RV Maintenance Checklist & Tips to Avoid Trouble on Your Trip: A Complete Guide

Jun 29

Preventative maintenance is one of the biggest favors you can do for yourself when it comes to RVs. By doing a few simple tasks every year before you hit the road, you can help prevent putting a damper on your summer adventures.

I asked Rich Luhr, co-owner of the Airgear.Store and publisher of Airstream Life Magazine to give us some best practices and pro tips to maintaining your RV. No matter if you have a Class B+ (class C) like a Leisure Travel Vans Unity or Wonder or an Airstream or a fifthwheel, this advice should serve you some value.

In this conversation, Brandon and Rich discuss the necessary maintenance and checks to ensure an RV is in great working condition for summer travel. They cover topics such as checking all systems before the first trip, inspecting the RV air conditioner and tongue jack, lubricating moving parts, inspecting tires and brakes, sanitizing the plumbing system, and using black tank additives. They also discuss the importance of torqueing lug nuts and replacing water filter cartridges. Overall, the conversation provides valuable tips and reminders for RV owners to keep their vehicles in optimal condition.

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Quick Takeaways

It is recommended to do a walk-through inspection of the RV before the first trip of the season.
Lubricate moving parts such as your stabilizers, door hinges and awnings. Check out the RV Maintenance Kit to carry
Turn on all the appliances (stove, furnace, water heater, refrigerator, air conditioner, etc.) and check if they are working properly.
Check the water pump to make sure it’s working correctly.
Clean the air conditioner coils and fins. You can use a vacuum cleaner, brush, or fin comb to clean the coils and fins.
Check the roof for any signs of leaks or damages.
Replace the smoke and carbon monoxide detector batteries.
Check the fire extinguisher and make sure it is not expired.
Consider carrying a 12-volt compressor to inflate tires on the road. We recommend the Viair RV450
Take a short trip before a long trip to shake down the RV and identify any potential problems.