Your RV is your home on wheels. And as both a mobile residence and a vehicle, it requires regular maintenance to continue running smoothly. 

A good RV maintenance checklist helps you remember what to check, what to fix, and what to replace as part of the preventive maintenance service (PMS) intervals.

In this guide, we discuss how to be proactive in your RV maintenance to avoid costly repairs down the road and keep everything running smoothly.

Here’s what you’ll find inside this guide:

• Pre-Trip Checks: What to inspect before hitting the road
• HVAC Care: How to clean your AC and spot refrigerant issues
• Plumbing Maintenance: Keeping water flowing and clean
• Electrical Health: Batteries, breakers, and power protection
• AC Replacement: Signs it’s time for a new unit

The Basics: Your RV Maintenance Tool Kit

One of the basics of any RV is a maintenance tool kit. Unlike most automotive toolkits, this one should contain essential supplies and equipment unique to recreational vehicles.

It should contain:

• Socket wrench set with common sizes
• Screwdriver set (flat and Phillips head)
• Pliers (needle nose and regular)
• Electrical tape and wire cuts
• Gauge for tire pressure
• A set of jumper cables
• RV roof caulk for sealing leaks
• Axle grease for wheel bearings
• Multimeter for electrical problems
• Flashlight with extra batteries
• Work gloves
• Basic first aid kit

Seasonal Pre-Trip Preparations

Like a pilot with his takeoff checklist, an RV owner should check that their mobile home is ready to hit the road before every trip.

Here’s what to check before embarking on long roadtrips:

Tires

Tire blowouts are one of the most dangerous causes of RV accidents. As such, it’s critically important to check all tires and wheels are road-worthy before any trip.

• Look at your tire wear patterns. If one side of the RV tires is worn more, you may have alignment issues. 
• Check tire sides for cracks or bulges. If you find some, it means the tire might blow out on the road.
• Use a gauge to check the tire pressure but only when the tires are cold. The proper pressure is displayed on your RV door sticker.

Engine

• Check engine oil color and levels.
• Top off the coolant, especially during the warm season.
• Refill windshield washer fluid, you’ll need it on long journeys.
• Test brake pedal firmness and brake fluid levels.
• Test your trailer brake system in an empty parking lot. Brakes should work smoothly and evenly.

Interior

• Check RV windows for loose seals. Look at the rubber strips around doors and windows. Replace cracked ones to stop water damage.
• Inspect the electrical panel for loose connections, ensuring breakers operate smoothly without burn marks or odors. 
• Test your RV surge protector if you have one.
• Check stabilizer jacks and leveling jacks by extending and retracting each one, listening for unusual noises, and greasing manual systems per the manufacturer's specifications.

System-Specific Maintenance

HVAC

The RV’s air conditioning and heating are two of the most important systems to ensure livability and comfort. Quality RV air conditioners provide both heating and cooling capabilities, so they can be used throughout the year. 

Here’s how to clean your RV air conditioner.

• Start with air filters: Clean or replace them every month during the camping season. Dirty filters make your AC work harder and use more power. Remove filters and hold them up to light. If you can't see through them easily, they need attention. Clean reusable filters with mild soap and water. Let them dry completely before putting them back.
• Check the coils: Your AC has two sets of coils that need cleaning. The evaporator coils sit inside your RV, while the condenser coils are on top of your roof. Use a soft brush to remove dirt and leaves from outside coils and be gentle because coils bend easily and cost money to replace. Remember to always turn off the power before cleaning any coils.
• Check the condensate drains: Your AC pulls water from the air inside. This water must drain out properly. Use a small wire to clear drains blocked with dirt or bugs. Clean drains prevent water from backing up into your RV.
• Conduct a damage inspection: Harsh weather can damage the plastic cover on your RV roof, leading to cracks or loose screws that allow water leaks. Inspect the cover regularly for any cracks or loose hardware and address them. Also, check the rubber gaskets around the AC unit; these seals are essential for keeping water out. Replace any that appear cracked or have become hard to maintain a watertight seal.
• Check the condensate drains: Your AC pulls water from the air inside. This water must drain out properly. Use a small wire to clear drains blocked with dirt or bugs. Clean drains prevent water from backing up into your RV.
• When your AC needs big repairs or replacement, understanding different refrigerants like the next-generation R410As and R32s with ozone-friendly properties will go a long way in choosing the right system for your RV.

If your AC isn't cooling well:

• Check that all inside vents are open.
• Go outside and make sure leaves or dirt aren't blocking the unit.
• Ensure that your thermostat is set correctly.
• If the AC is still performing poorly, it might need a refrigerant top-up. A refrigerant leak may be the cause, and you will need a qualified HVAC tech to refill the lost refrigerant before the AC can cool again.
• If a refrigerant top-up is needed, it’s important to determine whether your AC uses legacy HFC-based refrigerants or the newer class of A2L refrigerants, since both are not interchangeable with each other.

RV Water & Plumbing System

Your RV's water system needs regular cleaning and care. Here is what to consider:

• Clean your freshwater tank every few months. You can do this by mixing one part bleach with ten parts water and then filling the tank. Let it sit for several hours before flushing with clean water.
• Your water pump should run quietly and build pressure fast before automatically shutting off. If it runs continuously, you have a leak. Check all taps and joints.
• Road bumps make RV plumbing parts like fittings loosen, so tighten them regularly.
• Clean the pump filter screen often. Dirty screens make pumps work harder and wear out faster.
• Drain your water heater every few months to remove buildup. This helps it heat water better. If your RV water heater is not working, check the pilot light first. Then check the wires and gas supply before seeking professional assistance.

RV Electrical System Troubleshooting & Maintenance

Your electrical system runs everything from lights to appliances.

• Start with battery water check: Check water levels each month if you have flooded batteries. Only add distilled water and NOT tap water (it has minerals and other impurities that can harm the battery's internal components). You can clean battery ends with baking soda and water to stop rust that blocks power transmission.
• Use a meter to test battery power: A quality, fully charged 12-volt RV battery should read between 12.6 and 12.7 volts when not charging and with no load applied. If you notice a lower voltage, it may indicate the battery needs charging or replacement. Regularly inspect your RV electrical panel for issues such as breaker panel switches that don’t flip easily, loose wires, or black marks, which could signal overheating or electrical problems.
• Use a soft start: A soft start device helps your AC run more smoothly because it enables slow gradual flow of power from the source to your system. This reduces the chances of tripped breakers and wear and tear on the compressor.
• Test RV lights often. Change bulbs before they die, check outlets with a simple tester and make sure the inverters work right. Don't forget to use a good RV surge protector at camping grounds. Bad power breaks your gear.

RV Maintenance Checklist Wrap-Up

Here’s a condensed monthly RV maintenance and a pre-trip checklist:

Monthly Maintenance Tasks

• Check tire pressure and condition.
• Test all lights and electrical systems.
• Clean AC filters
• Check the water pump operation.
• Test propane detectors and smoke alarms
• Lubricate slide-out mechanisms
• Check the roof and seals for damage.
• Test generator if equipped

Pre-Trip Checklist 

• Do a complete walk-around inspection.
• Check all fluid levels (engine oil, coolant, brake fluid)
• Test all systems (AC, water, electrical)
• Pack your tool kit and RV supplies.
• Check that the safety equipment works.
• Verify that insurance and registration are current.
• Plan your route and campground reservations.

Taking care of your RV can be easy and affordable if you are smart about it. Most RV repair jobs are simple to do and don't take long. So, don't be scared to learn about your RV, because it helps you know how and when it needs a touch of care to keep you comfortable all travels long.