How Often Should You Service Your RV or Camper?

How Often Should You Service Your RV or Camper?

Whether you're a full-time traveler or a weekend warrior, regular maintenance is the key to keeping your RV or camper safe, reliable, and ready for the road. Just like your daily driver, RVs require scheduled service to prevent breakdowns and costly repairs down the line.

At Tri State Truck & RV in Chattanooga, TN, we’ve seen firsthand how consistent maintenance can extend the life of your rig and improve your travel experience. So, how often should you service your RV or camper? Let’s break it down.

Annual RV Maintenance

At least once a year, your RV should go through a comprehensive inspection. Even if it’s stored most of the year, sitting still can lead to its own set of issues like dry rot, fluid breakdown, and battery drain. Annual service should include:

• Full exterior and roof inspection for leaks or sealant cracks
• Appliance check (refrigerator, water heater, furnace, AC)
• LP gas system test
• Wheel bearing repack (for towables)
• Brake inspection
• Battery test and clean
• Slide-out maintenance
• Water system check for leaks and pressure

This yearly tune-up helps catch problems early and gives you peace of mind before heading out on your next trip.

Mileage-Based Service

If you travel frequently, base some services on mileage rather than time. For example:

• Oil and filter changes: Every 3,000 to 5,000 miles for gas engines, or 7,500 to 10,000 for diesel
• Transmission and brake fluid checks: Every 30,000 miles or as needed
• Tire rotations and inspections: Every 5,000 to 7,000 miles
• Generator service: Every 100-150 hours of use

Driving long distances puts wear on your engine and drivetrain, so following your manufacturer's recommendations is important. Tri State Truck & RV offers mileage-based service reminders and scheduling to make it easy to stay on track.

Seasonal Maintenance: Pre-Trip and Post-Trip

Before every major trip, especially after storage, you should:

• Check tire pressure and tread
• Test all lights and signals
• Inspect the roof, seals, and slide-outs
• Top off fluids
• Flush and sanitize the water system

After your trip, it’s smart to give your RV a basic once-over to catch any damage or wear that may have occurred.

When in Doubt, Ask a Pro

Every RV is different. Factors like age, model, climate, and how often you use it will affect your service schedule. Our certified technicians at Tri State Truck & RV are happy to inspect your rig and create a customized maintenance plan that fits your lifestyle.

Schedule Your RV Service in Chattanooga, TN

Regular maintenance keeps your RV running smoothly and protects your investment. Whether you're gearing up for the season or coming back from a big trip, Tri State Truck & RV has the tools, experience, and parts to get the job done right.

Call us or stop by our shop in Chattanooga to schedule your RV or camper service today.