RV Maintenance Checklists

Vacations are a time to recharge and relax – which means it’s important for all RV components to work as they should. There’s nothing more annoying than kicking off a trip with an inconvenience (like a musty interior) or an emergency (like a flat tire when you’re miles from the nearest town). The best thing you can do for your RV warranty, your sanity and the longevity of your coach is to perform routine RV maintenance that keeps your rig in good working order and tackles any potential issues before they arise.

We’ve sorted tasks into separate checklists by the frequency they need to be done: before each trip, every three months, every six months and once a year. You can view and print the recommended maintenance schedule for Heartland RVs here. This information can also be found in your Heartland RV model’s Owner’s Manual, and you can reference a general Heartland Owner’s Manual here.

RV Maintenance Before Each Trip

Exterior

Inspect Your Axles and Springs

It’s a good idea to inspect your axles and springs, and grease your axles and wet bolts as needed in advance of a trip. Visually inspect your equalizers, wet bolts, U bolts, springs and axles for any cracks, irregularities or uneven wear. Then follow your axle manufacturer’s maintenance instructions or take your RV into a service center so you can be confident your axles are good to go.

Test the RV Brake Lights and Turn Signals

Before you hit the road, ensure that both the brake lights and turn signals work and communicate properly with your tow vehicle. Replace any lights that have burned out.

Ensure the Exterior Lighting Works Properly

Test your RV marker lights, or clearance lights, along the top and side exteriors of your RV. Replace any lights that have burned out.

Inspect and Test Your LP Gas System, Including Pigtail Connector

Propane tanks have manufacturing dates on the collar – replace any tanks on your trailer that are damaged or more than 10 years old. Make sure all connections are secure, and use an LP detector spray to check for leaks. Check the connection compartments for appliances like your fridge, water heater and furnace and clean out any debris like dead insects or old nests. If you have a propane gas leak detector, test it to ensure it’s in good working order, and replace it if it’s more than five years old. If you find a problem with your LP lines, call a professional for service.

Inspect and Test the Safety Breakaway Switch Operation

Visually check all the elements of your breakaway switch, including the cable, pin and wiring to the trailer battery and brakes. Then test the breakaway switch by pulling the pin out and trying to pull the trailer forward with your tow vehicle. The brakes on the trailer should engage, and the trailer should not roll forward. If the trailer does roll forward, there may be a problem with the brakes; schedule a professional service appointment.

Check Your Lug Nuts and Tighten If Needed

Remove your hub caps, if applicable. Using a torque wrench set to your manufacturer’s recommended foot-pounds, torque your nuts in a criss-cross formation (the way you might draw a star). The wrench will tighten any loose nuts or click and move freely if the nuts are at the appropriate foot-pound rating.

Inspect and Check the Pressure On All Your Tires (Including Your Spare)

Check the condition of your tires, looking for damage, low tread, or uneven wear. Next, check the pressure on all your tires, and add air to bring them all up to the recommended pressure, which is listed on the side of the tire. Driving on damaged or under- or over-inflated tires can cause serious safety concerns.

Test the Brakes

Before you take your RV trailer onto a freeway, you’ll want to check your brake fluid level and synchronize your trailer brakes with your tow vehicle brakes. To ensure safe brake performance and synchronization, read and follow the brake controller manufacturer’s complete instructions. Make sure you have your brakes inspected and serviced at least once a year, or every 3000 miles you travel.

Sanitize Your Fresh Water System

If your RV has been in storage or it’s been a few months since your last trip, it’s a good idea to sanitize your fresh water system to keep it free of any harmful bacteria or mold. This is what we recommend in Heartland owners manuals:

• Prepare a chlorine solution using one gallon of water and 1/4 cup of household bleach (5% sodium hypochlorite solution). Pour one gallon of solution into your empty fresh water tank for every 15 gallons of tank capacity. NOTE: As an option, several commercial solutions are available and should be used as directed on the package.
• Fill the rest of the tank with potable water. Then open all the faucets inside your RV to release trapped air; close them again. Pressurize the entire system with a pump, if available, and then turn off the pump.
• Allow the solution to stand in your system for three hours. Then drain and flush your tank and lines with fresh potable water. To remove any leftover chlorine taste or odor, mix one quart of vinegar into five gallons of water and pour it into the tank, allowing it to agitate through vehicle motion, for up to several days. Drain your tank and flush with fresh potable water.

If You Have a Fifth Wheel, Check and Torque the Pin Box Bolts

Using a torque wrench, torque the pin box bolts to the foot-pounds recommended by the manufacturer. Inspect the pin box, looking for alignment and excessive wear to the king pin, skid pad and retainment rods.

