Top 10 Most Overlooked RV Maintenance Tasks (And Why Skipping Them Can Cost You)
RV ownership is a gateway to freedom, adventure, and unforgettable road trips—but it also comes with a responsibility that’s easy to forget when the sunsets are glowing and the wheels are turning: maintenance. Staying on top of RV Maintenance isn’t just about avoiding breakdowns (though that’s reason enough). It’s also about protecting your investment, extending the life of your RV, and keeping your travels smooth and safe.
While most RVers know to check their tires and change the oil, there’s a whole category of smaller, easily overlooked tasks that can lead to big problems if ignored. Here are ten of the most commonly forgotten RV maintenance items—along with what can happen if you skip them.
1. Inspect and Reseal Roof Seams and Seals
Your RV’s roof is exposed to sun, rain, wind, and temperature swings—so it’s no surprise that roof seals and seams can dry out or crack. Skipping this check is a fast-track to water damage, which can ruin insulation, walls, and even structural framing.
✅ What to do: Inspect seals at least twice a year. Clean the roof, check for cracks or lifting, and reseal with compatible lap sealant or tape. Don’t forget around roof vents, skylights, and air conditioners.
2. Clean and Lube Slide-Out Seals and Mechanisms
Slide-outs add valuable living space—but when neglected, they can stick, grind, or even fail entirely.
✅ What to do: Every few months, clean slide seals with a mild soap and apply a rubber seal conditioner to prevent cracking. Also, lubricate moving parts like gear tracks or hydraulic arms with a recommended lubricant.
3. Test Your GFCI Outlets and Smoke/CO Detectors
These safety devices are easy to forget—until you need them. A failed GFCI can leave you unprotected from electrical shock, while a dead smoke or CO detector can be life-threatening.
✅ What to do: Test all GFCI outlets monthly. Press the “test” button, confirm power is cut, then reset. Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors every 30 days and replace batteries twice a year. Most RVs have hard-wired (12-volt) detectors.
4. Flush and Sanitize the Fresh Water System
Even if your water looks clean, bacteria and biofilm can build up in your freshwater system over time—especially if the RV sits unused.
✅ What to do: Sanitize your freshwater system at least once every spring (more if you’re full-timing). Use a bleach-water mix, let it sit in the lines, then flush thoroughly. It’s a simple process that keeps your water safe. Products are available for this purpose from Thetford.
5. Check for Loose Bolts Underneath the Chassis
RVs bounce and flex on the road, and over time, bolts on your suspension system, stabilizers, and tow hardware can loosen.
✅ What to do: Every 3–6 months, crawl under the rig and visually inspect bolts on the frame, axles, and stabilizers. Look for looseness, rust, or wear—and tighten or replace as needed.
6. Clean the Furnace and Inspect the Burn Chamber
A neglected RV furnace can become a fire hazard or just stop working when you need it most.
✅ What to do: Remove the access panel and inspect the burner and ignition area for soot, rust, or debris. Vacuum out any dust or spider webs (yes, they love those areas) and consider an annual professional inspection. Some RV furnaces need to be removed to do thorough inspections.
7. Grease the Wheel Bearings
This one often slips under the radar—until a bearing overheats and you’re stuck on the side of the road with a seized axle.
✅ What to do: Depending on usage, wheel bearings should be inspected and greased at least once a year or every 10,000–12,000 miles. A pro can do it in a few hours, or you can learn to do it yourself with the right tools.
8. Inspect and Tighten Battery Connections
RV batteries often get overlooked—until they corrode or disconnect, leaving you powerless.
✅ What to do: Check battery terminals monthly. Clean off corrosion with a wire brush and a baking soda solution. Ensure all cable connections are tight and secure. Don’t forget to check water levels in flooded batteries.
9. Check the RV’s Exterior Caulking and Trim
Seams around windows, doors, compartments, and corners can loosen or crack—leading to water intrusion, drafts, and bugs.
✅ What to do: Do a complete walk-around inspection every few months. Look for cracked caulk, gapped trim, or missing sealant. Use RV-specific caulk (like Dicor Cap Sealant) for long-lasting repairs.
10. Lubricate Door Hinges, Locks, and Compartment Latches
A squeaky hinge is annoying. A jammed lock or broken latch on your storage bay? Much worse.
✅ What to do: Use a dry graphite or pure silicone lubricant on all locks and latches, and hit the door hinges while you’re at it. It’s a 10-minute task that keeps things running smoothly.
Bonus Tip: Keep a RV Maintenance Log
It might sound old-school, but keeping a simple RV maintenance journal—or using an app—can save you a ton of hassle. Note the dates of inspections, what was done, and when parts were last replaced. It’s great for resale value and helps you track recurring issues.
Final Thoughts for the Smart RVer
RVs aren’t just vehicles—they’re homes on wheels, rolling ecosystems that need regular care to stay healthy and happy. These small, often overlooked RV maintenance tasks don’t take much time individually, but ignoring them can lead to major repairs, costly replacements, or even cutting a trip short.
So before your next big adventure, take a little time to give your rig some love. Trust us—it’ll return the favor by getting you safely to every Next Stop on your map.