Your home appreciates in value as it ages; unfortunately, your rig doesn't. But you can increase its resale value by taking good care of it. Neglect the maintenance aspect, and when it is finally the time to sell your rig, you will be left wondering how can I sell my RV online for a good price? So, how do you boost your mobile home's value? Remember, adding expensive gadgets to your rig does not necessarily increase its trade value; it is the on-time maintenance that plays the real trick. Proper and periodic servicing will not only help to keep your vehicle in good health but also put a substantial amount of money in your pocket when you finally decide to sell it.

As far as RV maintenance is concerned, you have to remember a multitude of aspects. The engine, the batteries, the tires, the roof, the flooring— the list goes on. Where do you start? We would suggest that you start by learning the basics of fluid change – one of the most complicated, yet necessary, maintenance chores for an RV. Why is it so important? Well, a timely fluid change is like a preventive medicine for your rig. By providing necessary lubrication, it keeps the vital parts of your RV protected from friction-induced wear and tear. Replacing the old, less-effective oil with a fresh alternative would not only keep the vehicle parts well-lubricated but will also prevent oxygen from working on the metal. As a result, your rig will remain rust-free. Regular fluid changing will allow you to keep your rig in good shape which in turn will give you the much-needed confidence when you negotiate with your prospects. Given the critical role of fluids in fetching good resale value, you must learn about their types.

Transmission Fluid

The majority of transmission problems occur due to its diminishing fluid levels. Before taking your rig for a fluid recharge, check your owner’s manual to know the ideal fluid level for your model. As long as the fluid remains red in color and does not have a smell, you don’t need to worry about it. But if it gets very dark and starts exuding a burning smell, it is time for you to opt for a replacement. A timely replacement of transmission fluid guarantees worry-free experience on the road, and so your buyer would appreciate good transmission feature in your rig.

Antifreeze/Coolant

Your customers would certainly not want the water in your radiator to evaporate in excessive heat or get frozen at a subzero temperature. So, how to prevent such abrupt behaviors? Use an antifreeze or coolant. When mixed with radiator water in a 50-50 ratio, antifreeze helps lower freezing point of the water in your radiator. This trick helps prevent the water from getting frozen in cold weather. In summer, apply coolant to the radiator, and it will increase the water’s boiling point, subsequently preventing vaporization due to excessively heat. Besides keeping the radiator water safe in extreme hot and cold weather conditions, these two temperature controlling fluids will also help to prevent corrosion and provide lubrication for the water pump. The bottom line? Good health and better resale value of your RV. 

Windshield Washer Fluid

Motor homes come complete with a system that helps to clean your windshield if it is dirty. It’s called the windshield washer system. The components that make it up include a fluid pump and reservoir, hoses, wipers, and nozzles. Apart from keeping the windshield clean, the washer fluid also acts as a lubricant for the other parts. When the fluid reservoir dries up, the pump’s internal parts can corrode and degrade. So, be sure to replenish the fluid reservoir in time. These lubricants comprise several chemicals like methanol and ethylene glycol. While the former helps to break down bug guts to ensure smooth performance, the latter acts like antifreeze and helps to lower the freezing temperature of the washer fluid. Different types of non-toxic washer fluids are available in the market. However, you can make an environment-friendly concoction by mixing different household items. If you want an eco-friendly version, try using a concoction of rubbing alcohol, liquid dish detergent, and water.

Brake Fluid

The brake is one of the most vital parts of any vehicle, and brake fluid makes it work properly. The brake pedal is connected to the master brake cylinder through a plunger. When you press on the pedal, these units send a gush of fluid through tubes and hoses and then into the braking unit of each wheel. This creates a force which then activates the brakes, making the vehicle stop. When the brake fluid gets outdated, it cannot support this mechanism anymore. To allow a free movement, you must change the fluid timely. Know what? When buyers come to inspect your motor home, the brake is one of the components that they are likely to examine first. So, keep changing the fluid at manufacturer-recommended intervals and keep it in top health.

Power Steering Fluid

When you are maneuvering something as big as a motor home, you would like to steer it with ease, and power steering lets you do just that. These wheels contain a type of hydraulic fluid that, apart from powering the steering mechanism, also provides lubrication for all the parts of this system. Power steering makes it easier for you to steer the rig. On the other hand, if you operate the steering without fluid for a long time, it may damage the pump and subsequently your vehicle in the long run. If you have a plan to sell off your rig someday, don’t neglect this maintenance aspect.

If you take proper care of your rig, you are not likely to be left wondering who can help sell my RV online when the times comes to sell it. Now that you have a fair idea of different types of fluids that your rig needs to function properly, make sure that they are refilled at the right time. Follow these maintenance rituals religiously to optimize your RV’s resale value.