Before you hit the road in your RV for a long trip, maintenance isn’t optional—it’s essential. A few hours of prep can save you days of headaches, breakdowns, or costly repairs down the line. Whether you’re a weekend warrior or prepping for a cross-country journey, this checklist will help make sure your RV is road-ready.
1. Inspect and Test All Tires
Your tires carry everything—literally. Before any long trip:
- Check tire pressure for all tires, including the spare. Use the manufacturer’s recommended PSI.
- Inspect for cracking or bulging on sidewalls and in the tread.
- Check tread depth. Uneven wear could signal suspension or alignment issues.
- Tighten lug nuts to spec.
- Verify your spare is in good condition and accessible.
Tires older than 5–7 years should be inspected closely—even if they look okay. RV tires often age out before they wear out.
2. Test the Brakes
Brake failure is no joke. Before you travel:
- Test the brakes on a short drive.
- For towables, check your brake controller and electric brake wiring.
- For motorhomes, check fluid levels and listen for any grinding or pulling when stopping.
- Inspect the breakaway switch (trailers only) to make sure it’s functional.
If you’re unsure, have them professionally inspected. Peace of mind is worth it.
3. Check and Charge All Batteries
You’ve got at least two battery systems: engine battery and house battery (or batteries).
- Check charge levels and top off water in flooded lead-acid batteries.
- Clean corrosion from terminals.
- Make sure connections are tight.
- Test your inverter and converter to confirm they’re working.
Dead batteries can leave you stranded—or without lights, fridge, or water pump when you need them most.
4. Inspect the Roof and Seals
Water is one of the biggest threats to an RV’s longevity. Before your trip:
- Inspect the roof for cracks, soft spots, or damage.
- Check all seams and seals around vents, skylights, and edges.
- Touch up any cracks with appropriate sealant.
- Don’t forget to check window, slide-out, and door seals too.
Do this even if you store your RV under cover. UV rays and temperature swings wear down seals over time.
5. Check Fluids and Filters
If you’re driving a motorhome or towing with your own vehicle, check:
- Engine oil and change if needed.
- Transmission fluid
- Brake fluid
- Coolant
- Power steering fluid
- Windshield washer fluid
Also, inspect or replace:
- Engine air filter
- Cabin air filter
- Fuel filter (for diesels especially)
- Generator oil and filter, if equipped
Ignoring this step can lead to overheating, breakdowns, or performance issues on the road.
6. Test All Appliances and Systems
Don’t wait until you’re 200 miles from home to find out your fridge or AC doesn’t work.
- Run the air conditioner and furnace.
- Test the fridge on both electric and propane (if it has both).
- Run the water pump and check for leaks.
- Turn on all lights, outlets, and USB ports.
- Test your slide-outs to ensure they extend/retract smoothly.
- Inspect propane lines and sniff for any leaks (or use a detector).
You’re looking for anything that doesn’t power up, makes weird noises, or leaks.
7. Sanitize and Fill the Water System
If your RV has a fresh water tank and plumbing:
- Flush and sanitize the system with diluted bleach solution if it’s been sitting.
- Check for leaks at faucets, joints, and the water heater.
- Fill the fresh water tank if needed.
- Inspect hoses and water pressure regulators for wear.
Also check your gray and black tanks:
- Make sure your tank sensors are working.
- Verify your sewer hose and dump valves are in good shape.
This isn’t the glamorous part of RVing, but clean water and functional plumbing make all the difference.
8. Check Lights, Signals, and Electrical Connections
Before towing or driving, make sure you’re visible and street legal.
- Test headlights, brake lights, and turn signals.
- For trailers, verify the 7-way (or 4-way) connector is working and secure.
- Check running lights, marker lights, and license plate lights.
- Inspect your power cord and shore power connection for wear or damage.
A bad connection or blown fuse could knock out entire systems while you’re driving.
9. Secure Interior Items and Storage
Things shift while driving, sometimes violently. Walk through your RV and:
- Secure all loose items in cabinets and on counters.
- Latch drawers and fridge doors.
- Lock or brace sliding doors and mirrors.
- Stabilize TVs and electronics.
- Double-check exterior compartments to make sure they’re latched and locked.
Take a test drive and listen. Rattling? Thumping? Something’s not right.
10. Review Registration, Insurance, and Roadside Coverage
Not everything is mechanical. Before leaving:
- Make sure your registration and inspection (if required) are current.
- Verify insurance coverage for RV and tow vehicle.
- Consider roadside assistance plans specific to RVs, like Good Sam or Coach-Net.
- Download or print key documents and contacts in case you lose signal.
Paperwork may not be exciting, but it matters when you need it.
Final Thoughts
Pre-trip RV maintenance isn’t just about avoiding breakdowns—it’s about keeping you safe, saving money, and making sure your trip goes smoothly. You don’t need to be a mechanic to do most of this. With a checklist and a bit of time, you can catch problems early, stay ahead of repairs, and head out with confidence.
Still unsure about something? Don’t wing it. Schedule a service check at a trusted shop, where trained techs can go through your systems and flag issues before they ruin your trip.
