After 15 years of full-time RV living and working as a certified RV technician, I’ve seen every maintenance mistake imaginable - and I’ve made plenty of them myself! The difference between an RV that runs smoothly for decades and one that becomes a money pit? Consistent, preventive maintenance.
Today I’m sharing my complete RV maintenance checklist that’s kept my rig road-ready through all 50 states and countless adventures.
Why RV Maintenance Matters
An RV isn’t just a vehicle - it’s a vehicle, a house, and a complex system of mechanical and plumbing components all in one. Neglecting maintenance leads to:
- Expensive repairs: A $50 maintenance item becomes a $3,000 repair
- Dangerous situations: Tire blowouts, brake failures, propane leaks
- Trip cancellations: Breakdowns in remote areas
- Reduced resale value: Poor maintenance history kills resale value
- Shortened lifespan: An RV should last 20+ years with proper care
The good news? Most RV maintenance is simple DIY work that saves you thousands compared to shop rates.
Pre-Trip Inspection Checklist
Do this before EVERY trip, even short weekends. Takes 20-30 minutes and prevents 90% of roadside breakdowns.
Exterior Walk-Around
Tires (Critical!)
- ✓ Check tire pressure (cold) - Use manufacturer specs on door jamb
- ✓ Inspect for cracks, bulges, or uneven wear
- ✓ Check tire age - Replace after 5-7 years regardless of tread
- ✓ Verify spare tire condition and have jack/tools accessible
- ✓ Torque lug nuts - Especially after recent tire service
Pro Tip: RV tires fail from age and UV damage more than miles. Date code is on sidewall (first 4 digits = week/year manufactured).
Lights & Signals
- ✓ Test all running lights
- ✓ Check brake lights and turn signals
- ✓ Verify marker lights and clearance lights
- ✓ Test backup lights
- ✓ Inspect headlight aim and cleanliness
Exterior Components
- ✓ Roof inspection - Look for cracks, deteriorating sealant
- ✓ Check all seams and seals - Windows, doors, roof vents
- ✓ Slide-out seals - Clean and inspect for tears
- ✓ Awning - Check fabric for tears, verify mechanisms work
- ✓ Exterior storage doors - Latches work, seals intact
- ✓ Steps - Retract/extend smoothly, no loose bolts
- ✓ Hitch/tow bar - Properly secured, safety chains attached
Fluids & Filters
- ✓ Engine oil level
- ✓ Transmission fluid
- ✓ Coolant level
- ✓ Brake fluid
- ✓ Windshield washer fluid
- ✓ Power steering fluid
Interior Checks
Safety Systems
- ✓ Test smoke detectors - Replace batteries twice yearly
- ✓ Test CO detector - Replace unit every 5-7 years
- ✓ Test LP gas detector - Usually near floor
- ✓ Check fire extinguisher - Pressure gauge in green zone
- ✓ First aid kit - Stocked and up to date
Propane System
- ✓ Turn on propane at tank
- ✓ Sniff test - Any propane smell = immediate shutdown
- ✓ Check propane level (should have 2 tanks on motorhomes)
- ✓ Test all propane appliances (stove, oven, water heater, furnace)
- ✓ Inspect propane lines for damage
Electrical System
- ✓ Test GFCI outlets (push test button)
- ✓ Check battery charge level
- ✓ Test generator (run for 15 minutes monthly minimum)
- ✓ Verify shore power cord condition
- ✓ Test inverter if applicable
Plumbing
- ✓ Fill fresh water tank
- ✓ Test water pump
- ✓ Check for leaks under sinks and behind walls
- ✓ Verify water heater operation (gas and electric modes)
- ✓ Test all faucets and shower
- ✓ Ensure tanks are empty before travel!
Interior Safety
- ✓ Secure all loose items
- ✓ Close and latch all cabinets and drawers
- ✓ Turn off or secure anything that might fly open
- ✓ Stow TV, decorations, dishes
- ✓ Close windows and roof vents
- ✓ Lock refrigerator door
CRITICAL Pre-Departure Checklist
Print this and tape it to your dashboard! Check these EVERY TIME before moving:
- ⬜ Slideouts retracted
- ⬜ Awning rolled up and secured
- ⬜ TV antenna down
- ⬜ Steps retracted
- ⬜ All exterior doors closed and locked
- ⬜ Shore power disconnected and stored
- ⬜ Water hose disconnected and stored
- ⬜ Sewer hose disconnected and stored
- ⬜ Stabilizer jacks raised
- ⬜ Wheel chocks removed
- ⬜ Tow vehicle connected properly (if applicable)
- ⬜ Emergency brake released
- ⬜ Mirrors adjusted
- ⬜ All compartment doors closed and locked
Missing just one of these can cause thousands in damage. Trust me - I forgot my awning once. Once.
Monthly Maintenance Tasks
Every Month (or 1,000 miles)
Slideouts
- Clean and lubricate slideout rails and seals
- Use slideout dry lube spray (NOT WD-40!)
