We’re looking forward to getting back out on the road soon, but in the meantime, we’re spending some time getting our 23-foot tiny home on wheels spiffed up for the next trip.

Maintaining an RV requires constant vigilance if you plan on having a long-term relationship. Here’s how we tackled a deep dive into properly dialing in our rig, complete with gear recommendations.

Starting outside: After thousands of miles on the latest journey -- traveling along the West Coast with a lengthy side trip to Arizona -- we began our cleaning process with a soapy shower. We’ve had mixed results going to commercial car washes, where the hoses never seem quite long enough. Fortunately, we have a vehicle wash pad at our home base, which meant there was no rushing to get it all done before time ran out on the suds. Essential tool for reaching those smashed bugs near the roofline? A mop with an extension pole like this one from Walmart.

Bin reorg: Seven months of searching for stuff in the bins stored in outside compartments has imparted a strong sense of what’s important and what’s not. As much as we love the idea of a screened-in shelter, we didn’t use it often enough to justify the space. Once gear was removed and accessed, John got busy with the broom. Wow, that’s a lot of sand, leaves and pine needles that got a free ride back to Washington state. Some fellow RV travelers swear by a compact leaf blower for easy dust-busting, but we don’t have the room and the sound drives Leslie up the wall, so we’ll stick with our trusty hand broom.

Deep cleaning: We’ve swept and scrubbed and polished. We even washed the screens on the kitchen and bathroom fans. It’s helpful to refer to the owner’s manual for suggestions on optimum cleaning products because you don’t want to damage surfaces by being too aggressive. Never thought we’d become fans of pleather, but it cleans up nicely. On another front, a product called Commando deftly tackled the chore of a deep-cleaning of the black water tank, while we added half a cup of bleach to the freshwater holding tank to flush and sterilize the system. Ahhhh, having a sparkling-clean motorhome feels pretty darn good.

Tighten up: One lesson we’ve learned the hard way is that it’s essential to occasionally tighten the screws on the cabinets. Over time rattling down the road, they loosen, which can lead to cabinet doors falling off. Yes, that’s happened. So in the small toolbox, a Phillips head screwdriver serves as an MVP.

Checking those tires: Another lesson we’ve learned over time is the importance of maintaining proper inflation on the tires, which leads to better fuel economy. Heck, our Ford Transit diesel sometimes comes close to 20 MPG, which is worth bragging about. A tire gauge is another helpful tool, though it delivered some bummer news on our big push to drive home. That slow leak led us to Les Schwab, where we purchased a couple of new rear tires.

Final thoughts: Like any vehicle, an RV is going to last longer and be more comfortable if you take the time for upkeep. We’re diligent about getting oil changes (to the tune of $300 a pop!) and refilling the Diesel Exhaust Fluid regularly. So far, so good. Again, the owner's manual is key for providing reminders on what needs to be done and when. OK, we’re good to go -- let’s grab the map and make some plans.

 

Arrowhead gets an A-plus

Last week's column about travel trailers got a recommendation for another model we didn't mention. Phil and Alison Mixter of Pullman wrote to us about their 2013 Chalet Arrowhead, which they bought used last year.

"We love our ultralight trailer and using our car to pull it," Phil says. Check out photos of the Arrowhead on our blog at spokesman.com/blogs/going-mobile.

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