Must-Do Spring Travel Prep for Your Motorhome

Words by Vanessa Russell

Adobe Stock

Before you set off this year, check those batteries, flush those fluids, and make sure your rig is ready for another season.

We know it’s been a long winter in many parts of the country, but spring is finally here—or, at least, it’s almost here. RVers can once again look forward to new destinations, relaxing evenings spent by the campfire and another season of boundless exploration. But before you hit the road, there are a few things you’ll want to check to make sure your motorhome is ready to begin the travel season.

Spring is often the best season for your rig’s annual tune-up, ensuring any potential issues can be properly addressed so you don’t learn about them while your home on wheels is moving 65 miles per hour. It may be worth scheduling a service appointment (book early, as slots fill up in the spring), but there are also a number of items you can check yourself. Here, we take a look at some of the most common issues and ways to address them.

Batteries

The first step to ensure a smooth first trip of the season is to inspect your battery. Even if your battery was disconnected while in storage, it may be drained if it wasn’t connected to a trickle charger while winterized. It’s helpful to have jumper cables or a jumper box available if needed to recharge the battery and start your motorhome’s engine.

Another indispensable tool for an RVer is a multimeter. It’s always best practice to test the battery's charge after reconnection to determine whether it requires replacement. Spring is the ideal time to purchase a new battery and prevent issues down the road.

Engine + Generator

To make sure your RV is road-ready, check all fluids, including transmission, coolant, power steering, hydraulic, and brake fluid. It’s also a good time to change your oil and filter if needed. Your on-board generator also requires yearly maintenance and inspection. After being stored, oil can begin to degrade, so you may need to schedule an oil change for the generator.

Water System

After flushing antifreeze from your motorhome’s water system, check for plumbing leaks under sinks and along your water lines. This is also an opportunity to inspect your hot water heater’s anode rod to determine if replacement is needed. It’s also time to clean and sanitize your freshwater tank to ensure safe water for your first trip. Top it all off with a new water filter, and you’ll be ready to roll.

Roof

Some of the most important preventative maintenance an RVer can do is on the roof, especially after a motorhome has been sitting in storage. Harsh temperatures and freeze-thaw cycles are especially hard on roof seals, which can lead to cracking or separation. Fallen tree limbs from winter storms can also result in membrane damage.

Keeping an intact roof membrane and adequate roof seals will prevent damaging rot and mold, so check seals and roof caulking for separation or cracking. Examine the roof membrane carefully to make sure no tears are visible. Promptly addressing any issues will prevent expensive damage and extend the life of your rig.

Tires

Prolonged storage can lead to tire rot. Regardless of how long your RV was in storage, it’s always helpful to inspect tires before hitting the road. Look for any bulging or cracking and replace if needed to reduce the risk of damaging blowouts. While tires are always a maintenance priority, don’t forget about your wheel bearings, which should be inspected at the beginning of the season and given fresh high-temperature grease to prevent overheating and failure.

Of course, every trip should begin by checking tire pressure, but especially after a motorhome has been in storage. Cold temperatures often alter tire pressure, so it’s a smart time to top off the tires to the specified PSI for safety and optimal gas mileage.

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Motorhome Spring Checklist

✅ Schedule an annual spring service appointment if needed.

✅ Test your RV carbon monoxide and fire detectors. Replace batteries if necessary. (Carbon monoxide detectors should be replaced every 5 years.)

✅ Check all fluid levels, including transmission, coolant, oil, power steering, hydraulic, and brake fluid.

✅ Check the generator and change oil.

✅ Inspect the generator exhaust for blockages.

✅ Test battery levels.

✅ Clean and sanitize freshwater tanks.

✅ Replace water filters.

✅ Replace the hot water heater anode rod if needed.

✅ Inspect the roof membrane and seals.

✅ Check tire condition and inflate tires to the specified PSI.

✅ Pack wheel bearings with fresh high-temperature grease.

✅ Inspect and test brakes.

✅ Inspect air conditioners, remove debris and clean condensers and coils.

✅ Replace or clean air conditioner filters.

✅ Clean and lubricate slide rails if necessary.

✅ Check furnace and hot water heater vents for debris or insect nests.

✅ Check the glovebox to ensure you have the vehicle registration and a current proof of insurance card available.

About the author

Jeremy Puglisi is the co-host of The RV Atlas podcast and the co-author of RV Vacations, See You at the Campground, and the bestselling and award-winning series of books Where Should We Camp Next? He has been featured or published in the New York Times, Good Housekeeping, AARP, AAA, ROVA, Trailer Life, RV Magazine, The Art of Manliness, 1000 Hours Outside, and dozens of other print and digital publications. He lives at the Jersey Shore with his family and loves surfing, camping, and cooking outside on his Blackstone griddle.

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