RV Maintenance Schedule — Monthly to Yearly Checklist

RVs don't break so much as go unmaintained. This schedule organizes everything by interval — every trip, quarterly, twice a year, annually, and the multi-year replacements like tires, detectors, and regulators.

Every trip or monthly

• Check tire pressure cold, including inner duals and the spare
• Press the test button on smoke, CO, and LP detectors
• Check flooded-battery water levels; top with distilled only
• Glance over the roof and sealants — especially after storms or branches
• Exercise the generator 30+ minutes UNDER LOAD (motorhomes, Toy Hauler)Letting a generator sit is the fastest way to kill its carburetor.
• Rinse the AC filter during cooling season
• Treat and rinse holding tanks; keep some water in the black tank

Every 3 months

• Wash the rig and inspect all sealant lines while you are close
• Lube entry steps, hinges, and locks
• Clean battery terminals; check charge on stored batteries
• Lube slide-out mechanisms and condition the seals (Class A Motorhome, Class C Motorhome, Travel Trailer, Fifth Wheel, Toy Hauler)
• Spray dump valve rods with lubricant so they keep moving freely
• Run water through the P-traps of any unused drains

Twice a year

• Flush the water heater tank and check the anode rod
• Sanitize the fresh water system — there is a full checklist for it on the menu
• Deep-clean the awning fabric and let it dry fully before rolling
• Test the breakaway switch by pulling the pin with brakes powered (towables)
• Re-torque lug nuts; rotate tires if wear is uneven
• Wash the roof and treat rubber roofs per the maker's schedule

Every year

• Run the full Annual RV Inspection checklist — it is on the menu
• Repack wheel bearings; inspect and adjust trailer brakes (towables)
• LP system leak test at every joint
• Service the furnace, fridge burner, and water heater burner
• Chassis oil/filter service per the manual (motorhomes)
• Generator oil and filter (or every 100–150 hours) (motorhomes, Toy Hauler)
• Replace water filter cartridges
• Grease suspension wet bolts and check shackles (Travel Trailer, Fifth Wheel, Toy Hauler)
• Condition all door, window, and slide seals

Every few years

• Trailer tires: replace at 5–6 years old regardless of tread (towables)
• Motorhome tires: replace at 6–7 years; check date codes (motorhomes)
• CO and LP detectors: replace at their stamped expiration (5–7 years)
• LP regulator: replace around 10 years
• Brake fluid flush every ~3 years (motorhomes)
• Engine coolant per the maker's interval (motorhomes)
• Water heater anode: replace when 75% consumed — check yearly

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