RV Inspection Checklist: 10 Things to Inspect on Your RV Before You Hit the Road

Your RV Inspection Checklist

Having an RV is a dream for many people, especially when you think of all the trips you can take with it. There’s nothing more exciting than having a “home away from home” when camping outdoors. However, like any other vehicle, your RV is not immune to wear and tear every time you use it. So, you should have a proper maintenance checklist and plan for it to keep it running in tiptop shape.

As an RV owner, it’s essential to regularly inspect your vehicle to ensure that it’s free from any problems. You don’t need to be an expert, but you should at least be familiar with its different components and how they work. If you’re new to the RV scene, you can use this RV inspection checklist as a guide on the most important things to check in your vehicle.

Tires

Looking at the outside of your RV, one of the first things you’ll see are the tires, which are critical for ensuring the driver’s comfort and safety. So, you should always inspect them before you hit the road to check for possible damage or concerns.

Here are the key factors you should look at in your inspection:

• Tire Pressure
• Holes
• Amount of Tread
• Embedded Nails

A good tip is to also check the spares you carry on board. While you might not always have spares ready for your car, you should have them for your RV since you’ll be using it for out-of-town trips. The last thing you want is to get a flat tire in the middle of the road and have no spare tire—or have a faulty spare.

Tow Connections

The next big thing to assess in your RV inspection checklist is the tow connection between the tow vehicle and your RV. It is a critical step you shouldn’t overlook because it can potentially be a safety hazard. Before each trip, double-check both ends of the connection to ensure they are snug and secure.

You should also verify that:

• Electrical plug is installed properly
• Safety chains are attached
• Brake lights are working

Leaks

Leaks are probably one of the most common problems that RV owners face because the vehicle has so many moving parts. Leaks may occur from pretty much any part of your RV, from the roof to the windows to the compartments. Even the most minor leaks can cause damage to travel trailers, so it’s essential to always keep a close eye on potential signs.

Here’s what you can do during your routine RV inspection:

• Inspect the roof for soft spots and faulty caulks
• Open all cabinets and look at the top corner to check for discoloration
• Check all exterior storage compartments for signs of water damage
• Check inlets for your furnace, shower, and other fixtures

Water Sanitation

Having access to clean water is a must when going on outdoor trips. If you live in areas with cold winters, you’ll probably need to add antifreeze systems to your tanks. However, keeping antifreeze systems there when you shower can lead to all sorts of problems down the line. With this, it’s important to maintain your holding tanks and water pump regularly.

The easy way to sanitize your water holding tanks is to flush it out a few times with fresh water until the liquid is clear. After doing this, you can start cleaning the interior by mixing in bleach with a ratio of 1 cup per 60 gallons. Allow the mixture to stay in your holding tank overnight, then rinse and repeat over a few more days.

Lights, Batteries, and Generators

There’s nothing more frustrating than packing everything the night before your trip, only to find out you need to replace your RV battery the next day. The same goes for your generator or essentially anything that requires electricity to function. Charging all these right before you hit the road can significantly delay your trip, so check them in advance to ensure they’re all working correctly and don’t short out when tested.

Engines and Mechanics

The engine is another critical component you’ll find in your RV inspection checklist. It’s essentially the main source of power, so if it’s faulty, you won’t be able to go anywhere on your RV. Aside from checking the engine itself, you should top up your coolants, oils, and accessory fluid levels as needed.

Additionally, inspect all mechanical parts to ensure they’re in working order, such as giving your wheels a full turn. You can never be sure of your RV’s overall condition until you test out its features.

Safety Equipment

The safety equipment in an RV may vary from model to model, but you should generally get them checked once a year. Their primary purpose is to monitor dangerous elements that can cause harm, so you naturally want them to be in good condition if any unexpected circumstances arise.

Some standard safety equipment is:

• Gas Sensors
• Fire and Smoke Detectors
• Fire extinguishers

Propane and Gas Tanks

While electric-powered RVs have become more popular today, propane and gas continue to be standard power sources. If your RV is one of those that uses a propane or gas tank, you should cross them off your RV inspection checklist before you head out on a trip. Make sure they are leakproof, properly filled up, and installed correctly.

Freezers and Refrigerators

Once you get everything up and running, check out all spaces in your RV. There’s a tendency for freezers to create walls of ice inside them, which may remove valuable space inside the vehicle. The same goes for your fridge. Double-check to ensure there’s no mold or mildew, which can cause serious health risks if left ignored.

Interiors

As the saying goes, save the best for last—and the same applies to this RV inspection checklist. Generally, if your RV doesn’t have an open window or a bug infestation, all you will need is a dust down to keep the inside clean. You can also check your furniture to see if there’s any rusting or splintering that needs to be addressed.

Trust in the Professionals at A Mobile RV Repair to Inspect Your RV Inside and Out

It’s always helpful to have an RV inspection checklist before you head out on an outdoor trip. However, with so many aspects to consider, it can understandably be overwhelming to inspect your RV yourself. So, if you need help with this, AA Mobile RV Repair has you covered in Pinellas and Tampa. Call us today at (727) 310-4662 to schedule your mobile RV inspections or repairs and schedule a free consultation today!