An RV is a house on wheels, and just like a house, it requires regular maintenance. Staying on top of a few key tasks will protect your investment, prevent costly surprises, and keep you safe on the road.
For a general overview, you can always start with our RV Maintenance And Care Tips.
Spring: De-Winterizing & Season Prep
Time to wake your RV up from storage and get it ready for the first trip.
- Flush the Water System: De-winterize your plumbing and sanitize the fresh water tank.
- Check Your Water Heater: Make sure it’s clear of obstructions and functioning. Learn more in A Quick Guide to RV Water Heaters.
- Test All Appliances: Run the fridge, stove, and A/C. For a deep dive, see Choosing the Best RV Air Conditioner for Optimal Comfort and Efficiency.
- Check Tires: Inflate to the correct pressure.
- Test Batteries: Charge and test your house batteries.
Summer: Pre-Trip & On-the-Road Checks
These are the things you should do before every single trip.
- Tire Pressure & Lug Nuts: Check them before you roll! This is critical. Get more details from The Importance of Protecting Your Tires – With OK Tire.
- Test Slide-Outs: Run your slide-outs before you leave to ensure they are working.
- Check Hitch Gear: If you have a towable, inspect your hitch, chains, and brake connections.
- Heads-Up: Hitch Hints: Do You Need A Dually?
Fall: Pre-Storage Prep
Properly prepping your RV for storage can save you thousands in repairs.
- Clean the Interior: Remove all food, linens, and personal items.
- Dump & Clean Holding Tanks: Don’t leave any surprises for spring.
- Drain Water Lines: Clear all water from the lines, water heater, and tanks.
- Find a Good Spot: Use our guide to Motorhome Storage Ideas for tips on protecting your rig.
Winter: Winterizing
If your RV will be in a climate that freezes, winterizing is non-negotiable.
- Add RV Antifreeze: Run non-toxic RV antifreeze through your entire plumbing system.
- Remove Batteries: Store your batteries in a cool, dry place.
All-Season Safety & Upgrades
Maintenance isn’t just about fixing what’s broken; it’s about being safe and improving your experience.
- Safety First: Review our RV Safety Tips to Stay Safe While RV’ing.
- Upgrades:
- Consider 10 Great Motorhome Upgrades to improve your rig.
- Explore RV Electric Leveling Systems Jacks and Stabilizers – An Introduction for Trailer Owners.