Check Your Safety Chains

Ensure that your chain is intact and free from any damage, and check your S-hooks. Inspect the point where the chain is attached to your trailer, making sure any applicable bolts are tight. Next, attach your safety chains to your tow vehicle in an X formation underneath the trailer hitch, making sure the hooks point back toward the trailer so they can’t be dislodged accidentally. Unless you’re towing a fifth wheel, safety chains or cables are required for towing trailers in most states.

Interior

Test the RV Batteries and Top Off Water Level

If your RV has been in storage or if you primarily camp hooked up to shore power, it can be easy to neglect your batteries. But testing them will ensure you always have a source of power in an emergency situation. To check your battery, make sure your RV is not plugged into an electrical connection, and check the voltage on your monitor panel. Place a small load on the battery by turning on a couple of overhead lights for a few minutes. You can also measure your battery’s voltage with a quality digital volt meter. If your 12V battery reads less than 12.5 volts, your battery is at less than 75% and should be recharged. Also make sure to top off the electrolyte solution in your battery with distilled water as needed.

Test Your Fresh Water System

In addition to the sanitizing step above, test your fresh water lines for leaks, which will help avoid any water or moisture damage over time. One easy to test for leaks is by filling your fresh water tank and turning on your 12V water pump. Once your system is pressurized, the pump should turn off and not come back on until you open a faucet. If the pump cycles before you open a faucet, start searching for a leak.

Test Your Smoke Alarm and CO2 Alarm

Both smoke alarms and CO2 alarms have expiration dates, usually printed on the inside cover. Check your dates to ensure your alarms are still within their appropriate lifespan, then press and hold the button on each alarm until it sounds to make sure the batteries are still working. Make sure to replace any expired alarms or batteries before you leave.

Test All Your Appliances

Hook your RV up to electrical power and turn on each one of your appliances for a few moments to confirm they work as intended. Check the fridge, oven and stove, microwave, air conditioner and furnace, and any additional appliances like a dishwasher, washer and dryer, or electric fireplace. You may also want to check the outlets you’ll use for your own appliances like a coffee maker or hair dryer to give yourself time to troubleshoot any issues before your trip.

Quarterly RV Maintenance Tasks

Exterior

Check Roof Sealant

Look for cracks, gaps and separation in the seals around your roof elements, which can cause leaks and condensation inside your RV. Small cracks can be spot filled; larger cracks and separation must be scraped up and resealed. Always use a roof sealant recommended by your RV manufacturer. Most RV dealers carry rubber roof repair kits for a nominal price.

Check Sidewall Sealant

Go around your RV and check the seals of any elements that were cut into your sidewalls – such as windows, doors, storage hatches and compartments, vents, ports, etc. Ensure that there are no cracks or separations in the sealants around these elements, and patch or replace any sealant that is cracked, peeling or gapping. Use a silicone sealant that’s compatible with fiberglass and aluminum.

Check the Weather Strip Seals on all Doors, Windows, Slides, Vents and External Seems

Look for cracks, gaps, separation and other damage that could let moisture into your RV. Small damage can be resealed with an approved sealant to prevent leaks; for larger damage, you may want to replace the weather stripping altogether.

Clean the Air Conditioner Filters

Turn off your AC and remove the vent covers inside your RV. Then remove all the plastic filters, vacuum them on a gentle setting to remove debris, and soak and scrub them in the sink with soapy water. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely before replacing and turning your AC back on.

Lubricate Exterior Door Hinges and Latches with a Graphite or Silicone Lubricant

Spray all your exterior hinges with a high quality dry lubricant to keep them moving smoothly and quietly.

Check, Clean and Tighten Battery Cables

Disconnect your battery, removing the cable from the negative terminal first. Then remove the battery restraints and set your batteries on a level surface. Inspect them for any sign of corrosion. which can be removed with a toothbrush and a paste of baking soda and water. Clean the battery cables and battery tray before replacing the battery, then reconnect the batteries, connecting the positive terminal first. Ensure all cable connections are tight and secure.

Clean and Inspect Wheel Rims

Hose down your wheel rims and scrub with a soft brush to remove any dirt, debris and grime. Then inspect your wheel rims for any cracks, dents or other damage that may cause a safety hazard. Have any damaged wheel rims repaired by a qualified service center.

Inspect Pin Box Bolts

If you have a fifth wheel, check and torque the pin box bolts. Using a torque wrench, torque the pin box bolts to the foot-pounds recommended by the manufacturer. Inspect the pin box, looking for alignment and excessive wear to the king pin, skid pad and retainment rods.

Check Your Safety Chains

Ensure that your chain is intact and free from any damage, and check your S-hooks. Inspect the point where the chain is attached to your trailer, making sure any applicable bolts are tight. Next, attach your safety chains to your tow vehicle in an X formation underneath the trailer hitch, making sure the hooks point back toward the trailer so they can’t be dislodged accidentally. Unless you’re towing a fifth wheel, safety chains or cables are required for towing trailers in most states.

