RV Maintenance Schedule

Keeping your RV in tip top shape is important if you want to keep making camping memories year after year. Use the checklist below to make sure you are as current as you can possibly be in all of your RV maintenance.

Maintenance ItemEvery TripMonthlySeasonallyYearlyHelpful media

Check your Tires

Read about RV/trailer tires

Check your 7-way

Read about 7-way installation

Check your Slide-Out

Check your Propane Hoses

Read about propane troubleshooting

Check your Battery Levels

Read about charging RV batteries

Run your Generators

Read about portable generators

Clean your Air Ducts

Check your Fire/ Carbon Monoxide Detectors

Check for Pests

Clean your RV Awning

Read about cleaning your RV awning

Wash / Wax your RV Exterior

Browse RV cleaning supplies

Deep Clean your RV Interior

Browse RV cleaning supplies

Lubricate your Slide-Outs

Service your Engine (on Drivable RVs)

Flush your Holding Tanks

Read about flushing your black tank or gray tank

Deep Clean your Water Heater

Read about cleaning your RV water heater

Check your Seals

Read about re-sealing your RV

Check your Propane Tank

Read about propane troubleshooting

Service your Brakes/ Repack your Bearings

Watch a video about repacking your bearings

Service your AC / Furnace

Read about servicing your RV air conditioner

Check your TiresYou want to make sure that your tires are aired up according to manufacturer specifications. If your tires are too low, you can damage your rims and you decrease your overall fuel efficiency. If your tires are overfilled, then you increase your risk of a blowout, which can cause further damage to your RV.Now is also a great time to take a look at your tires for signs of dry rot. Cracking on the walls of your tires may mean that your tires are due for a replacement. We suggest using tire covers while storing your RV, or when camping for a long period of time to reduce the effects of dry rot.The last thing to take a look at would be your lug nuts. With the increased bouncing of your RV, it is not uncommon for them to come loose over time, which can cause your tire to come loose while traveling (a very bad thing if you didn't already assume that).Check your 7-way ConnectionVerify that the connection between your towing vehicle and your RV (or in the case of flat towing, your RV and your towed vehicle) is in working order by checking both of your blinkers, your brake lights, and your hazards.This is important not just for your lights, but for your brake controller as well (a necessary component of safe towing). Another benefit, with certain setups you get to charge your RV batteries during the commute!Make Sure your Slide Out is Free of ObstructionsIt's easy for something to get caught in your slide at the end of a camping trip. Maybe there's a toy wedged under there, maybe there's a sock or a toothbrush. Realistically anything small enough could get stuck, and has the possibility of hindering the easy operation of your slide out. We suggest making sure the path of your slide is clear every time you put your slide in. This easy and quick form of maintenance will save you a ton of headache if you are able to avoid damage to your slide outs.Check your Propane Hoses for Signs of DamageIf the hoses on your propane tank are faulty, you run the risk of a leak. Which at best will leave you without gas for your appliances, but at worst could damage or potentially destroy your RV.Check to make sure the connections are secure on your propane tank, but also inspect the hoses for any cracks or damage. If you are unsure if your hose is safe to use, recommend getting a new one to be safe, or having a propane technician take a look at your propane system.Pro Tip: A leak that you don't anticipate or check for can leave you without propane for your camping trip. Which is definitely not what you want. But leaks aren't the only reason to have less propane than you need. While it is less about maintenance, we definitely suggest checking your propane levels before every trip.Check your Battery LevelsThe majority of RV problems boil down to an issue in the electrical system. Use a voltmeter to check your battery levels and make sure they are staying sufficiently charged.Pro Tip: Keep a trickle charger attached to your battery in the off season to make sure it doesn't lose too much charge when you aren't using it!If you are using a flooded lead-acid battery, check the fluid levels and make sure they're at the manufacturer-approved levels. If they are low, fill them up with distilled water (make sure it is distilled water, this is important). Run your GeneratorIt is a good idea to run your generators for roughly 2 hours at 50% capacity, once a month at a minimum. Obviously if you are camping every other weekend with your generator this is less of a concern, as you will be meeting these usage requirements naturally.This applies while your RV (and potentially your generator) is in storage too! Keeping fuel cycling through your generator regularly is a great way to make sure it is running strong year after year.Clean your Air DuctsMake sure to clean your air ducts in your RV regularly. Not only will this improve air flow in general, but the collected dust can be a