The RV Maintenance Checklist Owners Often Skip

Most RV owners stay on top of the obvious things — oil changes, tire pressure before a trip. It’s the less obvious items below that tend to turn into the expensive repairs.

Roof and seals — twice a year

Roof and seam leaks are one of the most common and costly sources of RV damage, and they’re often slow enough that owners don’t notice until there’s already interior water damage. A spring and fall inspection of the roof membrane, seams, and every seal around vents, skylights, and slide-outs catches most problems while they’re still a caulking job.

Tire age, not just tread

RV tires age from sitting as much as from driving. Check the DOT date code, not just tread depth.

Propane system leak check — annually

A basic pressure/leak test on the propane system is inexpensive and catches slow leaks before they become a safety issue rather than after.

Wheel bearings on trailers

If your trailer isn’t self-propelled, it’s easy to forget its wheel bearings need periodic repacking or inspection just like any towed vehicle’s — this one gets skipped constantly simply because there’s no engine to remind you something’s due.

Electric trailer brakes

Distinct from your tow vehicle’s brakes, a trailer’s own electric brakes need their own periodic inspection and adjustment — worth checking before a long mountain trip in particular, given how much extra stopping distance a loaded trailer adds.

Detector batteries and expiration dates

Smoke, propane, and carbon monoxide detectors don’t just need battery checks — the sensors themselves have a service life and expire, something easy to overlook since there’s no obvious symptom until the unit fails to warn you when it matters. Replace units according to the manufacturer’s stated lifespan, not just when the battery dies.

Generator exercise

Running a generator periodically, even when you’re not using it, is standard advice across the industry for a reason — letting one sit unused for long stretches is a common cause of starting and carburetor problems down the line.

Fresh water tank sanitizing

A tank that sits with standing water between trips can develop bacteria growth and an unpleasant taste or odor — a periodic bleach-solution flush and rinse is standard practice before a new season of use.