the vehicle before it’s heavily used in the summer. That also means checking all corners and seals for cracks, erosion or water damage. It is also important to ensure your emergency radio and antenna are in good working order.

Take this time to clean the inside and outside of your vehicle, too. Wax or polish the exterior each year to maintain some protection from the elements.

Fuel systems, brakes, tires, and heating and cooling systems all work best with regular tune ups. It is recommended to change your oil every 4,000 to 6,000 miles for an RV. On a boat, the best practice is to perform an oil change every 50-100 hours that your engine runs.

Don’t forget to keep track of each item of maintenance you perform on your vehicle, and write down when you performed the maintenance. There are a variety of affordable maintenance logbooks available for purchase, and it’s easier to stay on a regular schedule for maintenance and remember your vehicle’s history when you write it down!