Interior

Clean All Exhaust Fan Filters and Blades

Remove the vent cover screws and vent filters. Rinse the filters with water, or use an all-purpose cleaner to remove dust and debris and rinse with fresh water. Remove fan blades, then dust and clean the blades to remove dust and debris. Reassemble the exhaust fans and filters and test to ensure they work correctly.

Check Operation of Windows, Latches and Hinges

Open and close all windows, latches and hinges to confirm they all move freely and work as they should. Clean away any debris that may be hindering the performance of windows and latches, and lubricate hinges as needed.

Inspect and Reseal Shower Area, If Necessary

Visually inspect the shower area, looking for moisture, cracks or gaps in the seal, or any signs of mold or mildew that might indicate a leak. If you find any separation or cracks in the seal, reseal the area using a silicone sealant to keep water from causing damage to your RV.

Six Month RV Maintenance Tasks

Exterior

Inspect Your Axles and Springs

It’s a good idea to inspect your axles and springs, and grease your axles and wet bolts as needed in advance of a trip. Visually inspect your equalizers, wet bolts, U bolts, springs and axles for any cracks, irregularities or uneven wear. Then follow your axle manufacturer’s maintenance instructions or take your RV into a service center so you can be confident your axles are good to go.

Do a Thorough Inspection of Your Brakes, Brake Shoes and Brake Magnets

This step is best undertaken by a service professional at a qualified service center. They should check your brake fluid levels, the thickness of your brake pads, the brake controller settings and the electromagnet to make sure your brakes are in good working order and functioning optimally.

Inspect and Clean Your Roof Vents

On the roof of your RV, remove any covers over your RV fan/vent mechanisms. Spray down with an all-purpose cleaner, removing dust, debris and mold with paper towels or rags. Check the rubber seals for any cracks, gaps or separation and repair or replace as needed. Make sure you only walk on your roof if it is explicitly labeled as walkable; if not, you may want to take your RV into a professional for this service.

Check Underbelly for Tears or Leaks

If you have an enclosed underbelly, look underneath your RV to check it for any damage. Seal any holes with an expanding insulating foam to keep pests and rodents out. Larger holes should be patched with RV underbelly tape.

Test Wheel Bearings

This step is best undertaken by a service professional at a qualified service center. They should check your wheel bearings to ensure they’re operating evenly, properly lubricated and in balance with all the other wheel bearings.

Inspect Hub Drum

This step is best undertaken by a service professional at a qualified service center. They should check your wheel hub brake drum for any damage or uneven wear and repair or replace hub drums as needed.

Check Wheel Seals

This step is best undertaken by a service professional at a qualified service center. They should inspect your wheel seals for any damage or excess grease where the seal meets the wheel spindle, and replace any seals as needed.

Interior

Test the RV Batteries and Top Off Water Level

If your RV has been in storage or if you primarily camp hooked up to shore power, it can be easy to neglect your batteries. But testing them will ensure you always have a source of power in an emergency situation. To check your battery, make sure your RV is not plugged into an electrical connection, and check the voltage on your monitor panel. Place a small load on the battery by turning on a couple of overhead lights for a few minutes. You can also measure your battery’s voltage with a quality digital volt meter. If your 12V battery reads less than 12.5 volts, your battery is at less than 75% and should be recharged. Also make sure to top off the electrolyte solution in your battery with distilled water as needed.

Test All Your Appliances

Hook your RV up to electrical power and turn on each one of your appliances for a few moments to confirm they work as intended. Check the fridge, oven and stove, microwave, air conditioner and furnace, and any additional appliances like a dishwasher, washer and dryer, or electric fireplace. You may also want to check the outlets you’ll use for your own appliances like a coffee maker or hair dryer to ensure they’re in good working order.

Have Heat and Ignition Inspected by a Professional

Call a qualified professional to test your RV heating system. They should check the blower fan, pilot light, heater motor, LP gas regulator, safety appliances and DC voltage supply to ensure everything operates correctly and efficiently.

Yearly RV Maintenance Tasks

Exterior

Do a Thorough Inspection of Your Brakes, Brake Shoes and Brake Magnets

This step is best undertaken by a service professional at a qualified service center. They should check your brake fluid levels, the thickness of your brake pads, the brake controller settings and the electromagnet to make sure your brakes are in good working order and functioning optimally.

Ensure the Exterior Lighting Works Properly

Test your RV marker lights, or clearance lights, along the top and side exteriors of your RV. Replace any lights that have burned out.

