Enjoy Worry-Free Adventures With These RV Maintenance Checklists.

An RV gives you the freedom to follow your wanderlust in maximum comfort, but a breakdown or mechanical failure can turn your dream adventure into a nightmare. You might be hundreds of miles from home when you discover that your refrigerator has broken or, worse, find yourself stranded on the side of the road with a flat tire or smoking engine.

Regular RV maintenance helps prevent unexpected issues and gives you peace of mind during your journeys. Maintenance lets you catch and fix minor problems early before they become bigger—and more expensive—repairs. Plus, taking proper care of your RV can increase the resale value if you sell or upgrade later.

Our comprehensive RV maintenance checklists cover every step you need to take to keep your vehicle in tip-top shape.

General RV Maintenance Do's and Don’ts

Many RV owners rely on a dealership or mechanic to maintain their vehicles. However, most maintenance tasks are relatively simple, so you can save money by handling them yourself. Online RV forums and YouTube provide plenty of resources to help you get started.

No matter which option you choose, following these basic do's and don’ts will ensure your vehicle runs smoothly.

Do:

• Read your RV owner’s manual to learn about the maintenance requirements for your specific model.
• Check the tire pressure before every trip and add more air if needed.
• Remove the battery and store it inside if you store your RV during colder months.
• Clean the awning regularly to prevent mold.
• Store your RV in a safe, shaded location out of the elements.
• Test your air conditioning, heating, and water system before every trip.
• Wash the exterior of your RV as needed to remove salt, dirt, and other debris.
• Shop around to find affordable RV parts and service providers.

Don't:

• Forget to winterize your RV if you live in a cold climate
• Overload your RV with too much weight
• Use harsh chemicals to clean your RV
• Ignore signs of a developing issue
• Be afraid to ask for help from an RV dealership, mechanic, or another professional if you can’t fix a problem yourself

Monthly RV Maintenance Checklist

You should perform these maintenance tasks monthly, even if you aren’t using your RV.

• Tighten lug nuts. Wheel lug nuts can gradually loosen over time and potentially cause a tire to detach while driving. Avoid this dangerous scenario by checking your lug nuts and tightening loose ones with a torque wrench.
• Clean the air-conditioning unit. Dust, pet hair, and other debris can build up in air-conditioning filters and vents. Over time, these materials can clog your A/C unit and cause it to fail. Keep your RV cool by vacuuming the vents and changing the filters monthly.
• Inspect the seals. Your RV has waterproof seals around the doors, windows, slide-outs, and other openings. Worn-out seals will let moisture seep inside the vehicle, leading to mold and water damage. Check your roof and other vulnerable areas for discoloration, cracked seals, and water leaks. Apply an RV sealant to weakening seals to maintain the barrier and prevent damage.
• Run the generator. Like your car engine, your RV generator must run regularly to circulate the oil and keep all the moving parts operating smoothly. Run your generator for at least two hours at 50% load monthly, even when you’ve stored your RV for the winter.
• Check engine fluid levels. Your RV engine contains several fluids, including coolant, oil, and power steering fluid. Use dipsticks to regularly check the engine’s fluid levels and top them off as needed. A sudden or consistent drop in one fluid could be a sign of a leak. Inspect the engine for the source of the leak and consult a professional mechanic if you need assistance repairing it.

Seasonal RV Maintenance Checklist

Take care of these tasks every three months so your RV stays in top shape year-round.

• Perform roof maintenance. Inspect your roof at least once a season for damage, and repair deteriorating seals. You should also clean off snow and leaves as necessary.
• Clean up after pets. Life on the road can be messy, especially if you have pets. RVing with pets is a great way to travel, but be sure to clean up after your furry friends, just as you would in your house.
• Change your oil. Change your oil every 3,000 miles to 5,000 miles, or as recommended by your owner’s manual. You should also replace your air, coolant, hydraulic, and oil filters to make sure your engine functions properly.
• Clean your holding tanks. Unsurprisingly, your black and gray wastewater tanks can become smelly and unsanitary without regular maintenance. Empty the tanks at a dump station and use an RV-safe cleaning agent to disinfect them. Take the RV for a spin around the block to agitate the solution in the tanks, drain them, and flush them with clean water to remove any remaining fluid.

Annual RV Maintenance Checklist

Set aside one day each year to handle periodic maintenance tasks. Many people choose to perform these tasks at the end of winter so they’re ready to take advantage of warmer weather.

• Perform water heater maintenance. Don’t get caught on the road without hot water. Hire an HVAC professional to inspect and service your water heater annually.
• Professionally service your brakes. Brakes protect your family and other drivers, so it’s essential to have a professional check them at least once a year. They may recommend replacing the brakes or brake pads, flushing the brake fluid, or changing sticky calipers.

Safeguard Your RV 24/7 With a Warranty

Regular maintenance helps prevent breakdowns and damage, but even the most diligent RV owners can experience issues. Prepare for the unexpected with ARW’s extended RV warranty. Our comprehensive plans cover air conditioners, engineers, slide-out mechanisms, and many other mechanical components. We also cover repairs from mobile RV mechanics so you can get help wherever you need it. Contact us today for a free quote.