The cooler months are the perfect time to check things over in your RV to help keep everything in tip-top order for the months ahead. Avoid roadside breakdowns and nasty repair bills with these servicing and maintenance tips.

Keep Records and Conduct Regular RV Inspections

Develop and carry your own RV logbook so you can make notes and record information for comparison year on year. By being observant, you’ll be better placed to identify minor changes in the way things operate or sound. And if you periodically give everything on your RV the once over, you can compare its condition and operation to when you first got it. Think of it like your RV having its own health check. 

RV Underside Maintenance: How to Inspect for Leaks and Damage

Park your RV on a dry flat surface for a few days before conducting an inspection, and there’s every chance you’ll pick up any signs of leaks from hoses etc. With a crawl mat placed under your RV, get under your setup to look for signs of road damage using a good torch and a stick or probe. While you’re there, check that pipes, hoses and wiring appear to be attached securely without any signs of cracks or damage. 

All bolts, nuts and screws should also be checked, paying particular attention to the water tank fittings and brackets. Make notes as you go, so that you have a record to discuss with your service agent, or for you to attend to later. Also, check that the chassis coating (both painted or galvanised dipped) is in good condition; plus whether you pick up early signs of rust staining. Use a torch and probe to check the chassis joins, welds, bolts and brackets, for signs of cracks or out-of-shape brackets. 

The suspension is another area that should be included in the inspection. Include items such as shockers, springs, airbags, any grease shackles and handbrake cables. Again, you’re looking for anything that looks damaged, worn, leaking, or has early signs of rust. Finish off the inspection by giving your RV a good wash using a brush and pressure hose to remove all dirt and built-up mud. Don’t have the pressure too high to avoid pushing mud and water inside your RV or damaging seals. 

An RV’s underside is often overlooked by owners, so it’s wise to spend a short time underneath to familiarise yourself with its appearance. It will help you in the future to determine how its overall condition looks from year to year.

RV Roof Maintenance: Check for Seals and Water Damage 

While many of us might not feel comfortable on a ladder, an RV’s roof section is another area that should be part of a maintenance program. Start by positioning the ladder at one corner of your RV and work your way around looking for anything that has changed from year to year. Start by inspecting the seals to see whether they look intact, plus there should be no mould staining on any surfaces. Check all screws and fittings around hatches look good, and the sun’s UV hasn’t turned things brittle. Grab hold of things like the air- conditioner, solar panels, aerials and awning brackets and give them a gentle tug to ensure they don’t have any movement. Also, look at the overall condition of the roof to see whether there are water stain marks from pooling water. Like the RV’s underside, give the rooftop a good hosing down and use a soft-bristled brush to clean all topside accessories. If you’re uncomfortable climbing up, find someone who can help … or ask your service agent to do the job (and take photos for your reference). 

How to Care for Your RV’s Exterior: Seals, Walls, and Fittings

Whether your RV has composite panelling or cladded aluminium, all walls take a punishing from the elements. They also serve as the main strength structure adding integrity to the RV. 

Seals, wall and roof joins, chassis and corners should all be checked to ensure they’re not brittle or have any holes or mould growing in them. Also check around hatches, windows, doors, and any other fittings like power inlets. The seals should all be sound and fixings tight. Break out a bucket of soapy water and a sponge to give your RV a good going over too. Remove all insect stains and road tar, then finish off with a protective coating of wax and/or polish.

When to Call a Professional for RV Maintenance

As much as we may like to tinker with our RV, legislation prevents a DIYer from attempting to service or repair some equipment unless you’re qualified. All gas work, including LPG gas connections, pipework and appliances, must be performed by a licensed gas fitter. The same applies to 240V electrical work which must be performed by a qualified electrician. Avoid working on other areas like suspension, brakes and tow hitch connections unless you have a very good understanding of what’s required.

When we rely heavily on our setups to take us around the country, a servicing and maintenance regime is part and parcel of owning an RV. After all, they are a big investment; and attending to minor issues as they arise will ensure our RVs stay in the best condition possible. We wouldn’t want it any other way.

Four RV DIY Jobs to Tackle

1. Wheels and tyres – check for wear and tear, roadworthiness, correct pressure, and wheel nuts.

2. Tow hitch – check that all electrical connections work, inspect plugs and give them a good clean with a stiff brush and a spray of water repellent.

3. Gas bottles – inspect fittings and connections for signs of rust; hoses should be flexible with no tears. Check gas bottles are still within date.

4. Inside RV – check the electrical safety switch, test the smoke detector, check all locks on drawers and cupboards. Run all appliances, i.e. air conditioner, microwave, fridge, gas stove and hot water service. Turn on taps, drains, filters; operate all windows/hatches and check conditions of screens – make notes of their performance and operation, instigating action where needed.

Category: Features
Written: Sat 01 Mar 2025
Printed: March, 2025
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