- Clean seals with rubber conditioner
- Check for loose screws in mechanisms
Roof & Seals
- Inspect roof for damage
- Look for cracks in sealant
- Check around roof vents, AC units, antennas
- Look for ponding water (indicates sagging)
Pro Tip: Roof maintenance is the #1 way to prevent water damage. Repairs are cheap; water damage restoration is $10,000+.
Generator
- Run generator under load for 1-2 hours
- Turn on AC or other heavy loads
- Change oil per manufacturer schedule
- Check/clean air filter
- Inspect fuel lines and connections
Batteries
- Check battery water levels (if not maintenance-free)
- Use distilled water only
- Don’t overfill
- Clean battery terminals
- Use baking soda solution for corrosion
- Apply terminal protector spray
- Test battery voltage
- 12.6+ volts = fully charged
- Below 12.0 volts = needs charging
HVAC
- Clean or replace AC filters
- Clean AC intake and exterior fins
- Test both AC and furnace operation
Seasonal Maintenance
Spring De-Winterization
Water System
- Flush antifreeze from system
- Run all faucets until water runs clear
- Flush water heater tank
- Run toilet until clear
- Sanitize fresh water system
- Use 1/4 cup bleach per 15 gallons
- Run through entire system
- Let sit 4 hours, then flush completely
- Replace water filter
- Check all plumbing connections for leaks
Exterior
- Wash and wax entire RV
- Use RV-specific products
- Check seals while washing
- Re-seal any cracks found
- Use Dicor self-leveling sealant for roof
- Use Sikaflex for vertical surfaces
- Clean and condition all rubber seals
Mechanical
- Change engine oil and filter
- Change transmission fluid (if due)
- Replace air filters (engine and cabin)
- Inspect belts and hoses
- Check brake pads/shoes
- Lubricate chassis and drivetrain
Fall Winterization
Critical for cold climates to prevent thousands in freeze damage:
Water System
- Drain all tanks
- Fresh, gray, and black
- Open all low-point drains
- Drain water heater
- Turn off and let cool first!
- Open pressure relief valve
- Remove drain plug
- Bypass water heater
- Add RV antifreeze
- Use air compressor method OR
- Pump antifreeze through entire system
- Run until pink fluid comes from all faucets
- Pour antifreeze in all drains (including shower)
- Flush antifreeze through toilet into black tank
Exterior Prep
- Cover or store in enclosed space (ideal)
- Clean thoroughly before storage
- Fill fuel tank (prevents condensation)
- Add fuel stabilizer
- Cover tires (or store on blocks to prevent flat spots)
- Remove batteries and store in warm place
Interior Prep
- Deep clean entire interior
- Remove all food (including canned goods)
- Empty and clean refrigerator - Leave doors propped open
- Place moisture absorbers throughout
- Open all cabinets and drawers slightly
- Cover mattresses and upholstery
- Set mouse traps or use deterrents (dryer sheets, peppermint oil)
Annual Maintenance
Once Per Year (or 10,000-12,000 miles)
Professional Inspections
Consider having these professionally inspected:
- ✓ Roof inspection and re-sealing - $300-500
- ✓ Brake system inspection - $150-300
- ✓ Suspension and alignment - $200-400
- ✓ Propane system leak test - $75-150
- ✓ Appliance servicing - $100-200 each
Major Service Items
-
✓ Change all fluids
- Engine oil
- Transmission fluid
- Differential fluid
- Coolant
- Brake fluid (every 2-3 years)
-
✓ Replace filters
- Engine air filter
- Cabin air filter
- Fuel filter
- Water filters
-
✓ Inspect and service brakes
- Check pad/shoe thickness
- Inspect rotors/drums
- Bleed brake system
- Test brake controller
-
✓ Wheel bearing inspection and repack
- Critical for trailers
- Repack every 10,000 miles or annually
-
✓ Tire rotation (if applicable to your RV type)
Appliances
- ✓ Refrigerator coil cleaning - Improves efficiency 30%
- ✓ Water heater anode rod inspection - Replace if 75% corroded
- ✓ Furnace cleaning and inspection
- ✓ Air conditioner deep clean
Long-Term Maintenance Schedule
Every 2-3 Years
- Replace house batteries
- Replace engine batteries
- Brake fluid flush
- Coolant flush
- Full roof resealing
Every 3-5 Years
- Replace RV tires (regardless of tread depth)
- Replace water pump
- Replace smoke/CO detectors
- Transmission service
- Awning fabric replacement (if worn)
Every 5-10 Years
- Refrigerator replacement or major service
- Water heater replacement
- HVAC system replacement
- Roof membrane replacement (if rubber roof)
- Full replumbing (if showing deterioration)
Emergency Roadside Kit
Keep these items accessible for breakdowns:
Tools & Supplies
- ✓ Basic tool set (screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches)
- ✓ Tire pressure gauge
- ✓ Tire inflator/air compressor
- ✓ Tire repair kit
- ✓ Lug wrench and jack (rated for RV weight!)
