RV Maintenance Calendar: How We Stay Ahead of Breakdowns
Most RV problems are preventable. Not all of them, but many. Over time, we’ve learned that a large percentage of RV issues come down to small things being overlooked. Low tire pressure. Dry or cracked seals. Loose hardware. Worn brake components. A roof issue that went unnoticed just a little too long.
The good news is that staying ahead of those problems doesn’t require advanced mechanical skills or a full workshop. It requires consistency, awareness, and a simple routine you can realistically stick to.
After thousands of miles on the road and plenty of learning along the way, this is the maintenance calendar we follow to keep our Jayco North Point safe, reliable, and ready to travel.
Our RV Maintenance Calendar
We break maintenance into time-based sections so it never feels overwhelming. Instead of long lists, we use visual charts to explain what to check and why it matters. The goal isn’t perfection. It’s catching issues early and traveling with confidence.
Before Every Trip
Before every travel day, we do a quick walk-around. It only takes a few minutes, but it focuses on the items that change most often and matter most for safety. Tires, brakes, hitch components, lights, and power systems can all shift between trips, even when the RV is parked.
This routine helps us catch small issues before they turn into roadside problems and gives us peace of mind before we roll.
Once this becomes habit, it feels less like maintenance and more like part of the travel process. It sets the tone for a smoother, more confident drive.
Monthly
Monthly maintenance is where we catch slow-developing issues. These are the things that usually don’t fail overnight, but can cause real damage if ignored for too long, especially when it comes to roofs, seals, and electrical systems.
Most monthly checks are visual and preventative. You’re looking for early warning signs, keeping systems clean, and making sure everything is still operating as expected.
Spending a little time once a month goes a long way toward preventing leaks, electrical problems, and unpleasant surprises down the road.
Quarterly (Every Three Months)
Every few months, we take a slightly deeper look at the systems that see regular movement and wear. Slides, suspension components, brakes, and airflow systems all work hard during travel and setup.
Quarterly maintenance helps keep these systems operating smoothly and reduces long-term wear.
These checks don’t require advanced skills, but they make a noticeable difference in how the RV feels when towing, setting up, and living in it.
Annually
Annual maintenance is about long-term protection. These checks focus on preserving the structure, safety systems, and major components of your RV. Some tasks are DIY-friendly inspections, while others are best handled by a qualified RV technician.
This is also a good time to address anything you’ve been keeping an eye on throughout the year.
Completing annual maintenance gives us confidence heading into a new season and helps ensure our RV is ready for whatever travel brings next.
Printable RV Maintenance Checklist
Reading a guide is helpful, but remembering everything is another challenge. That’s why we created a printable version of this maintenance calendar.
The checklist mirrors the same sections shown above and is designed to be simple, clear, and easy to use. You can print it and keep it with your RV documents or save it on your phone or tablet for quick reference.
👉 Download the RV Maintenance Checklist
We use this same checklist ourselves, and it’s helped us stay consistent without overthinking maintenance.
Author’s Note
RV life has taught us a lot, and one of the biggest lessons is that small habits make a big difference. This maintenance calendar wasn’t built overnight. It came together through miles traveled, manufacturer guidance, conversations with RV technicians, and a few moments where we learned the hard way.
We want to be clear and transparent. We are not professional RV technicians. We are RV owners who care deeply about doing things the right way, staying informed, and sharing what we’ve learned along the road. Everything in this guide reflects responsible owner maintenance and inspection practices. When a task is beyond our comfort level, we rely on qualified professionals, and we encourage others to do the same.
Our goal with RV Life 101 is simple: to help you feel more confident, more prepared, and less overwhelmed as an RV owner. If this guide saves you a breakdown, a repair bill, or even a little stress on travel day, then it’s done its job.
Thanks for being part of the VNR Adventures journey. We’re glad you’re here.
— Robert & Vahn
VNR Adventures
This post is part of our RV Life 101 series — a beginner-friendly guide to the essentials of RV living.
👉 See all RV Life 101 posts here
