AZ Checklists
RV Maintenance Checklist for Reliable Trips

RV Maintenance Checklist for Reliable Trips

Comprehensive RV maintenance checklist covering engine, systems, safety, and seasonal care to keep your recreational vehicle road-ready.

Complete RV Maintenance & Inspection Guide

Keep your RV in top condition with this complete maintenance and inspection guide. Check engine oil, brakes, and tires, inspect electrical and plumbing systems, test safety alarms, and perform seasonal upkeep before every trip. Regular care ensures smooth operation, safety, and reliability on all your adventures.

1. Pre-Trip / Trip Start Checks

1Check all exterior lights (headlights, tail, brake, turn signals) and interior lights
2Inspect tire pressure (cold) and tire condition (cracks, bulges, tread)
3Verify lug nut torque on all wheels
4Inspect hitch, coupler, safety chains, and wiring connection
5Secure all doors, windows, vents, awnings, slide-outs, and external compartments
6Turn off water pump, close fresh water valves, turn off propane appliances
7Check all hoses (fresh, gray, black water lines) for leaks, cracks, or loose connections
8Test brakes (tow vehicle and trailer) for proper function
9Ensure mirrors, antenna, satellite, and skylights are in safe/parked position
10Stow loose items inside, lock cabinets and secure valuables

2. Engine / Chassis / Drivetrain

1Check engine oil level and quality; change if due
2Inspect coolant/antifreeze level and condition, radiator, hoses, belts
3Check transmission fluid level (if applicable)
4Inspect drive belts and pulleys for wear or cracks
5Inspect exhaust system for leaks, loose hangers, corrosion
6Check air filter and replace/clean as needed
7Inspect fuel lines, filters, and connections
8Inspect battery (terminals, charge, electrolyte level if applicable)
9Inspect for fluid leaks (oil, coolant, transmission, brake fluid)
10Check engine compartment for rodent nests, debris, condition of wiring

3. Tires, Wheels & Bearings

1Inspect overall tire condition (sidewalls, wear, deformities)
2Check tire pressure and adjust to manufacturer spec
3Rotate tires if applicable and check alignment
4Inspect wheel rims/assemblies for cracks or damage
5Check wheel bearings: inspect, clean, repack grease at annual interval
6Replace bearing seals if removed or leaking
7Check brake assemblies, pads, drums/rotors (for trailer/hitch)
8Inspect suspension components (leaf springs, shackles, U-bolts)
9Inspect lug nuts for torque and signs of loosening
10Monitor tire temperature after a drive (for hotspots)

4. Slide-Outs, Awnings & Exterior Mechanisms

1Inspect slide-out seals and gaskets for wear, cracks, or gaps
2Lubricate slide mechanisms, rails, rollers as recommended
3Check awning fabric for tears, mildew, fading
4Lubricate awning arms, pivot points, roller bar
5Clean and inspect slide-out roof area (remove debris)
6Check alignment and smooth operation of slides
7Inspect weather seals on awnings and slide-outs for proper contact
8Inspect and tighten hardware / mounting brackets
9Inspect awning motors (if powered) and wiring
10Retract and test slide-outs under power and manual backup

5. Roofing, Seals & Exterior Body

1Inspect roof surface for cracks, punctures, blisters, seams
2Check all roof seals and seams (around vents, skylights, AC units)
3Re-seal or caulk where gaps or deterioration exist
4Clean and condition the roof (UV protection)
5Inspect exterior body panels, siding, decals for damage or peeling
6Inspect windows, doors, and their seals for proper sealing
7Inspect storage compartment doors, hinges, locks, gaskets
8Inspect vents, furnace vents, plumbing vents, dryer vents
9Lubricate door hinges, locks, steps
10Wash and wax exterior for protection

6. Electrical & Power Systems

1Inspect all battery banks: check voltage, specific gravity, terminals, corrosion
2Clean battery terminals and apply terminal protectant
3Check converter / charger operation (for on-board charging)
4Test shore power connections, cords, surge protector
5Inspect DC wiring, fuses, fuse blocks, circuit breakers
6Check AC wiring, outlets, GFCIs, breakers
7Test inverter (if installed) under load
8Test all internal lighting, receptacles, appliances
9Inspect wiring for chafing, loose connections, heat damage
10Record and log battery performance and maintenance

7. Plumbing, Water Systems & Tanks

1Sanitize the fresh water system periodically (e.g. bleach flush)
2Drain and flush the water heater; check the anode rod (if applicable)
3Inspect faucets, shower heads, valves for leaks or drips
4Inspect and clean P-traps, drains, trap arms
5Inspect holding tanks (black, gray): clean, flush, check connections
6Check tank fill, vent, and drain valves for proper operation
7Inspect and replace water filters as needed
8Winterize plumbing (if applicable): de-winterize when in season
9Check for leaks in plumbing lines, fittings, joints
10Insulate exposed pipes or hoses to prevent freezing

8. HVAC, Furnace & Ventilation

1Clean or replace furnace filters
2Inspect furnace unit, vents, flue, exhaust for blockage
3Test heating system performance and airflow
4Clean evaporator coil and fan for air conditioner
5Inspect air conditioner shroud, vents, seals
6Clean air conditioner filters and vent systems
7Inspect and clean ventilation fans (bath, kitchen)
8Check seals around vents, ducts for leaks
9Test thermostat operation (heating / cooling)
10Inspect ductwork for loose ducts, holes, insulation gaps

9. Safety Devices & Detectors

1Test smoke detectors regularly and replace batteries
2Test carbon monoxide detectors / propane detectors
3Check fire extinguishers: pressure gauge, accessibility, date
4Inspect LP gas system: cylinders, regulators, hoses, leaks (use soap test)
5Check pressure relief valves and tank safety devices
6Ensure proper ventilation around gas appliances
7Inspect and test emergency exits, windows, opening mechanisms
8Verify operation of emergency lighting (if equipped)
9Check for proper labeling and warnings on appliances
10Verify that safety & operation manuals are onboard and accessible

10. Maintenance Records, Seasonal & Annual Tasks

1Maintain a log of all maintenance tasks, dates, parts used
2Schedule and perform annual inspections (engine tune-up, brake service, etc.)
3Weigh RV and check axle/total loads
4Inspect and service brakes, brake lines, drums/rotors
5Inspect belts, hoses, tensioners; replace if worn
6Change fluids: engine oil, transmission, coolant, etc.
7Winterize (if applicable): antifreeze, drain water, protect interior
8Deep-clean interior and exterior (detailing)
9Inspect and upgrade insulation, seals, or upgrades
10Review and update manufacturer recall notices or service bulletins
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