There's no shortage of mental health benefits you can experience from traveling. Not only can you have new and amazing experiences, but you'll also learn plenty about yourself in the process. This is one of the many reasons people choose to travel across the country in their vans.
However, maintaining a van requires diligence to ensure it continues to serve as a reliable vehicle and home. Regular van maintenance not only prolongs your vehicle's lifespan and ensures safety on the road. Let's explore essential tips and practices to help keep your van in top condition.
Regular Oil Changes
One of the most crucial steps in van maintenance is regularly changing your oil. Engine oil lubricates, cools, and cleans the engine. Over time, it begins to break down and become contaminated with dirt and debris.
It's recommended to change the oil every 5,000 to 7,000 miles. Refer to the van's owner's manual for guidance, as your needs may vary depending on your make and model. Consistent oil changes keep your engine running smoothly and prevent costly repairs.
Tire Rotation
Tire rotation is another vital aspect of van maintenance. Each tire and wheel is moved to a different position, ensuring that all tires wear evenly.
Rotating your tires every 5,000 to 8,000 miles can prevent uneven wear and extend their lifespan. This practice is especially important for those who live in their vans. Minimizing wear helps maintain better traction on diverse terrains and improves overall safety.
Transmission Fluid Flush
Maintaining your van's transmission health is paramount. A transmission fluid flush involves replacing the old transmission fluid.
You should also replace the filter and pan gasket. Generally, a transmission fluid flush is recommended every 30,000 to 60,000 miles. However, those who travel frequently or tow heavy loads should consider shorter intervals.
Again, consult your manual to see how often you should replace your transmission fluid. Replacing your transmission is one of the most expensive forms of maintenance, so it's best to preserve this component.
Winterize Your Van Plumbing System
For those who have customized their vans to serve as living space, maintaining the plumbing system is crucial. This is especially true in colder climates.
Winterizing the plumbing system will prevent water lines from freezing. Drain all tanks, blow compressed air through the pipes to clear residual water, and add non-toxic antifreeze to the system.
This will help protect against frozen or burst pipes. Be sure to winterize before the colder months arrive, though.
Seasonal Checks and Preparations
Apart from the regular maintenance tasks, seasonal checks and preparations can further enhance your van's longevity. Before summer, check the air conditioning system and coolant levels to ensure your van can handle high temperatures.
Apart from winterizing the plumbing, you should also check the antifreeze levels in your radiator and ensure your heater is functional before winter. Check your battery and brakes regularly, as well. The last thing you want is for one of these to malfunction while you're on the road.
Cleaning and Care
Keeping your van clean is not just about aesthetics. It also protects the vehicle's body and interior.
Regular washing can prevent rust and corrosion. This is imperative for those who drive in areas with salted roads in the winter or near the ocean.
Vacuuming the interior and cleaning the vents can prevent the buildup of allergens and dust. Overlooking this will make your van much less pleasant to live in.
Check Your Battery Health
Ensuring the health of your van's starter battery is crucial for avoiding unexpected breakdowns, especially before embarking on long trips. Regularly check the battery voltage and keep it fully charged.
A simple multimeter can help you monitor the voltage, ensuring it remains within the optimal range (typically 12.4 to 12.7 volts for a fully charged battery).
Additionally, clean the battery terminals to prevent corrosion and ensure a secure connection. Keeping your battery in top condition will provide peace of mind and prevent potential disruptions during your adventures.
Emergency Kit and Tools
Always carry an emergency kit and basic tools in your van. The kit should include items like a first aid kit, flashlights, spare fuses, and emergency flares.
For those living in the van, consider additional items like water, extra blankets, and a portable battery charger. Contingencies can arise at any time, and you should always prepare for the unexpected.
Professional Inspections
While many maintenance tasks can be done on your own, a professional inspection can catch issues you'd likely overlook. Find a mechanic who's familiar with your type of van and its unique qualities.
Have them inspect the engine, electrical system, and structural integrity of the vehicle. If there are issues, handle them as soon as possible.
Record Keeping
Maintain a detailed record of all maintenance work done on your van. This should include dates and types of service.
It will be incredibly helpful for diagnosing future problems, reselling the van, and keeping track of maintenance tasks. Even a single oversight can cause major issues, so don't neglect this obligation.
Finding a Professional
It's not uncommon for people to pursue van conversion. This is especially true for people who intend to live in their vehicle or travel extensively.
You'll need to work with a professional to get the best results, though. When looking for someone to hire, consider their past reputation. See what others online have to say about the results they got.
There should be no shortage of positive feedback. However, it's essential to keep an eye out for fake reviews during your search. These are often posted in large batches and contain many of the same keywords.
Do they have plenty of experience working with people like you? Ideally, you'll find someone who's handled countless similar projects.
Pricing is also important to consider. Never choose the cheapest options you find, as these are likely to fall short of your goals. Doing your due diligence will allow you to narrow down your choices and find the ideal option.
Never Neglect Van Maintenance
Proper van maintenance goes a long way toward helping you avoid issues you may have otherwise encountered. As long as you're vigilant, you shouldn't encounter issues with your van's performance. Just be sure to research the professional you work with.
Boondock Van Company builds custom vans designed for "off the grid" living. Our goal is to provide our customers with high-quality, fully functional vans capable of bringing your vision to life.
Founder Ryan Kemmy is a former aerospace manufacturing engineer who strives to improve the tools and methods he uses. You'll learn more about how we can help when you get a free quote today.
