RV driving down the highway

Why You Should Always Schedule Your RV Service Early

Owning an RV is a blast. It’s also an important responsibility. Each is a complex piece of machinery that needs to be maintained in order to function properly. Even simple wear and tear can force you off the road and into the shop, where repair costs can quickly rack up.

Unfortunately, quality care is not always easy to come by. Even minor maintenance can take several weeks to complete, as qualified RV technicians are in high demand. That’s why it’s so important to schedule your service visits early.

RV parked on the side of the road

Why Scheduling Early Matters

1. RV Technicians Are in High Demand

A regular mechanic may not be qualified to handle the complicated components of your RV. Instead, you may need to find a specialized service shop that can look into your vehicle — the best of which can sometimes be booked out several months in advance.

2. Peak Season Can Lead to Travel Delays

Planning a summer road trip? So is everyone else. Spring and early summer are the busiest times for RV service centers. If you wait until just before your trip to schedule maintenance, you may not get an appointment in time.

Worst-case scenario? You take off without a checkup, only to break down mid-trip — costing you time, money, and a whole lot of stress.

3. Preventative Maintenance Saves You Money

Most big issues were once minor problems. A small roof leak, low tire pressure, or worn-out brake pads are easy fixed. The damage they can lead may not be. Catch them early and save thousands in repairs.

Early fix vs. Delayed Repair cost comparison chart

4. Emergency Repairs Are Costly and Unpredictable

It goes without saying that breaking down on the road is bad — but it is. Not only will it likely result in an expensive towing bill, but if you thought finding a quality RV service technician was difficult from the comfort of your own home, wait until your stranded along one of America’s highways.

5. Repairs Often Require Special Parts

Even if you’re able to sneak yourself into the shop last minute, there’s no guarantee you’ll be out of there just as quickly. An out-of-stock RV part could take weeks or even months to deliver.

Routine Maintenance Needs

Your RV is not a typical car — it’s your home on wheels, with complex plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and structural systems that need constant attention.

Essential RV Components That Require Servicing:

  • Engine & Drivetrain: Oil changes, coolant flushes, brake inspections, and transmission service.
  • Tires & Suspension: Checking tire pressure, tread depth, and wheel alignment to prevent blowouts.
  • Roof & Seals: Inspecting and resealing caulking to prevent water damage.
  • Electrical & Batteries: Testing house and chassis batteries, checking wiring, and inspecting solar panels (if applicable).
  • Propane System: Ensuring connections are secure and leak-free.
  • Freshwater, Gray, and Black Tanks: Sanitizing water tanks and checking for leaks.
  • Generator Service: Changing oil and filters, testing load capacity, and ensuring proper ventilation.
  • Appliances & HVAC: Cleaning A/C filters, testing furnaces, and checking refrigerator operation.
Someone doing RV maintenance

Seasonal RV Maintenance

Following a seasonal maintenance plan can help keep your RV in tip-top shape all year round.

Spring Prep: Dewinterization and Pre-Trip Inspections

After having stored your RV for the last several months, it’s important that you spend the early parts of Spring easing your vehicle out of hibernation. Schedule an early checkup to see that all of your systems are in working order and get started on any improvements or repairs necessary before you take to the road later in the year.

  • Dewinterize the plumbing system: Flush out antifreeze, sanitize freshwater tanks, and check for leaks.
  • Test electrical systems: Make sure all the lights, outlets, and appliances are functioning properly. Charge batteries and test voltage.
  • Inspect roof and windows: Look for cracks, leaks, or worn-out sealant.
  • Check tire pressure and tread wear: Ensure tires are properly inflated and replace if there are signs of cracking, punctures, or flat spots.

Book Your Appointment: January – Early February

Summer Readiness: Peak Travel Performance

Never hit the road without knowing your RV is in peak condition. The last thing you want is to find yourself stranded on the side of the road with a smoking engine. Find a trusted technician and have them inspect every inch of your RV. It’s worth it.

  • Inspect your engine belts and hoses: Catch any cracking or deterioration before it’s too late.
  • Test brakes and suspension: Double check that the braking system is working effectively before long trips.
  • Check the air conditioning system: Clean or replace A/C filters and inspect the cooling unit.
  • Top off your fluids: Make sure your oil, power steering fluid, transmission fluid, and coolant levels are all at recommended levels.

Book your appointment: March - April

Fall Maintenance: Post-Trip Inspections and Prepping for Storage

Make sure to give your RV some love after a long summer on the road. All that wear and tear is best addressed prior to offseason storage, as it has the opportunity to become a more serious problem during the cold months it spends out of sight.

  • Clean everything: Give your RV a spa day by spraying down the exterior, adding a coat of wax, and clearing out all trash and scraps from the interior.
  • Address any minor repairs: Look for cracks, loose parts, or rodent entry points that may have arisen during your travels.
  • Deep clean the water system: Flush and sanitize the holding tanks and replace the water filters.
  • Inspect the roof: Any damage to the sealants could lead to a disastrous leak come wintertime.

Book your appointment: August - September

Winter Protection: Prevent Offseason Damage

For the large majority of RV owners who store their vehicle during the winter, proper preparation is essential.

  • Winterize the plumbing system: Drain all the water lines and add RV-specific antifreeze to prevent frozen pipes.
  • Protect against rodents: Use a Box-Kat mouse barrier and other rodent-proofing measures to avoid chewed wiring, damaged insulation, and more costly repairs.
  • Disconnect batteries: Store batteries in a climate-controlled space and use a trickle charger if needed.
  • Support your tires: Over inflate your tires and consider using a tire jack to ease some of the strain of long-term storage.

Book your appointment: October – November

Find a Reliable RV Technician

Not all mechanics are trained to work on RVs, but that doesn’t mean they don’t. With such high demand for RV services, many inexperienced technicians are often asked to do more than they are capable of. That’s why it’s so important to find an RV technician you can trust.

Check with your dealership service centers, ask for recommendations, and look for positive reviews from past clients. If you find someone you can rely on, stick with them!

Back to blog