June 2, 2025
Want to keep your RV in top shape year-round? Here's the secret: seasonal maintenance. Skipping it can lead to breakdowns, costly repairs, and even safety risks. But with regular care, you'll enjoy smooth travels and protect your investment.
Key Seasonal Tasks:
Year-Round Tips:
Why it matters: Seasonal maintenance ensures safety, reliability, and fewer headaches on the road. Ready to dive deeper? Let’s break it down season by season.
After enduring the challenges of winter, your RV needs some attention before hitting the road again. Spring maintenance is key to ensuring safe and enjoyable travels. After months in storage, it’s time to inspect your vehicle for winter-related wear and make sure all systems are in good shape.
Winter can be rough on your RV’s seals, leading to cracks, shrinkage, or holes. Start by inspecting all window seals for damage. Look for cracks, pulled sealant, or any signs of water intrusion, such as soft spots around the windows.
Your roof also deserves a thorough inspection. Pay close attention to the roof seams and areas around vents and other openings for leaks. Check the corner and wall seals for cracks or gaps, and examine the walls and floors in the corners for water damage signs like discoloration or warping.
"Even a small section of missing caulk can lead to catastrophic damage." – Steve and Noelle
If you spot areas needing resealing, wait for a warm, dry day to apply the new sealant. Clean the affected spots, remove any old sealant, and use the right type of sealant - self-leveling or non-sag, depending on the location. Be careful not to seal the bottom edge of windows, as this can trap water and cause further damage.
Proper resealing can save you from significant repairs down the road. Once your seals are secure, it’s time to turn your attention to the water system.
After months of storage, your freshwater system needs a good cleaning to remove bacteria, algae, mold, or mildew that may have developed. Start by turning off your water heater - this prevents damage from the cleaning solution. Drain all the water from your system, then sanitize it by mixing ¼ cup of bleach for every 16 gallons of water. Let the solution circulate through the system and soak for 5–24 hours.
Dilute the bleach before adding it to your tank - never use undiluted bleach. Turn on your water pump and open all faucets, including showerheads, until you smell bleach. This ensures the solution reaches every part of the system.
After soaking, drain the system completely (ideally into a sewer connection) and refill the tank with fresh water. Flush the system by running all faucets until the bleach smell disappears. You may need to repeat this process to remove any lingering odor.
If you prefer an alternative to bleach, you can use vinegar or hydrogen peroxide, though these are less effective unless heated to 130°F. With your water system clean and ready, it’s time to focus on safety checks like tires and brakes.
Tires and brakes are critical for your safety, so they need a detailed inspection. Start by checking tire pressure, as cold weather can cause pressure to drop, increasing the risk of a blowout. Look for signs of cracking, bulging, or uneven tread wear.
For brakes, the inspection process depends on your RV’s braking system. If you have disc brakes, make sure the pads are at least 3/16 inch thick and check the rotors for wear. For drum brakes, look for grooves and clean the components with brake cleaner.
If your RV uses electric trailer brakes, test the brake controller and ensure the electromagnet operates smoothly without excessive wear. To calibrate the brakes, test them in a gravel parking lot at around 20 mph. Adjust the controller until the trailer stops properly without the wheels locking up.
For trailers, don’t forget to inspect the breakaway switch. Check the lanyard for damage and test the switch to ensure it engages the brakes during an emergency.
Hydraulic brake systems require checking fluid levels and replacing the brake fluid every 3–5 years. For air brake systems, drain the air reservoir every six months and replace the filter every 2–3 years. When testing your brakes, listen for any grinding or squeaking noises and address issues immediately. Always maintain a safe stopping distance when driving your RV.
Summer heat can put a lot of strain on your RV, affecting everything from the air conditioning to the tires and even the exterior. High temperatures can push your RV's systems to their limits, but with a little preparation, you can keep things running smoothly and stay comfortable on the road.
Your air conditioner is your best friend during summer RV trips, so keeping it in top shape is a must. Start by cleaning or replacing the air filter. If your filter is reusable, wash it with a mild detergent and let it dry completely before reinstalling. Check the AC cover and housing for any cracks or damage, and ensure the seal between the unit and your RV’s roof is tight - this prevents leaks and keeps cool air from escaping.