fire risk if it acccumulates near a source of heat.Cleaning your air ducts can be intimidating, but it's actually rather simple, and can be broken down into just a few steps. First, turn your thermostat off, this makes sure that while you are cleaning your system, it does not turn on. Second, remove your vent covers, this is usually done by just grabbing both ends of the vent and pulling firmly, but can sometimes require you to remove some screws as well. Next you should clean your fans with compressed air, a vacuum, or a cloth. For bonus points, use a plumbing snake to clean the ducts themselves. The majority of debris will be collected on the fans, but the ducts may get dirty as well and would appreciate some TLC. Inspect your DetectorsMake sure that your propane, fire, and carbon monoxide detectors are in working order. These are invaluable for keeping your RV safe for you and your passengers.Check for Signs of PestsPests can be a major concern when storing your RV. Check for signs of entry, or damage that may have come from pests chewing. It's a good idea to check near your water heater, furnace, fridge, or vents. Pests will gravitate toward areas with food or warmth, and you should begin your search there.If you do find signs of entry, and you believe them to be rodent in origin, it is a good idea to close up the hole using steel wool, as that will deter rodents from returning.Inspect and Clean your AwningStart by inspecting your awning for any damage. Rips or tears in the fabric of your awning will get worse over time, and will obviously impact the awning's effectiveness. Even if you find no damage to your awning, it is a good idea to deep clean it at the start and end of every season. This will keep it from mold, mildew, or bird droppings.Wash and Wax your RV ExteriorIt is important to keep the exterior of your RV clean, not only for aesthetic reasons, but to protect it from dirt, mold, and other external factors. There's no denying it, your RV will get dirty. It is out in nature after all.Deep Clean your RV InteriorIt's a good idea to regularly deep clean the interior of your RV. Not only will this make it significantly more comfortable to stay in overall, but will decrease the likelihood of mold, mildew and even pests.Lubricate your Slide-OutsMake sure your slides are properly lubricated to manufacturer standards. Many slides will have different lubricating procedures, so consult your owner's manual beforehand. Properly lubricated slides will not only last longer, but run more smoothly, quietly, and efficiently.Service your EngineIf your RV is drivable, then it will require all of the same maintenance as a car. This means your filters, your oil levels, even your windshield wiper fluid will need to be topped off every season. Flush your Holding TanksFlushing your black and gray water tanks every season is extremely important for preventing buildup, clogging, and a legitimately offensive odor. Clean your tanks according to the manufacturer standards, many RVers use liquid bleach or dish detergent in order to clean their tanks.Deep Clean your Water HeaterIt is important to clean your water heater to manufacturer standards at least once a year. But if you camp often with particularly hard water, you will want to do this twice a year. You will also want to check the panels behind your water heater, fridge, and furnace to clear any debris from the mechanical components. A buildup of dust and debris can be a fire hazard if it is near too many heating elements. Inspect your SealsCheck the seals around your doors, windows, and appliances. Closing up the seals with approved RV sealant will keep your RV insulated, improving the efficiency of your AC and heating systems. This is also great because it closes up any holes that pests may enter through, making that task significantly easier as well.Inspect your Propane Tank for DamageEvery year you should inspect the propane tank itself for any damage. Any rust, dents, or other damage should be considered carefully, and should be inspected by a certified propane technician.A damaged propane tank can lead to a gas leak, or worse, an explosion. Repairing or replacing your propane tank is necessary for making sure your RV is safe for years to come.Service your RV BrakesIt is extremely important to check your brakes in your RV yearly. Because of the weight of your RV (and the resulting inertia generated while it is in motion), your brake pads are under significant stress, and any failure of them can result in disaster.You may not need to replace them every year, depending on your usage, but checking to make sure they are in working order at least once a year is a great habit to get into.It's also very important to check and repack your bearings. This may seem like an intimidating process, but you can watch our step-by-step guide video by clicking here.Service your AC/FurnaceWe suggest having an AC/furnace technician take a look at your system at least once a year. Not only are these expensive to replace if they fail completely (often because of problems that could have been prevented with regular maintenance), but the comfort of having a cool RV during the hottest months of the year can't be overstated. Last updated: 5/25/2023