Test Your Fresh Water System

In addition to the sanitizing step below, test your fresh water lines for leaks, which will help avoid any water or moisture damage over time. One easy to test for leaks is by filling your fresh water tank and turning on your 12V water pump. Once your system is pressurized, the pump should turn off and not come back on until you open a faucet. If the pump cycles before you open a faucet, start searching for a leak.

Inspect and Test Your LP Gas System, including Pigtail Connector

Propane tanks have manufacturing dates on the collar – replace any tanks on your trailer that are damaged or more than 10 years old. Make sure all connections are secure, and use an LP detector spray to check for leaks. Check the connection compartments for appliances like your fridge, water heater and furnace and clean out any debris like dead insects or old nests. Test your propane gas leak detector to ensure it’s in good working order, and replace it if it’s more than five years old. If you find a problem with your LP lines, call a professional for service.

Inspect and Test the Safety Breakaway Switch Operation

Visually check all the elements of your breakaway switch, including the cable, pin and wiring to the trailer battery and brakes. Then test the breakaway switch by pulling the pin out and trying to pull the trailer forward with your tow vehicle. The brakes on the trailer should engage, and the trailer should not roll forward. If the trailer does roll forward, there may be a problem with the brakes; schedule a professional service appointment.

Inspect the Roof Seams and Joints

Take your RV into an authorized service center to have them inspect the roof seams and joints for wear and damage and make any needed repairs.

Sanitize Your Fresh Water System

If your RV has been in storage or it’s been a few months since your last trip, it’s a good idea to sanitize your fresh water system to keep it free of any harmful bacteria or mold. This is what we recommend in Heartland owners manuals:

• Prepare a chlorine solution using one gallon of water and 1/4 cup of household bleach (5% sodium hypochlorite solution). Pour one gallon of solution into your empty fresh water tank for every 15 gallons of tank capacity. NOTE: As an option, several commercial solutions are available and should be used as directed on the package.
• Fill the rest of the tank with potable water. Then open all the faucets inside your RV to release trapped air; close them again. Pressurize the entire system with a pump, if available, and then turn off the pump.
• Allow the solution to stand in your system for three hours. Then drain and flush your tank and lines with fresh potable water. To remove any leftover chlorine taste or odor, mix one quart of vinegar into five gallons of water and pour it into the tank, allowing it to agitate through vehicle motion, for up to several days. Drain your tank and flush with fresh potable water.

Wax and Buff All Gel-Coat Surfaces

Following the guidelines in your RV owner’s manual, wax the exterior surfaces of your trailer with a fiberglass-safe wax.

Test Wheel Bearings

This step is best undertaken by a service professional at a qualified service center. They should check your wheel bearings to ensure they’re operating evenly, properly lubricated and in balance with all the other wheel bearings.

Inspect Hub Drum

This step is best undertaken by a service professional at a qualified service center. They should check your wheel hub brake drum for any damage or uneven wear and repair or replace hub drums as needed.

Check Wheel Seals

This step is best undertaken by a service professional at a qualified service center. They should inspect your wheel seals for any damage or excess grease where the seal meets the wheel spindle, and replace any seals as needed.

RV Maintenance Tasks As Required by Manufacturer

Exterior

Rotate Tires

Take your RV into a qualified service center to have them rotate your tires in order to prevent uneven or excess wear.

Have All Appliances Serviced.

Call a qualified professional to check the appliances inside your RV to ensure they’re all working properly and efficiently. Make sure they’re all properly connected to their respective energy sources, and that all propane lines are free from cracks and leaks.

Condition and Pressure Tires

Ensure that all the tires on your RV are at the appropriate pressure and free from any cracks and leaks. Use a tire conditioner to help keep the tire rubber soft and pliable, which will help prevent future cracks.

Test Wheel Bearings

This step is best undertaken by a service professional at a qualified service center. They should check your wheel bearings to ensure they’re operating evenly, properly lubricated and in balance with all the other wheel bearings.

Do A Thorough Inspection of Your Brakes, Brake Shoes and Brake Magnets

This step is best undertaken by a service professional at a qualified service center. They should check your brake fluid levels, the thickness of your brake pads, the brake controller settings and the electromagnet to make sure your brakes are in good working order and functioning optimally.

Inspect Hum Drum

This step is best undertaken by a service professional at a qualified service center. They should check your wheel hub brake drum for any damage or uneven wear and repair or replace hub drums as needed.

Check Wheel Seals

This step is best undertaken by a service professional at a qualified service center. They should inspect your wheel seals for any damage or excess grease where the seal meets the wheel spindle, and replace any seals as needed.

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Disclaimer:

The recommended maintenance discussed in this blog is for general informational purposes and meant as an overview of maintenance practices and general timelines.  Always check your manufacturer’s maintenance guidelines and owner’s manual regarding owner maintenance responsibilities.