Annual RV Inspection Checklist — Catch It While It's Cheap

One missed crack in a roof seam can cost more than every other repair combined. This yearly audit walks the roof and sealants, structure, running gear, propane appliances, and safety equipment.

Roof & sealants — the big one

• Wash the roof so you can actually see the sealant
• Inspect EVERY sealant line: roof seams, vents, skylights, AC, antenna, ladder mountsYou are looking for cracks, lifting edges, and gaps. Water damage from one missed crack is the most expensive repair in RVing.
• Reseal anything questionable with self-leveling lap sealant (roof) — do not smear silicone over old sealant
• Check vertical seams, window and door frames, and marker lights with non-sag sealant
• Inspect slide-out roof seals and wiper seals; condition the rubber (Class A Motorhome, Class C Motorhome, Travel Trailer, Fifth Wheel, Toy Hauler)
• Awning fabric: check for tears, mildew, and loose arms; tighten hardware

Exterior & structure

• Press on walls around windows and corners — soft spots or bubbling mean water is in
• Check the underbelly for sagging material, holes, and hanging wires
• Look over the frame and tongue/pin box for rust; wire-brush and touch up paint (Travel Trailer, Fifth Wheel, Toy Hauler, Pop-Up Camper)
• Every tire including the SPARE: tread, cracking, and date codesTrailer tires age out at 5–6 years, motorhome tires 6–7 — regardless of tread depth.
• Torque all lug nuts to spec
• Lube steps, hinges, hitch parts, and compartment locks
• Test every compartment door lock and its sealReplace crumbling bay seals — they keep out water AND mice.
• Ramp door cables, hinges, and seals (Toy Hauler)
• Lift system cables/pulleys and canvas condition (Pop-Up Camper)

Running gear & chassis

• Repack wheel bearings (or verify it was done within 12 months/12,000 miles) (towables)
• Inspect brake shoes/magnets and adjust trailer brakes (towables)
• Check suspension: shackle bolts, equalizers, and spring hangers for wear (Travel Trailer, Fifth Wheel, Toy Hauler)
• Look at tire wear patterns — uneven wear means alignment or axle issues (towables)
• Chassis service per the manual: oil, filters, belts, hoses, coolant age, brake fluid (motorhomes)
• Generator annual service: oil, filters, and a load test (motorhomes, Toy Hauler)
• Landing gear / stabilizer gearboxes: check operation and grease (Fifth Wheel, Travel Trailer, Toy Hauler)
• Camper jacks: operation, mounting bolts, and gear grease (Truck Camper)

Propane & appliances

• Leak-test every LP joint with soapy water — or have a tech do a pressure drop testBubbles = leak. This ten-minute check is the most important one on this list.
• Check the LP regulator age (replace around 10 years) and pigtails for cracking
• Water heater: check the anode, brush out the burner tube, test the pressure relief valve
• Furnace: inspect the exhaust and intake for nests — mud daubers love them
• Fridge: clean the burner and flue, and clear the outside vents
• Air conditioner: wash the coils gently and clean/replace filters
• Test stove igniters and burners for even flame

Electrical & safety

• Smoke, CO, and LP detectors: test AND check expiration datesCO and LP detectors expire at 5–7 years — the date is printed on the back.
• Fire extinguisher: gauge in the green, no damage, not expired
• Test every GFCI outlet with its test button
• Inspect the shore power plug and pedestal end for scorching or loose blades
• Battery terminals clean and tight; load-test aging batteries
• 7-pin connector: clean contacts, dielectric grease (towables)
• Confirm emergency exit windows open freely

Paperwork & records

• Registration, insurance, and inspections current
• Photograph the rig inside and out for insurance records
• Log what you found and fixed — next year you will thank yourself

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