Owning an RV is an amazing way to explore the great outdoors, create lasting memories, and enjoy the comfort of home wherever the road takes you. But like any major investment, you need to do regular RV maintenance to keep it running smoothly and avoid costly repairs down the line. Neglecting this can turn your dream camping trip into a frustrating experience—trust us, we’ve seen it happen!

Fortunately, with a little TLC and a solid plan, you can ensure that your RV stays in top shape and ready for adventure. Here’s everything you need to know about creating a RV maintenance schedule that works for you.

Why Maintenance Matters

Think of your RV as more than just a vehicle—it’s your mobile home and adventure machine. Regular upkeep helps:

• Prevent expensive repairs
• Prolong the lifespan of your RV
• Keep you and your passengers safe
• Ensure stress-free adventures

Neglecting basic maintenance can lead to unexpected breakdowns and even safety risks, which no one needs when you’re cruising down the highway or setting up camp. The good news is, most tasks are straightforward, and for those that aren’t, calling in some professional help is always an option.

3 Steps to Stay on Top of RV Maintenance

1. Create a Maintenance Schedule

Routine is key when it comes to RV maintenance. A schedule ensures you’re checking everything on time without missing a beat. Some tasks, like inspecting your roof or testing your appliances, should be done before every camping season. Others, like cleaning out the A/C unit or checking the water heater, should happen at least twice a year.

Here are some essential maintenance tasks to include in your schedule:

• Inspect for water leaks
• Test your A/C and furnace systems
• Check the roof for any damage or holes
• Examine brakes, axles, and tires
• Extend and retract your slides

(Spoiler alert—these are just the basics! Scroll down for a deeper list.)

Remember, consistency is key. Add maintenance tasks to your calendar or set reminders for the start of each camping season.

2. Use a Checklist

We can’t emphasize this enough—a checklist is your best friend. It keeps you organized and ensures no stone goes unturned. Plus, it’s incredibly satisfying to tick off tasks as you go!

Don’t have a checklist yet? No problem—download our free RV maintenance checklist here to keep in your rig. Tape it inside a cupboard or pin it to your bulletin board so it’s always handy.

3. Know When to Call for Help

While many maintenance tasks are DIY-friendly, some require tools, expertise, or just more elbow grease than you’re comfortable with. That’s when calling in the pros is a smart move.

For example:

• If your brakes or axles need repair, leave it to professionals to ensure safety.
• Water leaks can sometimes require more extensive seal repairs—better to get experienced eyes on them.
• Electrical and control panel issues can be complicated and dangerous. When in doubt, call an expert!

Here’s a hot tip for busy RV owners—some professional techs offer mobile services, coming straight to your location to repair or inspect your RV. It doesn’t get more convenient than that.

Essential Maintenance Tasks for Every RV Owner

Here’s a handy overview of essential tasks to help you kickstart your maintenance plan:

Before Each Camping Season

• Check for Water Leaks

Inspect all sinks, bathrooms, doors, windows, and seals for cracks or leaks. Remember, even small leaks can create big problems!

• Inspect Roofs and Seals

Make sure there are no holes, cracks, or worn-out seals that might compromise your roof. A 5-minute inspection can save you from a costly repair!

• Test Brakes, Hubs, Tires, and Axles

Faulty brakes or tires are not only inconvenient but also dangerous. Look for cracks, bulges, or tire wear and test your brakes before you hit the road.

• Clean and Test the A/C

Remove debris, clean filters, and check the entire system to avoid running into summer heat without reliable cooling.

• Test Appliances

Ensure all appliances (fridge, oven, stove) are functioning properly on both propane and electric sources, if applicable.

• Inspect Emergency Exits

Ensure all exits function properly. You don’t want to discover they’re stuck shut during an emergency.

Twice Per Year

• Inspect and Clean the Water Heater

Turn on your hot water system and test it at all faucets to ensure it’s working.

• Check Batteries and Shore Power Supply

Inspect your batteries for corrosion and test their voltage. Don’t forget to check your main shore power cable for any damage or wear.

• Service Your Furnace

Even if you don’t expect to need it, testing your furnace ensures it’s functional for unexpected chilly nights.

• Check and Lubricate Landing Gear

Extend and retract your landing gear and stabilizers to ensure everything is working correctly. Lubricate the mechanisms as necessary to keep them moving smoothly.

• Maintain the Awning

Extend the awning, clean it, and ensure it functions properly.

Pro Tips for RV Maintenance

• Use a battery tester to monitor battery health—it will save you a lot of frustration down the road.
• Carry spare fuses and light bulbs—they’re inexpensive but can be hard to find in remote areas.
• Be proactive about small fixes. A tiny crack can quickly turn into a full-blown leak.

Don’t Go It Alone

We’re here to make your RV life as smooth as possible. Whether you’re a seasoned camper or just getting started, staying on top of maintenance is the key to stress-free adventures.

Need help? We’ve got you covered. Our team of certified RV technicians is always ready to inspect, repair, or offer advice. Give us a text at 314-907-0937, or visit our website to find out how we can assist you.

Regular maintenance doesn’t just save you money—it keeps you safe and lets you enjoy the open road with total peace of mind.

Here’s to more adventures and fewer breakdowns. Happy camping!