Take the time to clean the AC coils and straighten any bent cooling fins to ensure proper airflow. Also, double-check that your thermostat is working accurately and that your AC has a steady power supply. To help your system work more efficiently, seal any air leaks around windows, doors, and roof vents.
"Think of your RV as your body on the road, take care of it and it will take care of you." - Brad Cowan
Did you know that summer heat can make road temperatures skyrocket? On a 90°F day, the asphalt can heat up to a scorching 150°F. This can be tough on your RV’s tires, especially if they’re not properly inflated. In fact, underinflation is responsible for up to 90% of tire failures.
To avoid problems, check your tire pressure every month with a reliable gauge and adjust it to the manufacturer’s recommended levels. Underinflated tires are three times more likely to cause serious accidents. Also, make sure you’re not overloading your RV - stick to the recommended load capacity. If you notice your tires getting too hot while driving, pull over and let them cool down before continuing.
The summer sun isn’t just hard on you - it’s hard on your RV, too. Prolonged exposure to UV rays can cause fading, cracking, and peeling on your RV’s exterior, as well as damage to rubber and plastic parts. To protect your RV, regularly wash and wax it using products with UV protection. Applying a UV protectant to rubber and plastic components can also help prevent aging.
When parked for long periods, use tire covers and try to find shaded spots. Make it a habit to inspect your RV’s exterior for any signs of sun damage, such as peeling paint or fading, and address these issues as soon as you spot them.
Taking these steps during the summer will not only keep your RV cool and safe but also help it stay road-ready for all your adventures.
After wrapping up summer repairs, fall is the perfect time to prepare your RV for the challenges of winter. As the air turns crisp and the leaves begin to fall, it’s essential to focus on protecting your RV from potential cold-weather damage. Whether you’re planning to store it or use it during the colder months, a thorough fall maintenance routine ensures your RV will be ready to roll when spring arrives. Start by winterizing the plumbing system, then move on to servicing the batteries and inspecting the seals to keep the cold out.
Cold weather can wreak havoc on your RV’s plumbing, so winterizing this system is a must. Start by disconnecting from any external water sources and draining the freshwater tank, hot water heater, and toilet tank completely. Open all faucets, showerheads, and sprayers to release any remaining water, and head to a dump station to empty your gray and black water tanks.
Before adding antifreeze, bypass the water heater to avoid wasting antifreeze and remove any water filters or purifiers from the system. Pour 2–3 gallons of non-toxic RV antifreeze into the freshwater tank, turn on the water pump, and run each faucet briefly until you see the pink antifreeze emerge. Don’t forget to flush the toilet to ensure antifreeze reaches the black water tank, and pour an extra 2–3 cups of antifreeze into each drain and the toilet bowl for added protection.
For an extra layer of safety, use compressed air (30–50 psi) to blow out any remaining moisture in the plumbing system. If you’ll be using your RV during winter, add a little antifreeze to the toilet bowl after each flush to prevent freezing.
Fall is also the time to give your RV’s electrical system some attention, as cold weather can take a toll on batteries and generators. Start by disconnecting the battery leads and removing the battery from your RV. Clean the terminals, leads, and battery casing to prevent corrosion. For flooded lead-acid batteries, top off the cells with distilled water and fully charge the battery before storing it in a cool, dry spot (32°F to 80°F). Lithium batteries should be stored at about 50% charge in a temperature range of 50°F to 95°F. Check the charge monthly, and recharge if it drops below 75%. Avoid leaving batteries on a trickle charge for more than 48 hours.
When prepping your generator, focus on both fuel and mechanical systems. Fill the fuel tank to prevent condensation, and add a fuel stabilizer to keep the fuel fresh. Run the generator for 30–60 minutes under load (such as running an air conditioner) to distribute the stabilizer throughout the system. Change the engine oil and filter to prevent acidic buildup, and apply fogging spray to gasoline generators to guard against rust. Finally, disconnect the ground terminal on the generator battery to prevent drain during storage, and plan to run the generator monthly for at least 30 minutes at about 50% load to keep it in good shape.
Even small cracks or gaps can become bigger problems in winter, so take time to inspect and repair your RV’s seals and weatherstripping. Pay close attention to windows, doors, and slide-out seals. Look for cracks, shrinking, or soft spots that could indicate water seepage, and inspect corner and wall seals for holes or damage. Check the roof seams around vents, skylights, and openings, as these areas are particularly vulnerable to wear from weather and road vibrations.
