RV preventative maintenance helps protect your investment, prevent costly breakdowns, and ensure safety on the road by breaking tasks into manageable pre-trip, monthly, and seasonal schedules.
1. Before Every Trip (Pre-Trip Inspection)
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Tires and Wheels: Check tire pressure with a gauge, inspect sidewalls for dry rot or cracks, and verify lug nut torque to specifications.
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Electrical & Brakes: Test the 7-way tow vehicle connection, brake lights, turn signals, and the emergency breakaway cable.
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Safety Alarms: Test smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and propane (LP) gas detectors.
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Propane System: Inspect LP hoses for wear and verify tank levels.
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Exterior & Roof: Walk the roof perimeter to check for major tears or loose components, and secure all roof vents and windows
2. Monthly Maintenance
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Seals & Caulking: Visually inspect exterior window, door, and roof sealant for cracking or separation.
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Batteries: Measure battery voltage, check water levels in flooded lead-acid batteries, and clean any terminal corrosion.
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Air Conditioning & Vents: Clean or vacuum AC intake filters and range hood filters.
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Slide-Outs: Clean debris off the electric slide rails and wipe down rubber seals.
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Generator: Run the generator for 10–20 minutes under a moderate load to keep internal parts lubricated
3. Quarterly & Seasonal Maintenance
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Roof Inspection: Perform a detailed check of the entire roof membrane and reseal any penetrations (vents, AC units, antennas).
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Plumbing & Water: Sanitize the fresh water tank, flush the water heater, and check the anode rod.
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Hinges & Hardware: Lubricate entry door hinges, baggage compartment latches, and slide-out mechanisms with an RV-approved silicone spray.
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Brakes & Bearings (Annually): Inspect trailer brakes, magnets, and suspension components, and have wheel bearings repacked every 12 months or 12,000 miles.