Living full-time in an RV and life on the open road is an adventure like no other! But did you know that 64% of full-time RVers experience a major mechanical issue within their first year of travel? Don’t let that be you! Whether you’re a seasoned nomad or just starting your journey, proper maintenance is the key to keeping your rolling home in top shape.

What are the most essential maintenance tips for full-time RVers? In this guide, we’ll share 25 essential RV maintenance tips that’ll help you avoid costly repairs and ensure your home-on-wheels keeps rolling smoothly.

RV Roof Maintenance

1. Clean and inspect the roof for damages. One of the most damaging things that has ever plagued RV owner is leaks. Even the slightest crack can allow water to seep in and over time cause rot or mold. Prevent water damage by inspecting your roof once a month. Check for tiny cracks in the sealant especially around places like a skylight, the refrigerator, the AC, and any other seams. If you find a crack, cover it with a dab of lap sealant.  
2. Check and reseal exterior seams and joints. This includes around windows, doors, and storage compartments. Any cracks in the sealant or calking can allow water to get in. If you find a crack, take the time to reseal it before damage is done.
3. Lubricate moving parts. This includes automatic steps, awnings, and slide rails. Regular lubrication with a silicone lubricant.
4. Inspect and clean exterior lights. Make sure your trailers or motorhome’s running lights are working. Make sure headlights are clean and free of oxidation. Replace your porch light or awning lights if they go out and if you have any motion-sensor lights for added security, test them occasionally and make sure they’re working properly.

Maintaining Your RV’s Engine

A motorhome needs regular engine maintenance just like a car does, and you don’t need to be a truck mechanic to do simple maintenance and make sure everything is running properly. Gas powered motorhomes are much easier to maintain yourself than diesel motorhomes, but either way, the following inspections should be done.

1. Change oil and filters regularly. For some, this is a pretty easy DIY job, even on the big V10 gas engines.Whether you do it yourself or have a mechanic do the job, make sure to follow the regular intervals in the owner’s manual.
2. Check and top off all fluids like the oil, coolant, transmission fluid, Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) for diesel engines. Before each travel day, check to make sure everything is at it’s proper fill level.
3. Inspect belts and hoses for wear. This is a simple visual inspection. Look for cracks in hoses, cracks or frayed belts. Make an appointment to get them replaced if you find any damages. Don’t plan a long trip when you know you have a compromised hose or belt.
4. Rotate tires and check tire pressure. Look on the tire itself to see what the recommended psi is and before each trip, make sure each tire is inflated properly. The tires on my class A motorhome recommend 85 to 90 psi. I love having my Viair compressor on-board. It makes it so easy to fill a low tire at home or the campsite so I don’t have to find a gas station or truck stop to do so.

Maintaining Your RV Holding Tanks

1. Sanitize fresh water system. If you’re living full-time in your RV you want to sanitize your fresh water system every 6 months. It’s a simple task of running about a cup of bleach through all the pipes to all the sinks and showers and letting it sit overnight. Then, in the morning, release the water from the fresh tank, fill it with fresh water and let the fresh water run through all the pipes until you can’t smell bleach. This will keep your tank and all water lines sanitary.
2. Check for leaks in pipes and connections. Get in the habit of doing this about once a month. I had a slow dripping leak under my kitchen sink that I wasn’t aware of for a couple weeks. Luckily I had a plastic container under the sink that caught the water, otherwise it would have seeped into my flooring and caused damage. But, If I didn’t check it, it would have been worse. I replaced the faucet and it hasn’t leaked since. So, be sure to check under each sink, behind the toilet, and behind the shower wall to make sure nothing is leaking.
3. Clean and maintain holding tanks. Use the proper treatment product in your black tank each time you dump and use plenty of water and minimal toilet paper. This will help break down solids and keep your tank sensors clean of debris. Every few months, take the time to flush out your black tank by filling it up several time, then dumping it until you see clear water and no solids coming out.
4. Inspect water pump and water heater. Check all the connections for leaks and run the water pump to make sure it functions properly.

