Last Updated on December 19, 2022

No one wants to think about their RV breaking down, but if you’re properly prepared, you can minimize the stress that comes with it. This comprehensive RV maintenance checklist will help make sure your vehicle is in good shape for your next road trip. Review it regularly and you’ll be able to avoid any nasty surprises. 

Types Of RV Maintenance

RV maintenance can be divided into two broad categories, and each of these types has its particularities. The first type is the cosmetic one which includes regular cleaning to make sure that your vehicle looks good on the outside; this will help you in attracting more customers or making an impression when traveling through public spaces like rest stops etc. The second category for RVs involves more major services such as changing your vehicle’s oil, tire rotations, and so forth. These are essential for keeping your RV in good working order and making sure that it is safe to drive.

Reasons For Maintaining Your RV

There are several reasons why you should take care of your recreational vehicle or camper. First and foremost, RVs are a significant investment, so you’ll want to protect your investment by keeping it in good condition. Not to mention, if you’re living in your RV full-time or using it for long road trips, you’ll want to make sure it’s in top shape to avoid any breakdowns or other issues while you’re on the road.

Regular Maintenance Schedule For RVs

Just like with any other vehicle, your RV will need regular maintenance to keep it running smoothly. If you want to avoid major problems, here is a basic RV maintenance schedule to follow:

• Every 3-6 months: change your oil and filter, rotate your tires, and check your brakes
• Every 6-12 months: check/clean your air filter, inspect your hoses and belts, clean your roof, lubricate your slides, change the oil in your generator; test, and if needed add water to your battery

Of course, this is just a general guide and you should consult your RV’s owner’s manual for specific maintenance recommendations.

How To Maintain Your RV

Now that you know the importance of maintaining your recreational vehicle, let’s take a look at some tips on how to actually do it.

Keep Your RV Clean – Both Inside and Out!

This may seem like an obvious one, but it’s important to regularly clean your RV both inside and out. Not only will this help it look its best, but it will also prevent dirt and grime from building up and causing long-term damage. Be sure to vacuum and clean the interior, as well as wash and wax the exterior.

Pay Attention to Your RV Tires

The condition of your RV’s tires is crucial to their longevity. If you don’t check on them regularly, they’ll wear out quickly and easily which can lead not only to poor performance but also to dangerous situations like driving over potholes or cracks in the road without knowing about it beforehand!

During our time away from campers we often forget just how much pressure changes will affect this type of vehicle, especially when left unused for an extended period of days/weeks at a time. It’s important to maintain the safety of your RV by checking tire pressure and ensuring it is inflated correctly before getting back on the road. If you have underinflated tires, they may burst when exposed to air which could cause an accident – not just for yourself but also for other people nearby! In addition to preventative maintenance tips, we recommend inspecting all four-wheel lug nuts each time as well as tightening any loose ones during storage periods.

Check Your Fluids

Just like in any other vehicle, your RV needs regular checks of its fluids – oil, coolant, brake fluid, etc. Be sure to consult your owner’s manual to see how often these need to be changed.

Inspect Your Hoses and Belts

Your RV has a lot of hoses and belts that are essential for its proper functioning. Be sure to inspect them regularly for any signs of cracks, leaks, or wear and tear. If you notice anything suspicious, have them replaced as soon as possible.

Service Your Generator

If you have an onboard generator, it’s important to give it some love too! Check the oil level and change it according to the manufacturer’s recommendations. You should also run it regularly (at least once a month) to keep it in good shape.

Maintain Waste Water System

Maintaining your RV’s wastewater system is another important part of camping trailer maintenance. Every camper has their own preference for chemicals, so you’ll want to make sure that you know the correct fluid and flush out any blockages regularly in order to prevent problems during storage or if there are freeze-ups from occurring due to high temperatures freezing pipes which could lead to them to seize up entirely!

RV Battery Care

The battery is one of the most important parts of maintaining an RV, so it should always be inspected regularly. When preparing your motorhome for winter (winterizing), you cannot leave batteries inside indefinitely; otherwise, they will die or even ruin.

The best way to protect your RV battery during winter is by disconnecting the negative cable and storing it in an area that’s not subject to freezing temperatures. If you’ll be leaving everything inside, make sure periodically inspect or charge up with a trickle current so its functionality never gets compromised!

Winterize Your RV

If you live in an area with cold winters, it’s important to winterize your RV before the temperature drops. This includes things like draining the water lines, adding antifreeze to the plumbing system, and more. Make sure you get a camper cover when your RV isn’t in use- this will help prevent any costly repairs from occurring due to weathering on the outside of your vehicle! Consult your owner’s manual or a professional for specific instructions on how to winterize your RV.