Seasonal RV Maintenance: What Your Rig Needs in Every Season
There’s a rhythm to RV life. In the summer, it’s all sun-drenched adventures and open highways. In winter, things slow down (unless you’re a snow chaser), and spring? That’s when the excitement starts bubbling again. But no matter the season, one thing stays the same: your RV needs a little love to keep rolling smoothly.
A well-maintained RV isn’t just safer and more efficient, it gives you peace of mind when you're miles away from the nearest mechanic.
So let’s walk through what your RV needs, season by season, to keep everything running like a dream.
Spring: The Wake-Up Call
After a long winter nap, spring is when your RV gets to stretch its legs again. This is when you’re likely de-winterizing, checking for any damage caused by freezing temps, and getting everything road-ready.
Start with the basics: inspect the roof, tires, and seals for any cracks or leaks. Peek under the rig, no one likes discovering a surprise drip from a busted hose or pipe. Flush and sanitize the water system, recharge the batteries, and double-check your appliances. Spring is also a great time to make sure your hitch, brakes, and sway control tools are in tip-top shape. You’d be surprised how many people forget to test their trailer lights until they’re already on the road.
Summer: Keep It Cool, Keep It Safe
Summer trips usually mean longer drives, hotter temps, and more time off-grid. It’s the season where comfort and safety go hand-in-hand. Your AC and ventilation systems need to be in fighting form, not to mention your tires, which can take a beating on hot pavement.
Check your tire pressure regularly, monitor your battery health, and don’t forget to inspect your brake system if you’re planning on mountain passes. It’s also smart to keep an eye on your coolant and transmission fluids, especially if you're towing through high heat. Summer RVing is amazing but heat can turn small problems into big ones fast.
Oh, and if you haven’t yet, this is the season to give your awning a once-over before it becomes your emergency shade in the middle of nowhere.
Fall: The Wind-Down
Fall RV trips have a magic all their own: cooler weather, colorful views, fewer crowds. It’s also your cue to start thinking ahead.
Before things freeze, it’s time to inspect your seals again (especially around windows and doors), test your furnace, and make sure your propane system is leak-free and ready for cooler nights. If you’re not planning to use your RV over winter, fall is when you prep for storage: drain water lines, clean the tanks, and protect the plumbing. Basically, fall is the season for thoughtful upkeep before the deep cold hits.
Winter: Hibernate or Brave the Cold
If you’re winter camping, you already know the drill: heated hoses, insulation, skirting, and checking your furnace religiously. Cold weather is hard on everything: batteries, plumbing, even your frame. Make sure you're using antifreeze where needed and monitoring moisture to avoid mold inside your rig.
If you’re parking the RV for the season, it still needs attention. Cover it properly (ventilation is key), keep pests out, and every now and then, check in, because even a parked RV deserves a little check-up.
The Year-Round Mindset
RV maintenance is about knowing your rig, understanding how weather affects it, and keeping it ready so your adventures don’t get interrupted by something preventable.
When you’re consistent with maintenance, the road feels a little smoother, the campsite a little more relaxing, and the entire trip a lot more stress-free.
Need reliable tools for hitching, towing, or storage prep?
At Trailer Valet, we build gear that makes your RV life easier—from maneuvering into tight spots to keeping your trailer secure when it’s not in use. Explore the tools that do the heavy lifting for you.