Again, adding "stow antenna" to a departure checklist get the job done. And we see first hand the massive damage tires can do when they fail. Of course, other animals can get into RVs, but the rodents seem to do the most damage. If you are having issues, it's likely you'll try anything. Is there an RV policy that covers rodent damage as in damage caused by a mouse eating wires and if so who and extra cost. The force can rip the hardware right off the side of the RV causing significant damage. We've run down numerous people with their antennas up and a few with their steps out. Pay attention to any major cracking or strange bulges. Regardless, if the damage to property is caused by house rats, beavers, hamsters, beavers, chipmunks, porcupines, or squirrels, you may file for an insurance claim. Finding rodents in your recreational vehicle can spell big trouble for a number of reasons. It was and is a serious issue, but I think the focus on refrigerators overshadowed all the other fire causes. By the way, there are UV protectants in the rubber, so you don't need tire covers if you stay on the move. We've had a few mishaps and we know how it feels. However, we tend to not take perfect care of our tires. However, there are instances where your policy can’t cover for the damage. You can clean your tires with soap and water or the tire dressing of your choice as long as it doesn't have petroleum in it. Their value increases depending on your storage location, how far it is away from your home, and how long the RV remains unused. ), Never leave candles, electric fireplaces, or portable heaters unattended, Never leave anything cooking on the stove top unattended, Never use the stove or oven to heat your rig, Have motorhome engine compartments periodically inspected and services to make sure there are no rotted or loose hoses and no loose cables or wires, Periodically inspect and service wheels, brakes, and bearings, Keep tires properly inflated, check pressures often, and inspect them often - See Tire Failure discussion above, Periodically inspect and service refrigerators, furnaces, air conditioners, generators, and water heaters - check for loose wires, clean vents of debris, soot, insect nests, and make sure propane appliances have proper air flow, Periodically inspect back of refrigerator for smell of ammonia or yellow powder both of which indicate cooling unit failure, Write down your refrigerator manufacturer and model number and periodically check for recalls (especially if you bought a used unit), Annually have the three propane system leak tests performed - Lock Up Test, Operating Pressure System Check, Timed Drop Pressure Test, Periodically have all wiring connections inspected, especially in transfer switch boxes, electric panels, inverters, and generators, Consider automated, temperature activated fire suppression systems for your engine compartment and for the back of your refrigerator cabinet, Have multiple fire extinguishers available (living area, kitchen, bedroom, exit door, storage compartment, tow vehicle (or towed vehicle) and know how to use them, When routing your travel plan, you may want to check for low clearances. What I do know is that we've had rodents get into our RV fifth wheel and chew through wires while we were living in it. Take a look at these expert tips that describe how to get rid of rodents and keep them out — you’ll be on the road to recovery in no time! The faster you go, the lower the carrying capacity of the tires. It is especially unfortunate to discover that you have extensive squirrel damage on your RV when you are just days away from a trip. Because squirrels’ teeth never stop growing, they constantly gnaw on things to help keep them from getting too long. Some will say to put mothballs around the unit or hang dryer sheets inside. Check the electrical center as squirrels and even rodents will sometimes try to build nests there. If the animal has chewed through the wiring, you could risk a fire, and you need to make arrangements to have the RV transported to a shop capable of checking the entire unit out and repairing the damage. Your home insurance policy most likely will not cover damage caused by mice or any other rodents; this is a standard exclusion found in virtually any home insurance policy available in Canada.This means that it’s critically important for you to take care of the problem quickly. Comprehensive coverage covers animal damage to your vehicle, just as if you hit an animal while driving. I have heard of other instances where RV owners have started up parked RV’s only to discover that squirrels have chewed through fuel lines or wiring harnesses. Certainly, audible alarms and security systems may help (and that may also get you a discount on your insurance). When storing your RV or staying put for months at a time, have something under the tires. Even then, your particular policy may or may not cover it. I searched all around until I discovered it was propane escaping my gas grille. 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