Essential Motorhome Maintenance Checklist

Your motorhome is more than a vehicle—it's your home on wheels, your gateway to adventure, and often a significant financial investment. Proper maintenance not only extends the life of your RV but also ensures your safety and prevents the frustration of breakdowns in remote locations. After twenty years of servicing motorhomes and countless kilometres on the road myself, I've developed this comprehensive maintenance guide to help you keep your rig in top condition.

Motorhome maintenance might seem overwhelming at first, but breaking it down into manageable daily, monthly, and annual tasks makes it entirely achievable. Many of these checks take just minutes but can save you thousands of dollars in repairs and, more importantly, keep you safe on Australia's diverse roads.

Pre-Trip Checks (Before Every Journey)

Before turning the key, spend ten minutes on these essential checks. They'll quickly become second nature and could save you from roadside disasters.

Exterior Inspection

Walk around your motorhome looking for any obvious issues. Check tyre condition and pressure—under-inflated tyres are a leading cause of motorhome accidents and dramatically increase fuel consumption. Examine all lights to ensure they're working: headlights, indicators, brake lights, and marker lights. Look for any fluid leaks under the vehicle, fresh scratches or damage, and ensure all external hatches and compartments are securely closed.

Interior Safety Check

Inside, verify that all items are properly stowed and secured. Loose objects become dangerous projectiles during sudden braking. Check that the fridge is set to the correct operating mode (usually 12V while driving), and ensure all windows and roof vents are closed. Test your smoke detector by pressing the test button, and confirm your fire extinguisher is accessible and the pressure gauge shows adequate charge.

Weekly Maintenance Tasks

For regular travellers, these checks should become weekly rituals. If you're a weekend warrior, perform them before each trip.

Fluid Levels

Check engine oil level with the dipstick when the engine is cold. Low oil levels can cause catastrophic engine damage. Inspect coolant level in the overflow reservoir—never open a hot radiator cap. Check brake fluid and power steering fluid reservoirs, topping up only with the manufacturer-specified fluids. Examine windscreen washer fluid and refill as needed with a quality cleaning solution.

Battery Health

Motorhomes typically have two battery systems: the chassis battery for starting the engine and house batteries for living area power. Check that battery terminals are clean and connections are tight. Corrosion appears as white or greenish buildup and should be cleaned with a baking soda solution. If you have flooded lead-acid batteries, check electrolyte levels and top up with distilled water if necessary.

Water System Quick Check

Run water through all taps briefly to ensure the pump is working correctly and check for any leaks under sinks. If the motorhome has been sitting unused, flush the system for a few minutes before drinking the water. Inspect the water heater for any signs of leakage or corrosion around the relief valve.

Monthly Maintenance Tasks

These deeper checks help catch developing problems before they become serious. Set a calendar reminder to ensure they don't get overlooked.

Roof and Seal Inspection

Water damage is the number one enemy of motorhomes, and roof maintenance is your primary defence. Climb up (safely) and walk the entire roof surface, looking for cracks, bubbles, or deterioration in the roof membrane. Pay particular attention to seals around air conditioners, vents, and antennas. Press gently around these areas—soft spots indicate water infiltration that needs immediate attention.

Inspect all exterior sealant around windows, doors, and body seams. Australian sun is brutal on sealants, causing them to crack and shrink. Catching degraded seals early prevents expensive water damage repairs.

Tyre Detailed Inspection

Beyond pressure checks, monthly inspection should include examining tread depth and wear patterns. Uneven wear indicates alignment issues or incorrect inflation. Look for cracks in sidewalls, bulges, or embedded objects. Check the manufacture date on your tyres—the DOT code on the sidewall includes a four-digit date code (week and year). Tyres older than five years should be inspected by a professional; those over seven years should be replaced regardless of tread condition.

Appliance Testing

Run each appliance through its full cycle monthly. This includes the refrigerator on all power sources (240V, 12V, and gas), the hot water system, air conditioning, heating systems, and microwave. Operating these systems regularly prevents seals from drying out and identifies issues before you need the appliance in the field.

Quarterly Maintenance

Chassis Lubrication

Every three months, lubricate all chassis points according to your manufacturer's specifications. This includes door hinges, step mechanisms, slide-out rails if equipped, jockey wheel, and stabiliser legs. Use appropriate lubricants—white lithium grease for most applications, silicone spray for rubber seals.

LP Gas System

Inspect gas lines for any signs of damage, particularly around the connections to appliances. Test the regulator's operation and check the gas bottle restraints. While leak testing should be performed annually by a professional, you can use soapy water around connections to check for bubbles indicating small leaks.

Annual Maintenance and Professional Servicing

Some tasks require professional expertise or specialised equipment. Plan these into your annual calendar, preferably before the peak travel season.

Engine and Chassis Service

Follow the manufacturer's service schedule for engine oil and filter changes, typically every 10,000-15,000 kilometres or annually. This service should include air filter inspection, fuel filter replacement, and a comprehensive brake inspection covering pads, rotors, and brake fluid condition. Professional servicing also allows for suspension inspection and wheel alignment checks.

Habitation Service

Many dealerships and specialist workshops offer annual habitation services covering the living area systems. This typically includes gas system certification (mandatory in many states), electrical system safety check, water system sanitisation, appliance function testing, and a comprehensive seal and structure inspection. While not legally required for private vehicles, annual habitation servicing is highly recommended.

Deep Clean and Protection

Annually, perform a thorough clean of all surfaces including the roof. Apply UV protectant to external rubber seals and plastic trim. Treat the interior with appropriate cleaners and protectants for vinyl, fabric, and timber surfaces. Consider professional detailing every few years to maintain your motorhome's appearance and resale value.

Seasonal Considerations

Australian conditions vary dramatically, and your maintenance routine should adapt accordingly.

Before summer, ensure air conditioning systems are serviced and functioning efficiently. Check that refrigerator ventilation is clear—blocked vents significantly reduce cooling performance in hot weather. Inspect window tinting and shades for UV damage.

Before winter, test heating systems thoroughly. Check that water system insulation is adequate if travelling to cold regions. Ensure wipers are in good condition and washer fluid contains appropriate additives.

If storing your motorhome for extended periods, specific preparations prevent damage during inactivity: maintain battery charge with a quality maintenance charger, protect tyres from UV and flat-spotting, and ensure the fuel system is treated for storage.

Building Your Maintenance Habit

Consistent maintenance isn't difficult—it just requires establishing routine. Keep a logbook recording all checks, services, and repairs. Not only does this help you track what's been done, but it also adds value when selling your motorhome. Many owners use smartphone apps or spreadsheets to track maintenance schedules and set reminders.

Remember, preventive maintenance is always cheaper than reactive repairs. A few hours of regular attention saves thousands in emergency fixes and, more importantly, ensures your motorhome is ready for adventure whenever you are.