For repairs, use a non-sag sealant for areas like window tops, lights, and outlets, and apply a self-leveling sealant on roof seams to handle temperature changes and UV exposure. If window seals are severely damaged, you may need to remove the window, clean off the old sealant, apply fresh butyl tape, and reinstall the window.
Before storing your RV, clean the weatherstripping with soapy water to maintain its flexibility and durability. Well-kept weatherstripping not only blocks cold air but also helps keep pests, dust, and moisture at bay, preventing further damage over the winter.
Winter can be tough on your RV, but with the right preparation, you can avoid costly damage and keep it in great shape. Whether you're storing your RV for the season or planning to use it, here are some essential steps to help you navigate the colder months.
RV skirting acts as a shield, keeping cold air from seeping under your RV and helping you conserve heat. Start by measuring your RV's ground clearance, length, and width to figure out how much material you'll need. You can choose between a DIY kit, pre-made options, or professional installation, depending on your comfort level and budget.
Foam board is lightweight and offers decent insulation, while plywood is sturdier but bulkier to handle. If you go with vinyl skirting, follow the manufacturer's setup instructions, which often include snap, twist-lock, or zipper systems. Whatever material you choose, make sure it fits snugly around your RV's perimeter. Secure it tightly to block wind from sneaking underneath - use ground spikes, or weigh it down with water tubes or sandbags if spikes aren’t an option.
Installing skirting before winter hits not only keeps your RV warmer but also helps prevent frozen pipes. And, if you're staying in an RV park, pay attention to how your skirting looks - it might need to meet certain appearance standards. Once your RV's underbelly is protected, it's time to focus on other critical systems.
Your propane system is a lifeline during winter, fueling your heat, cooking, and hot water. Cold temperatures can cause pressure changes, so it's vital to check your system thoroughly. Inspect your propane tank for rust, corrosion, or damage, and ensure it's been recently inspected. Keep the tank filled above 30% to avoid issues caused by low levels.
Clear snow and ice from your tank, valves, and regulators regularly, and make sure there's easy access to the tank. Be alert for the distinct rotten egg smell of propane, and ensure your carbon monoxide detectors are working. Test your propane appliances - if you notice a yellow or flickering flame, it could indicate a problem. If you suspect a leak, shut off the main supply immediately and contact your propane provider. Once your propane system is secure, turn your attention to protecting your RV batteries.
Cold weather can drain your RV's batteries faster and slow down charging. If you're storing your RV, bring the batteries indoors to a warm, dry spot and keep them off the floor. Lithium batteries are best stored between 50°F and 95°F, and you should avoid exposing any battery to freezing temperatures for long periods.
If the batteries must stay in your RV, insulate the compartment to shield them from the cold. Regular maintenance is key - clean the terminals to prevent corrosion and use insulating caps for added protection. Check lead-acid batteries monthly and lithium batteries every few months, recharging as needed to avoid over-discharge. Keeping lead-acid batteries fully charged during storage is especially important to prevent freezing. A battery tender or trickle charger can help maintain optimal charge levels. If a battery does freeze, let it thaw completely before inspecting it for damage or trying to use it again.
Taking care of your RV isn’t just about seasonal upkeep - it’s about staying on top of regular checks throughout the year. Monthly and annual inspections can help you catch minor problems before they turn into costly repairs. Plus, keeping a maintenance log ensures you know what’s been done and when the next service is due, which can boost both reliability and resale value.
Your RV’s roof faces constant exposure to the elements - sun, rain, hail, and debris. This makes it one of the most important areas to inspect. Plan for a thorough roof check twice a year, and do a quick visual inspection every month to spot potential issues early.
Look for cracks, tears, or soft spots in the roofing material. Pay close attention to areas around vents, air conditioners, and antennas, as these are common entry points for water. Also, examine all seams and seals for signs of separation or wear.
Don’t overlook the exterior panels. Walk around your RV monthly to check for dents, scratches, or loose panels. Inspect the caulking around windows, compartment doors, and slide-outs for cracks or gaps. These small checks can save you from bigger headaches down the road.
Make it a habit to check your engine fluids monthly - especially before a long trip. This simple step can prevent engine damage and help you avoid being stranded.
