Most RV owners know that maintaining your RV is essential for ensuring safe, comfortable, and fun travel. But let’s be honest — not all RV owners do it. (And all too often experience the consequences.) Most RV owners are familiar with the basics. They’ll check tire pressure, inspect the battery, and ensure the brakes are functioning. (All good there.) But there are several often-overlooked aspects of RV maintenance. These forgotten items can lead to significant issues down the road if not addressed properly.
Working from the outside to the inside (not order of importance), this article will explore some of the most forgotten items in RV maintenance, why they’re essential, and tips on how to keep your RV in top shape.
No. 1: Exterior Wash and Wax
Sure, this may seem like extra work (and a small item on your very long checklist), but it’s kind of sad that many RV owners never take the time to give their rig a proper wash and wax. And the fact is, it’s not really just about looks. Failure to at least doing this at least a few times a year, will cause your exterior to break down over time. This will lead to paint damage paint and rust.
Furthermore, a clean and waxed RV not only has a better appearance (although it definitely does that). It also helps it retain value over time. While cleaning your RV, you should inspect the areas where dirt gathers. Some usual suspects are around your wheel wells, under the awnings, around the RV slides and seals, and around entry points on your roof such as vents and skylights.
No. 2: Chassis Maintenance
The RV chassis is the backbone of the vehicle and requires regular maintenance to ensure safe operation. This includes checking the suspension system, steering components, and alignment.
Despite it’s importance, many RV owners forget about chassis maintenance. And it’s kind of easy to understand why. The living areas of the RV are simply more visible. But don’t let the unseen sneak up on you. Schedule a professional chassis inspection annually to ensure everything is functioning correctly. Also, keep an eye on the fluid levels for the transmission and differential.
No. 3: Brake System Checks
Frankly, brake systems are probably the least checked and most neglected part of the RV. That despite this system being one of the most important safety features of an RV. Brake pads and shoes, and rotors and drums can wear down over time leading to reduced braking performance. Depending on the type of braking system you have, there are multiple components from the pedal to the linkages … to the air reservoirs … to the hydraulic master cylinder and wheel cylinders, et cetera. All of these items should be inspected at least visually before any trip. A more detailed inspection can be done whenever you have your tires rotated.
Additionally, brake fluid should be checked and replaced as needed. One reason is that hydraulic systems seem to take on condensation. (One indicator is that it will cause a soft or spongy brake pedal.) You should have your entire brake system inspected by your local RV shop at least yearly (and more frequently if you travel more often and also frequent hilly areas).
No. 4: Tire Maintenance
While it’s a pretty common practice to check tire pressure, RV owners tend to often overlook other areas of tire maintenance. This includes checking the tire tread depth, inspecting for any signs of wear, bulges and cuts and ensuring the tires are rotated on a regular basis.
Underinflated or overinflated tires can lead to poor fuel efficiency, uneven tire wear, and unsafe driving conditions. Additionally, remember to inspect the spare tire regularly, as it can often be forgotten — and ensure that your rig is properly equipped for RV tire maintenance and repair.
No. 5: Elastomeric Sealing and Caulking
The roof, windows, and doors of an RV are highly susceptible to leaks, which can lead to extensive water damage and mold growth. Many RV owners forget to regularly inspect and maintain the seals and caulking around these areas. (Heading into the winter season is always a good time to check your seals.)
It’s essential to check for cracks, peeling, or deterioration of the sealing material. Inspect the seals and roof at least twice a year, especially before the travel season. If you find any issues, clean the area thoroughly before applying new caulk or sealant.
No. 6: Propane System Inspection
The propane system is essential for running appliances. (Think of ranges and stoves, three-way refrigerators, and heaters.) However, many RV owners forget to inspect the propane system regularly for leaks and proper functioning. A leak can be dangerous and lead to costly repairs.
Use a soap solution to check for leaks by applying it to the connections and looking for bubbles. When making checks on this system, you want to focus on the connections at the tanks, the connections at the appliances, and the actual lines themselves. You may have flexible and or hard lines. Also, ensure that the propane tanks are secure and certified on a regular basis.
No. 7: Water and Water Tank System
One of the most crucial yet often neglected aspects of RV maintenance is the RV water system. Many RV owners forget to sanitize their freshwater tanks and lines regularly. Contaminated water can lead to health issues and can even damage the plumbing system.
It’s recommended to sanitize the water system at least once a year, especially if the RV has been unused for an extended period. Use a mixture of bleach and water (1/4 cup of unscented household bleach for every 15 gallons of water) to clean the system. After sanitizing, run the water until you can smell the bleach. Let it sit for a few hours. Then flush with fresh water, running the water until you can no longer smell bleach or detect any other product in your system except H2O.
Flushing of the gray and black water tanks is also important to the health of your water system in your RV. Make sure to also fill your gray and black water tanks up at least ¾ of the way to flush them out every season.
No. 8: HVAC System Maintenance
The heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system in an RV is often taken for granted. (Until it stops working — as soon as you need it.) Checking and replacing the air filters should be done on a regular basis. You should check and replace air filters regularly. Not doing this will will negatively affect your RV, just like it would in a house. It can lead to reduced efficiency and air quality issues.
Inspect the HVAC system at the beginning of each travel season and replace filters as needed. Additionally, clean the exterior unit to remove dust and debris that can hinder performance.
No. 9: Battery Care
Another commonly neglected area is your battery banks and associated cables and switches. RV batteries require regular maintenance to ensure they provide the appropriate amount of charge to start your RV. (That in addition to charging other necessary batteries to run all the accessories in your RV that run on a 12-volt or 24-volt system.)
This includes checking fluid levels, cleaning build up on the terminals, making sure batteries are charging as they should, checking all the cables, switches and busbars. Many RV owners forget about their batteries, as well as the other components of the electrical system (more on that in a second). It’s particularly common when the RV is not in use, which can lead to dead batteries when they are finally ready to hit the road.
Check the battery fluid levels monthly. Clean the terminals with a mixture of baking soda and water if you notice corrosion. It is also recommended that you use a battery tender to trickle charge your batteries so that you will not be surprised where’s the dead battery when you’re ready to go on your trip.
No. 10: Electrical System Evaluation
We’ll admit it: Your RVs electrical system can be a very complex system. Many owners totally forget to perform regular checks. (And others pretend to forget.) These checks include simple inspecting of exposed wiring harnesses, testing your ground on your 120-volt AC system, and testing out all appliances and outlets and lights to ensure functionality.
RVs typically have either at 12-volt and or 24-volt DC system which is charged by your alternator on your vehicle, solar panels on the roof, or through your on-board generator (if you have one). Make sure to note any lights that may flicker or are in operable, any appliances that do not work properly or intermittently. If you encounter any issues, start with your fuse block and more breaker box to ensure they are properly seated and not trip or blown. Any major issues with either the DC or the AC system should be referred to your local RV shop.
Perfecting Your RV Maintenance Checklist
RV maintenance is a task that requires attention to detail. While it’s easy to remember the more prominent aspects of maintenance, it’s often the forgotten items that can lead to significant issues down the road. By staying vigilant and proactive about these commonly overlooked areas, RV owners can ensure their vehicles remain safe, comfortable, and ready for adventure. Regular maintenance not only prolongs the life of the RV but also enhances the overall travel experience, allowing for countless memorable journeys. You know, the stuff we like.
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