Quarterly RV Maintenance Checklist
Owning an RV means paying attention to maintenance. Some tasks may be needed every time you take your rig on the road, some might only need to be completed once a year, and some require a quarterly approach to ensure they’re properly addressed. Here are the important things you need to do each quarter to make sure your RV is kept in tip-top shape.
1. Test the Electrical System
Your electrical system needs regular checks to ensure it’s not creating any possible safety issues. Start with connecting the system to shore power, then checking the circuit breakers. Inspect each fuse to make sure it’s working properly. Next, check all outlets, lights, and appliances to confirm they’re functioning correctly. If you find that one of these isn’t working, and there’s nothing wrong with the device itself, it may mean that your motorhome has an electrical problem. After testing all of these areas, check the battery voltage for proper charge.
2. Inspect Your Appliances
In addition to verifying that the appliances have the right electrical flow, double-check that the appliancesthemselves are working well. This means you will need to use the microwave, turn on all of the stove burners, heat up the oven, and check the refrigerator and freezer temperatures. You don’t want to end up at a campground only to find that your fridge isn’t keeping your food safe, or that your oven isn’t heating up. When performing these tests, listen for unexpected or unusual sounds, and get professional assistance if you locate a problem.
3. Check Your Propane System
Like the electrical system, your propane system can be a potential source of danger to your RV. You’re required to have a propane leak detection system, so begin with this. Make sure that the sensor is located near the floor and is working properly by using the test feature. After that test is complete, open the propane valve and close up the RV. Wait for two hours and then check to see if the alarm is sounding. This will tell you whether or not you have a leak. If you find that you have a leak, address it immediately.
4. Lubricate Your Locks and Hinges
Your quarterly maintenance check is a good time to give your RV locks and hinges some lubrication. If you notice any issues with these, go ahead and replace them. By giving them some TLC every 90 days or so, you can be confident that they’re going to provide reliable service the next time you hit the road.
5. Read the Mileage
Another important step to remember is checking your RV’s mileage. This will help you determine if your rig is due for an oil change or brake service. Even if you’re confident that it’s not time for these services yet, it only takes a moment to read the mileage and cross-check it with your existing maintenance records. Follow your recommended service schedule based on the number of miles driven, not the date on the calendar.
6. Examine the Brakes
Perform a visual inspection of your brakes to confirm that they’re looking good. If you notice worn out brake pads, get them replaced before your next trip. For trailers, use a contact cleaner to clean the brake connector at this time as well.
7. Update Your Maintenance Log
You may think that you’ll remember the maintenance tasks you completed the next time your quarterly checks roll around, but just to be safe, grab your maintenance log and record the work that you’ve completed. This will give you peace of mind and help you figure out what tasks need to be done next quarter.
Keeping up with maintenance is a crucial part of owning an RV. Every 90 days, take some time to conduct a thorough check through these items. By doing so, you can help make sure that your rig is ready next time you’re struck with the desire to head out onto the open road.