Start with the engine oil. Pull out the dipstick, wipe it clean, reinsert it fully, and then check the level. The oil should be between the minimum and maximum marks and appear clean. If it’s dark or gritty, it’s time for a change, regardless of mileage.
Next, check the coolant level in the overflow reservoir (never the radiator) while the engine is cool. Low coolant can lead to overheating, which is especially risky when towing heavy loads or driving in mountainous areas.
Other fluids to check regularly include transmission, brake, and washer fluids. Transmission fluid should be bright red with a sweet smell - if it’s dark or has a burnt odor, it needs replacing. Brake fluid should be clear to light amber, and the level should stay near the maximum line. Don’t forget to top off your windshield washer fluid, particularly during bug-heavy seasons or dusty conditions.
Your tires are the foundation of your RV’s safety and performance, so keeping them in good shape is crucial. Check tire pressure at least once a month and before every trip. Proper maintenance can reduce the likelihood of accidents by 20%. Most RV tires require higher pressures than car tires - usually between 80 and 110 PSI - so invest in a reliable tire gauge and a portable air compressor.
During your monthly inspection, look for uneven wear, cracks in the sidewalls, or bulges that might indicate internal damage. Uneven tread wear can point to alignment problems, overloading, or incorrect inflation. Keep in mind that RV tires generally last 5 to 6 years, but neglect can shorten their lifespan.
Rotate your tires every 5,000 to 8,000 miles, and check the lug nuts monthly using a torque wrench. This is especially important for motorhomes, where front tires handle steering and rear tires bear most of the weight. Loose lug nuts can cause dangerous wheel separation, particularly at highway speeds.
Lastly, repack your wheel bearings once a year or every 10,000 miles - whichever comes first. This involves removing the wheels, cleaning out old grease, checking the bearings for signs of wear, and applying fresh grease. Proper bearing care is essential to avoid breakdowns or accidents.
"Adopting a routine for seasonal, mileage, and annual maintenance tasks ensures you're always travel-ready. Taking a proactive approach keeps your RV in prime condition, preventing costly repairs and extending its lifespan for years of adventures."
Keep detailed records of tire rotations, bearing services, and pressure checks. Not only does this help you stay organized, but it’s also valuable if you ever need to address warranty claims. Regular maintenance isn’t just about avoiding problems - it’s about ensuring your RV is ready for safe, enjoyable adventures year after year.
Seasonal maintenance is the secret to keeping your RV safe, reliable, and ready for adventure. Each season brings its own set of tasks, but together they ensure your RV stays in top shape year-round.
Spring is all about getting your RV road-ready after its winter rest. Summer maintenance helps you handle the wear and tear of frequent use, while fall tasks focus on preparing your rig for storage. Winter protection, on the other hand, shields your RV from the harsh effects of cold weather. Alongside these seasonal efforts, regular checks on fluids, tires, and exterior components help you catch minor issues before they turn into costly repairs.
For more complex repairs, like propane systems, electrical work, or major mechanical fixes, it’s always smart to turn to trained professionals.
Your RV isn’t just a vehicle - it’s a gateway to freedom, adventure, and unforgettable memories. With consistent care and attention, you’ll ensure it’s always ready to hit the road when you are. Stick to this seasonal maintenance routine, and you’ll enjoy countless trouble-free miles and worry-free travels.
Skipping seasonal maintenance for your RV isn’t just a minor oversight - it can lead to major problems that affect your wallet and your safety. Take winterizing, for example. If you skip it, any leftover water in the plumbing or engine can freeze, expand, and cause cracks or leaks. That means costly repairs you could’ve avoided. And let’s not forget the tires and brakes - neglecting these can increase the chances of a breakdown or even an accident, putting you and other drivers in harm’s way.
The good news? Staying on top of seasonal maintenance, like inspecting seals, checking fluid levels, and prepping for extreme weather, can save you from those headaches. It helps keep repair bills low, extends the life of your RV, and makes your travels safer and stress-free all year long.
To keep your RV's plumbing system safe from freezing temperatures this winter, here’s what you need to do:
Taking these precautions will help you avoid costly plumbing repairs and keep your RV in great shape for when warmer weather returns.
Protecting your RV's exterior from the sun and UV damage during summer is crucial for keeping it in good shape and extending its lifespan. Here’s how you can safeguard your RV:
By taking these steps, you’ll not only preserve your RV’s appearance but also ensure it stays in top condition throughout the summer.