RV Electrical System Maintenance

1. Test and clean batteries. Use a stiff plastic brush to remove any corrosion from the battery terminals and once a month, make sure each cell is filled with distilled water. Some RV batteries are sealed and won’t require that step. Check the voltage, under load, with a multimeter. You should get 12.5 to 13 volts. If it reads under 11 volts, your batteries are worn and should be replaced.
2. Inspect wiring for signs of wear or damage. There is a lot of wiring under your coach or travel trailer and you will want to get a flashlight and inspect them when you can. Look for wires that are dangling out of place and secure them with zip-ties to prevent them from catching on something a breaking. Make sure connectors are solid and not coming apart.
3. Check and update fuses as needed. You should always keep a variety of fuses in your on-bard too kit while living in your RV so, if one were to blow, you’ll have a replacement handy.
4. Maintain solar panels if installed. Keep them clean and free of leaves or dust. Check the connectors and wiring and check the seals around the bolts where the panels connect to your roof and reseal if necessary.

RV Interior Maintenance

1. Clean and inspect air conditioning filters. Remove the cover of your AC and use a foam cleaner to clean dust and dirt out of the inside and outside coils and use a brush to gently clean the fins. Make sure the fins are straight and even, not bent or pinched together.
2. Maintain propane appliances. Use a portable gas detector to check for gas leaks around the outside of your RV. Check at the refrigerator, the water heater, and the propane tank connectors. Test your RV propane stove and oven once a month if you don’t use it very ofthen.
3. Check for signs of water damage or mold. Be sure to open cabinets and press around the cabinet walls checking for soft spots. This can indicate rotting wood cause by water damage. 

RV Safety Equipment Checks

1. Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. Be sure to keep fresh batteries in the smoke detectors and, if your carbon monoxide detector is more than 10 years old, replace it.
2. Inspect fire extinguishers. Every RV should have at least one fire extinguisher. Give it an occasional inspection to make sure the pressure gauge says it’s charged and ready.
3. Check emergency exit windows. Do you know where your emergency exit it in your RV? Make sure it’s not blocked by furniture and open it once in a while to make sure you know how to get out quickly if you need to.

Seasonal Maintenance for Your RV

Living full-time in an RV in cold weather requires some simple preparation. Here’s a list of how to prep your RV for winter camping.

1. Make sure your propane tanks are full so you can run your furnace, and make sure your furnace is functioning properly, the filter is clean, and the ducks are not blocked. This includes the intake vent.
2. Make sure you have an electric space heater on hand. This will save a lot of money on propane if you are able to run an electric heater instead of running the full RV furnace.
3. If your RV has an arctic pack, or heating units on your holding tanks to prevent freezing, test them before the cold weather hits to make sure they function properly.
4. Make sure your roof is properly sealed before rain or snow season hits.
5. Got a propane fire pit for outdoor warmth? Make sure the hose is clear of dirt or spider webs and replace it if necessary.

Summertime can present its own set of issues and you want to make sure certain systems are working before the hot weather hits.

1. We already discussed inspecting your RV air condition, but make sure you do that before the weather gets unbearably hot. RV service calls skyrocket during the first bout of heat, so don’t wait.
2. Check awnings and outdoor accessories before summer. Make any necessary repairs to your awnings before summer hits. Wind permitting, you’ll love having a shaded area right outside your door.
3. Controlling the amount of sun that comes through your windows can really reduce the heat inside your RV. Make sure your window shades are working and provide proper coverage.
4. Electric fans to keep air flowing inside your RV will make it more comfortable and help your AC run more efficiently. So, make sure your table top fan is clean and free of dust and in good working order.

There you have it. 31 essential maintenance tips to keep your RV running like a dream. By staying on top of these tasks, you’ll not only save money on costly repairs but also ensure that your home-on-wheels is always ready for your next adventure. Remember, a well-maintained RV is a happy RV, and a happy RV means countless miles of worry-free exploration. So grab that toolbox, roll up your sleeves, and show your rig some love.