The Ultimate Guide to RV Preventive Maintenance

RVs aren’t just vehicles—they're rolling homes, workspaces, and sometimes, full-blown adventure rigs. Whether it’s hauling down I-85 from Gastonia, NC, or tucked into a quiet campsite in the Smokies, your RV is only as reliable as the care you put into it. Preventive maintenance is what separates breakdowns from road trips and frustration from freedom.

In this ultimate guide, we’ll walk you through the most important RV preventive maintenance tasks—the kind that extend lifespan, reduce costly repairs, and keep you and your passengers safe, no matter how far you roam.

1. Inspect and Maintain the Roof Regularly

The roof is your RV's first line of defense against the elements, but it's easy to neglect. Constant exposure to UV rays, rain, and debris can damage the roof's seams, seals, and cause cracks, leading to leaks.

Action Tip: Inspect the roof every 90 days. Look for cracks, bubbling, or soft spots. Apply sealant to seams and vents as needed. For older RVs, a yearly coat of roof protectant can buy you years of extra life.

2. Check Tire Pressure and Condition Before Every Trip

Tires are one of the most common failure points on RVs. Uneven wear, dry rot, and low pressure can lead to blowouts, which are especially dangerous at highway speeds.

Action Tip: Before every drive, check tire pressure and tread depth. Look for sidewall cracks or bulges. Keep tires covered during long-term parking to protect from sun damage and always torque lug nuts to spec after service.

3. Test and Maintain the Battery System

From running lights and fans to fridges and water pumps, your RV battery system powers it all. Deep cycle batteries wear out over time, especially if not properly maintained.

Action Tip: Clean terminals, check voltage monthly, and charge batteries fully before storage. Replace batteries every 3-5 years depending on type and use. For longer boondocking trips, consider a battery monitor and solar setup.

4. Keep the Water System Clean and Functional

Your freshwater system is prone to bacterial growth, especially if stored with leftover water. Your grey and black tanks? Even more reason to stay on top of it.

Action Tip: Sanitize the freshwater system every spring with a bleach-water solution. Check for leaks around fittings, water heater, and pump. Use enzyme tank treatments in the black tank and flush tanks after every dump to avoid buildup and odors.

5. HVAC System and Propane Inspection

A broken A/C or heater mid-trip is the quickest way to ruin a vacation. Add in a propane leak, and you’ve got a full-blown safety hazard.

Action Tip: Check your air filters, vents, and A/C condenser coils before each season. Run your furnace and verify heat output. Have propane lines pressure-tested annually and install a working LP detector inside the RV.

6. Brake and Suspension Checks for Safe Handling

RVs are heavy—and that weight pushes your brake system and suspension to their limits. Whether it’s electric brakes on a trailer or hydraulic disc brakes on a motorhome, performance must be spot-on.

Action Tip: Inspect brake pads, shoes, drums, and rotors before every trip. Check for uneven tire wear, which signals suspension or alignment issues. Grease wheel bearings annually and check shock absorbers for leaks.

7. Inspect the Generator and Electrical Systems

When shore power is not available, your RV generator is the backbone of your power supply. But without maintenance, it can sputter or fail at the worst time.

Action Tip: Change generator oil every 100 hours or once per season. Clean the air filter, inspect fuel lines, and run the generator under load monthly to keep it healthy. For shore power, check the main breaker panel and test all GFCI outlets.

8. Exterior and Interior Seals and Lubrication

RVs vibrate, shift, and settle—causing seals around doors, slides, and windows to crack or warp. Ignoring these can invite water damage, pests, and drafts.

Action Tip: Inspect all weather stripping and slide-out seals quarterly. Use RV slide seal conditioner and lubricate hinges and lock cylinders to prevent binding. Don’t forget the awning hardware too!

9. Perform Pre-Trip Safety Checks Every Time

Even if your rig is well-maintained, things can shift during storage or previous travel.

Action Tip: Before hitting the road, do a full walkaround: check brake lights, turn signals, hitch/tow connections, mirror positions, and interior loose items. Confirm fire extinguishers are charged and emergency exits are functional.

Book Your RV Service Today

Preventive maintenance isn’t glamorous—but it’s what separates a smooth road trip from a roadside disaster. Whether you’re a seasonal traveler or full-time RVer based in Gastonia, NC, these checks will save you money, keep you safe, and ensure your rig is road-ready year-round.

Book your next appointment with Fleet Services Gastonia today!