The Complete Manual for RV Upkeep

Ensure Years of Enjoyment with Proper RV Maintenance

Your RV provides countless hours of enjoyment for you and your family, and you likely plan to continue making memories for years to come. Proper maintenance is essential to prolong the lifespan of your RV and ensure safe, fun road trips. Just like your car and home need routine maintenance, your RV requires proper care to stay in good condition. This handy RV maintenance guide will help you learn about general RV maintenance and specific tips for different types of motorhomes.

Store Your RV Properly

Many RVs spend the winter months in storage. Properly preparing your RV for storage and choosing the right type of storage can extend its lifespan. The three most common RV storage types include:

• Indoor Storage: The most protective type, keeping your RV in a fully enclosed building.
• Outdoor Storage: Also known as open-lot storage, this leaves your RV exposed to the elements. Use a cover to protect it.
• Covered Storage: Offers a roof and sometimes partial wall protection. Park as far from open walls as possible to avoid UV exposure.

No matter the storage type, perform certain maintenance tasks before leaving your RV parked for long periods. Check our RV Winterization Checklist for details on preparing your RV for storage.

Clean the Awning

RV awnings provide additional shade but must be cleaned frequently. After each use, clean and dry the awning completely before storage. If thorough cleaning isn’t possible, brush off sticks, brush, and debris.

Inspect Seals and Slide-Outs

Grime and debris can inhibit proper sealing and cause rust and corrosion in slide-out rails. Clean and lubricate rails twice a year or when they make strange sounds. Inspect window, roof, and door seals every six months for wear and tear. Lubricate rubber seals to keep them pliable and replace any that are damaged beyond repair.

Check Wheels, Tires, and Brakes

• Tire Maintenance: UV rays degrade tires, so clean and treat them with a UV protectant. Cover tires when your RV is in storage.
• Lug Nuts and Tire Pressure: Check lug nuts and tire pressure before every trip to prevent accidents.
• Brake Maintenance: Ensure brakes work properly before your first trip of the season. Lubricate wheel bearings and inspect the brakes for replacement needs.

Properly Winterize Your RV

Winterization is crucial in freezing temperatures:

1. Clean the RV’s interior and remove all items.
2. Unplug and store appliances.
3. Empty and defrost the fridge and freezer.
4. Inspect and plug holes to prevent rodents.
5. Use dryer sheets or cedar chips to deter pests.
6. Drain water from the plumbing system and add antifreeze.
7. Clean the exterior and check seals.
8. Close and lock all doors and windows.
9. Apply a fitted cover and tire covers for outdoor storage.

Maintenance Tips for Specific Types of RVs

Motorhome RVs

• Change oil every six months.
• Run appliances with a generator every three weeks.
• Check slide-out seals every four months.
• Condition the RV toilet’s rubber seal.

Travel Trailers

• Clean the exterior and check for damage.
• Ensure brake and tail lights work.
• Clean and lubricate hitches and towing parts.

Pop-Up Campers

• Clean and waterproof the canvas.
• Condition vinyl surfaces.
• Check and grease the roof lift system.

Annual RV Maintenance Checklist

1. Clean the exterior.
2. Check for water leaks or damage.
3. Inspect flooring for rot.
4. Sanitize the freshwater system.
5. Treat the exterior for weather protection.
6. Inspect safety equipment.
7. Check wheels, lug nuts, and tire pressure.
8. Test brakes, taillights, and brake lights.
9. Check the battery.
10. Change oil and filters.
11. Sanitize holding tanks.
12. Inspect and condition hitching parts.
13. Lubricate seals.
14. Test slide-out and lubricate rails.

RV Maintenance Schedule

• Every Trip: Check wheels, tires, lights, roof, battery, and retract slides and awnings.
• Monthly: Check seals, run the generator, top off batteries, vacuum vents, check the engine, and test safety equipment.
• Seasonally: Deep clean, check seals, tighten battery cables, check windows, inspect slide-out, change smoke detector battery, clean AC filters, wax exterior, examine tires, change oil and filters.
• Annually: Have roof joints and seals checked, brakes serviced, holding tanks sanitized, and winterize before storage.

Average Costs for RV Maintenance

• Insurance: $1,000 to $4,000 per year.
• Storage: Under $100/month for outdoor to over $1,000/month for indoor storage.
• General Maintenance: Up to $600/year for a Class A motorhome.

Routine maintenance is essential to extend the lifespan of your RV, save on repair costs, and ensure safe travels. Proper upkeep keeps your RV in top shape, allowing you and your family to enjoy it for many years to come.