- ✓ Duct tape and zip ties
- ✓ Electrical tape
- ✓ Flashlight and headlamp
- ✓ Work gloves
- ✓ Extra fuses and bulbs
- ✓ Jumper cables or jump starter
- ✓ WD-40 and lubricants
Fluids
- ✓ Engine oil (correct weight)
- ✓ Coolant
- ✓ Brake fluid
- ✓ Power steering fluid
- ✓ Windshield washer fluid
- ✓ Distilled water (for batteries)
Misc Emergency Items
- ✓ Road flares or reflective triangles
- ✓ Fire extinguisher
- ✓ First aid kit
- ✓ Spare drive belts
- ✓ Spare fuses
- ✓ Electrical adapters (50A to 30A, 30A to 15A)
- ✓ Extra propane hose and regulator
- ✓ Sewer hose repair kit
Documentation
- ✓ RV manual and appliance manuals
- ✓ Maintenance log
- ✓ Emergency contact numbers
- ✓ Roadside assistance information
- ✓ Insurance information
Maintenance Record Keeping
Document everything! This:
- Helps you remember what’s due
- Proves maintenance for warranty claims
- Increases resale value
- Identifies patterns and recurring issues
What to Track
- Date of service
- Mileage at service
- What was done
- Parts used
- Cost
- Who did the work
- Next service due date
I use a simple Google Sheet, but you can also use apps like:
- RV Maintenance Log (iOS/Android)
- RV Logbook (iOS/Android)
- Or just a physical notebook
Common RV Problems & How to Prevent Them
Water Damage (Most Expensive!)
Prevention:
- Inspect roof seals every month
- Reseal annually
- Fix any cracks immediately
- Don’t ignore water stains
Cost if neglected: $10,000-50,000 in repairs
Tire Blowouts
Prevention:
- Check pressure before every trip
- Replace tires every 5-7 years
- Avoid overloading
- Use tire covers when parked
Cost if neglected: $500-3,000 (tire + damage from blowout)
Battery Failure
Prevention:
- Maintain water levels
- Keep charged
- Clean terminals
- Test regularly
Cost if neglected: $300-1,500 for replacement
Brake Problems
Prevention:
- Annual inspections
- Don’t ignore squealing or grinding
- Test brake controller regularly
- Adjust brakes as needed
Cost if neglected: $1,500-5,000
Refrigerator Failure
Prevention:
- Clean coils annually
- Level RV when parked
- Don’t overload
- Proper ventilation
Cost if neglected: $1,200-3,000 for replacement
DIY vs Professional Service
Good DIY Maintenance
- Tire pressure checks
- Fluid level checks
- Lightbulb replacement
- Filter changes
- Roof inspections
- Seal inspections
- Basic cleaning and lubrication
- Battery maintenance
Leave to Professionals
- Brake system work (unless experienced)
- Electrical system diagnosis
- Appliance repairs (propane-related especially)
- Transmission service
- Engine repairs
- Roof resealing (if not confident)
- Suspension work
My Rule: If you have to ask “Can I do this?”, start by watching YouTube tutorials. If it still seems over your head, hire a pro. A $200 service call beats a $2,000 mistake.
Maintenance Costs to Budget
Annual maintenance budget for average RV:
- DIY maintenance: $500-1,000/year
- Professional service: $1,500-3,000/year
- Emergency repairs: $500-1,500/year buffer
Total: Budget $2,500-5,500 annually or about 5-10% of RV value per year.
Motorhomes cost more than travel trailers. Class A motorhomes cost most to maintain.
Money-Saving Maintenance Tips
- Do simple maintenance yourself - Save 50-70% vs shop rates
- Buy parts online - Often 30-50% cheaper than RV dealers
- Join RV forums - Free expert advice
- Watch YouTube - Visual tutorials for most repairs
- Buy quality the first time - Cheap parts = repeat repairs
- Keep detailed records - Avoid duplicate or unnecessary service
- Join Good Sam or FMCA - Discounts on parts and service
- Learn from mobile RV techs - They often cost less than shops
Final Thoughts
RV maintenance might seem overwhelming at first, but here’s the truth: 15 minutes of prevention is worth 15 hours of repair.
Start with the pre-trip checklist and basic monthly maintenance. As you gain confidence, add more advanced tasks. Before you know it, you’ll be the person helping newcomers at the campground!
The RV lifestyle is incredible, but it requires commitment to maintenance. Take care of your rig, and it’ll take care of you for decades of adventures.
Ready to Hit the Road?
Now that you know how to maintain your RV, check out:
- First-Time RV Rental Guide - Start your RV journey
- Best RV Rentals by City - Find quality rentals near you
- Top Rated Campgrounds - Plan your next adventure
Got maintenance questions? Drop them in the comments - I’ll answer every one!
About the Author: Mike Thompson is a certified RV technician and full-time RVer with 15+ years experience. He’s personally maintained dozens of RVs and helped thousands of RVers through his blog and YouTube channel.