RV Maintenance Guide: Essential Tips & Checklists

RV maintenance is required to keep your motorhome or travel trailer in good condition to protect your loved ones and your financial investment. Whether you live in the RV permanently and travel around the country, or only take it on the road at certain times, it must be maintained. Are you experienced in RV maintenance? There is a lot you can do yourself, but other tasks must be performed by professionals.  

Motor Home Travel, ON, believes everyone deserves the freedom to explore the world in comfort and style. Our offerings include RV rentals, new vehicles, and RV service and parts. We have RV-certified service technicians skilled in working on all RV models, as your safety is important to us. We share essential maintenance tips in this guide, including basic seasonal and annual checklists.

RV Maintenance Checklist 

Certain motorhome maintenance tasks must be done before a trip, while others are completed monthly, seasonally, and annually.

The seasonal and annual checklists we provide are basic and must be expanded based on your unique needs.

- Seasonal maintenance
- Replace the water filter if you are not using the RV full-time.
- Deep clean the RV’s interior.
- Lubricate metal moving parts.
- Perform battery maintenance.
- Check seals.
- Winterize or summerize as required.
- Check the emergency road kit.

Annual maintenance

- Service the brakes and have the bearings repacked.
- Check the propane tanks, hoses, and seals for signs of cracking or wear.
- Sanitize the freshwater tank.
- Check the smoke alarms, CO2 detectors, fire extinguishers, and first aid kit.

Motor Home Travel service packages include cleaning, detailing, summerization, and winterization.

How to Maintain Your RV Roof and Tires  

Always follow the manufacturer’s guidelines when you perform maintenance on your RV. Not all RV roofs are walkable, and it is essential to double-check the owner’s manual before inspecting your motorhome or travel trailer’s roof. Inspect the roof bi-annually, including any skylights or roof vents. Reseal weathered, cracked, and dried seals. Only use approved cleaners and conditioners when cleaning the RV’s roof membrane.

Tire blowouts are common due to the additional load weight RVs carry. Check for tire pressure before every road trip to ensure it is correct per the owner’s manual. Replace the tires immediately if they show cuts, bulges, flat spots, uneven wear, or low tread.

Motorhome Maintenance Tips for Engine and Generator 

The motorhome generator provides electricity for essential RV amenities that enhance your comfort on a camping trip. It runs electrical devices, appliances, and it also charges the house battery. Maintain your RV generator by running it at least twice per month if you don’t use the motorhome permanently. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations on oil and filter change periods. 

Motorhome coaches require regular maintenance, and the intervals and maintenance actions are stated in their manuals. Take the vehicle to a certified RV mechanic to have the brakes checked and replaced if needed. Change the oil and oil filters to keep the engine running smoothly. Replace the air, fuel, coolant, and hydraulic filters for optimal fuel usage. Regular maintenance minimizes the likelihood of expensive repairs.

Common RV Repairs and How Often to Service Your RV  

RV care and maintenance service intervals will increase if you live in your RV and travel extensively. It is essential to update the vehicle’s maintenance log whether you use it often or go on an occasional trip. Common RV repairs include slide-outs that don’t work efficiently, leaking roofs and toilets, and a lack of power. Dirty filters also impact the efficiency of your RV’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system.  

At Motor Home Travel, we encourage clients to bring their RVs for regular service to ensure the vehicle’s reliability. We perform maintenance and repairs for RVs, motor homes, fifth wheels, and trailers. Our friendly staff will assist if you perform your own maintenance and require specific parts.

Motor Home Travel is dedicated to providing our clients with an unforgettable experience through exceptional customer service and unparalleled attention to detail. Book an RV maintenance service online or contact us directly. Let our professionals help you.