A Practical Maintenance Checklist for Spring
The leaves are budding, the grass is turning green, and that familiar pull toward camping season is back.
Before you head out on your first trip, it’s worth taking a little time to give your camper a thorough once-over. A few hours of maintenance now can save you a lot of stress later.
Not every item will apply to every rig, but this guide will help you get started.
🔥 Furnace
Before you rely on it for a chilly spring night:
- • Check the exterior exhaust and remove debris.
- • Observe the burner flame — it should be a strong blue. A yellow or lazy flame may mean cleaning or replacement is needed.
- • Inspect vents for soot or blockages.
- • Replace the furnace filter.
- • Clean air passages and remove lint or pet hair buildup.
🚿 Water Heater
- • Check the anode rod (sometimes called a diode) for corrosion and replace if necessary.
- • Inspect the burner flame — again, look for a steady blue flame.
- • Remove debris from the burner tube and combustion area.
- • Flush the tank thoroughly with fresh water to remove sediment buildup.
Flushing your water heater each season helps extend its life and improve efficiency.
🧊 Refrigerator
- • Clean exterior grill assemblies.
- • Inspect and clean terminal and ground connections.
- • Check door seals — a dollar bill should be difficult to pull out when closed in the door.
- • Inspect and tighten LP lines.
- • Test gas safety shutdown features.
- • Complete any required warranty maintenance steps.
🍳 Stove & Oven
- • Clean burners and exhaust vent.
- • Replace or clean vent filters.
- • Season your oven stone if you use one.
⚡ Electrical System
- • Check interior and exterior lights for flickering or separation.
- • Replace any blown bulbs.
- • Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors (test spray cans are helpful).
- • Test GFCI outlets.
- • Check battery electrolyte levels (use distilled water only).
- o If water levels drop quickly, it may indicate overcharging.
🌬 Air & Ventilation
- • Clean ceiling and vent fans.
- • Ensure they operate smoothly and quietly.
🚐 Chassis & Running Gear
- • Lubricate according to your owner’s manual.
- • Inspect wheel bearings.
- • Grease stabilizer jacks.
- • Check brake wear.
- • Inspect frame for rust and touch up as needed.
- • Torque axle bolts to recommended specifications.
🚙 Tow Vehicle
- • Inspect your 7-way cord and connections.
- • Check the receptacle for debris.
- • Inspect brakes.
- • Check towing mount bolts and torque as needed.
- • Inspect tow ball for cracks and apply lubricant.
⬅️➡️ Slide-Outs
- • Extend slides and wipe down hydraulic cylinders or actuators.
- • Apply dry lubricant where recommended.
- • Inspect hoses and fittings for leaks.
- • Lubricate seals and mechanisms.
- • Remove debris from slide walls.
- • Test manual override operation.
🪑 Interior & Furniture
- • Remove any mildew stains.
- • Lubricate hinges.
- • Clean wood finishes.
- • Treat fabric with water repellent or flame retardant if needed.
🔥 Propane System
- • Perform an LP drop test.
- • Clean propane detectors.
- • Have a qualified technician check for leaks.
- • Optimal pressure for most RVs is 11 inches of water column.
🏠 Roof
- • Remove debris.
- • Wash according to manufacturer instructions.
- • Inspect and reseal as needed.
- • Lubricate roof vent mechanisms.
- • Inspect AC housing for cracks.
💧 Water System
- • Sanitize fresh water tank (1 oz bleach per 8 gallons of water).
- • Sanitize drinking hose.
- • Clean grey and black tanks.
- • Clean faucet screens.
- • Inspect toilet seals.
- • Lubricate shower door tracks.
- • Apply water repellent to glass if desired.
🚪 Windows & Doors
- • Clean windows and screens.
- • Repair tears in screens.
- • Lubricate window tracks.
- • Apply powdered graphite to locks.
- • Lubricate entry steps.
- • Inspect and replace cracked vinyl seals.
🔥 Fire Safety
Schedule an inspection with your local fire department to check your fire extinguishers.
You should have a fire extinguisher within 10 feet of any fire source. Make sure it is rated for Class A, B, and C fires.
Final Thoughts
Spring maintenance may not be the most glamorous part of camping season — but it’s one of the most important.
A little preparation now means fewer surprises later, and more time enjoying campfires, fresh air, and time outdoors.
If you have items you check every season that aren’t listed here, we’d love to hear them. Camping is always better when we share what we’ve learned.