Keep the Adventure Rolling: The Ultimate Guide to RV Maintenance
At Teshua Farms RVs, we believe your RV should be a gateway to freedom, not a source of frustration. Whether you are exploring the Gulf Coast or camped out in the heart of Alabama, a well-maintained rig ensures that your only surprise is a beautiful sunset—not a breakdown.
Regular maintenance is the secret to protecting your investment and keeping your family safe. But we know that with different types of rigs and travel styles, it can get confusing.
Here is your breakdown of what needs attention, whether you drive a motorhome, pull a travel trailer, or live the fifth-wheel life.
Universal Maintenance: The "Must-Dos" for Every RVer
Regardless of what you drive or tow, these four areas are non-negotiable.
1. The Roof and Seals (The Water Defense)
Water is the number one enemy of any RV.
What to do: Inspect your roof every 90 days. Look for cracked sealant (lap sealant) around vents, skylights, and AC units.
Pro Tip: Don’t just look—touch. If the sealant feels brittle or is peeling, it’s time to reseal. A small leak now is a rotten floor later.
2. Tires (The Foundation)
RV tires age out before they wear out.
What to do: Check tire pressure before every trip when the tires are cold. Cover your tires when parked to prevent UV damage (dry rot).
Pro Tip: If your tires are over 5-6 years old, have them inspected professionally, even if the tread looks great.
3. Slide-Outs
What to do: Keep the slide-out seals lubricated with a rubber conditioner to prevent them from drying and tearing.
Pro Tip: Listen to the motor. If it sounds like it's struggling, or the slide is moving unevenly, stop and check for obstructions or alignment issues.
Know Your Rig: Specific Maintenance Needs
Different types of RVs require different services.
Motorhomes (Class A, B, and C)
You have a house and a vehicle to maintain.
Engine & Transmission: Just like your car, you need regular oil changes, fluid top-offs, and filter replacements.
Generators: These need love too! Run your generator for at least an hour every month under a "load" (like running the AC) to keep the carburetor clean and the moisture out.
Travel Trailers & Fifth Wheels
Since you are towing, the stress points are different.
Wheel Bearings: This is critical. Unlike cars, trailer wheel bearings need to be repacked with grease regularly—typically every 12 months or 12,000 miles. Neglecting this can lead to a wheel seizing up on the highway.
Hitch & Kingpin:
Travel Trailers: Inspect your ball hitch and weight distribution bars for wear. Grease the ball lightly to reduce friction.
Fifth Wheels: Keep the kingpin and the fifth-wheel plate clean and greased (or use a lube plate). Check the jaw mechanism for any play.
Seasonal vs. Full-Time: Tailoring Your Schedule
How you use your RV changes how you care for it.
The Seasonal Camper (The Weekend Warrior)
If your RV sits storage for months at a time, inactivity is your biggest threat.
Winterization: If you are in Alabama or heading north, properly winterizing your plumbing is essential to prevent burst pipes during freezing temps.
Battery Health: Don’t let your batteries sit dead. Use a trickle charger or disconnect them during storage.
Pest Control: Mice love a parked RV. Remove all food and use peppermint oil or traps to keep critters out while you aren't there.
The Full-Timer
If you live in your RV, you don't get a "storage season" to catch up on repairs. Wear and tear happens faster.
High-Frequency Checks: Check your roof and tires monthly. You are putting more miles and sun-hours on your rig than the average user.
Appliance Fatigue: Your water heater, AC, and water pump are working overtime. Flush your water heater tank every 3-6 months to remove sediment buildup.
Air Filters: Clean your AC filters monthly. Dust builds up quickly when you are living in the unit 24/7.
When to Call the Pros
Some maintenance you can do in your driveway, but other tasks require a certified technician. If you are uncomfortable getting on the roof or repacking bearings, let us handle the dirty work.
At Teshua Farms RVs, we want you to focus on the memories, not the maintenance.
Need help getting ready for the season? We offer professional RV service in Alabama, specializing in inspections, roof resealing, and system checks.
Located near the city? Our team provides top-tier RV service in Birmingham, ensuring your rig is road-ready before you even leave the driveway.
Don't Have an RV Yet?
If you want to experience the lifestyle without the maintenance commitment, check out our fleet!
We offer premium RV Rentals in Alabama, perfect for a weekend getaway to Gulf Shores or a tailgating adventure.
Planning a trip to the beach? We also facilitate RV Rentals in Florida trips, making your vacation seamless and stress-free.
Contact Teshua Farms RVs Today to schedule your service or book your next rental!
