Regular maintenance is crucial for the longevity and performance of your RV. Follow this schedule to ensure your travel trailer or motorhome is always ready for your next adventure.
Monthly Checks
- Inspect tire pressure and tread depth.
- Examine all fluid levels (engine oil, coolant, brake fluid).
- Test battery condition and clean terminals.
- Check lights and signals for functionality.
- Inspect the exterior for any damage or wear.
Seasonal Maintenance
- Flush and sanitize the water system.
- Inspect and clean the roof and seals.
- Check the propane system and appliances.
- Test the air conditioning and heating systems.
- Service the generator if applicable.
Pre-Trip Inspections
- Review all safety equipment (fire extinguisher, first aid kit).
- Check the hitch and towing equipment.
- Ensure all windows and doors seal properly.
- Confirm that waste tanks are empty and clean.
- Review your itinerary and ensure all travel documents are ready.
By following this maintenance schedule, you can enjoy peace of mind on the road. For any service needs or questions, visit Turner RVs in Boise.
Annual Tasks and Idaho-Specific Care
Beyond the monthly and seasonal routines, a handful of jobs are best done once a year. Plan them for late winter or early spring, before the camping season gets busy and service bays fill up.
Once-a-Year Checklist
- Wheel bearings and brakes: Travel trailers in particular benefit from having bearings inspected and repacked, and electric brakes adjusted. Follow the interval your axle manufacturer recommends, which is often yearly or by mileage.
- Tire age: RV tires often age out before the tread wears down. Check the DOT date code on the sidewall. Look for cracking, especially on tires that sit in the sun.
- Propane leak test: Have a qualified technician pressure-test the lines and check regulators and detectors. Carbon monoxide and LP detectors also have expiry dates, so replace them when they reach it.
- Slide-outs and awnings: Clean and lubricate slide mechanisms and seals with products made for them. Extend awnings fully to look for mildew or frayed fabric.
- Chassis service: Motorhome owners should follow the chassis maker's schedule for oil, filters, transmission fluid and belts. That schedule is separate from the house systems.
Preparing for Idaho Winters
Boise-area nights regularly drop below freezing in winter, and that is the biggest threat to an RV's plumbing. Before the first hard freeze, drain the fresh, grey and black tanks and bypass the water heater. Then either blow out the lines with compressed air or fill them with RV-specific (non-toxic) antifreeze. Remove or maintain the batteries so they don't freeze while discharged. Cover the tires, and check for gaps where rodents could get in.
Summer brings its own stresses. High-desert sun and heat can dry out roof sealants, so look closely at lap sealant around vents and skylights. Long climbs on mountain grades also work brakes and cooling systems hard, which makes pre-trip fluid checks especially worthwhile.
Keep a Maintenance Log
Record the date, mileage and work done for every task, along with any parts you replaced. A log helps you spot recurring problems and keep warranty coverage in order. It also adds real value when you sell or trade in, because buyers browsing used RVs look for documented care. For jobs you'd rather leave to professionals, see our service and parts page.
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