8 Essential RV Systems that Require Annual RV Service

Owning an RV delivers adventures, freedom, and memories that can last a lifetime yet, much like our homes, RVs require annual RV service to remain safe, comfortable, and trouble-free for the long run. Attempting even small repairs or neglecting annual maintenance puts expensive, complex systems at risk down the road.

This guide will walk through 8 Essential RV Systems that Require Annual RV Service and should be professionally inspected or serviced at least once yearly. We’ll also explore potential issues that arise when maintenance falls behind. Most importantly, you’ll learn why establishing a relationship with a qualified, customer-focused RV dealer nearby to have your RV Service helps protect your investment in the short and long term.

The Critical Systems Keeping You Rolling

While each RV make and model has its own unique features and floorplans, most RVs contain the same core functionality to handle your needs on the road. Here are 8 Essential RV Systems that Require Annual RV Service and experts recommend having an RV technician thoroughly examine annually:

1. Roof
2. Air Conditioning Unit
3. LP Gas System
4. Fresh Water System
5. Refrigerator
6. Generator
7. Batteries
8. Tires

Neglecting just one critical aspect of these systems can lead to uncomfortable trips at best or safety issues and expensive repairs at worst. Let’s dive into what specifically can go amiss when maintenance falls behind schedule in our in-depth guide to the 8 Essential RV Systems that Require Annual RV Service

Roof:

Your RV’s roof endures intense, sometimes damaging weather annually. Strong UV exposure, storms, falling debris, and normal expansion and contraction gradually degrade sealant around fixtures and penetrations. Cracks form, leaks start, and water invariably finds its way inside to ceilings, walls, carpeting — you name it. Failed roofs are among the costliest fixes that neglectful RV owners encounter.

Solution: At minimum, thoroughly inspect all roof sealant yearly and reapply fresh sealant anywhere that’s dried, cracked, or peeling. Welds around accessories like air conditioners, vents, and antennas also need checking for water intrusion signs. A qualified RV tech has the expertise to spot issues and prevent leaks before damage spirals out of control.

Air Conditioning Unit:

Nothing transforms a relaxing trip more quickly into a miserable one like an AC failure on a hot summer road trip. Air conditioning units work exceptionally hard cooling your RV interior. Dust buildup on filters and condenser coils forces the system to labor excessively, eventually leading to burnt-out compressors, stuck thermostats, blown fuses, or failed motors.

Solution: Annually cleaning AC filters and disinfecting intake evaporator coils optimizes airflow, prevents early wear, and ensures your system keeps you comfortable in weather extremes. Technicians also check for correct refrigerant levels and pressures for peak operation. Letting ACs slip causes you to sweat first…and later pay dearly.

LP Gas System:

From refrigerators and furnaces to water heaters and stovetops, LP gas powers essential appliances throughout RVs. Leaking or damaged gas piping and components obviously pose explosion risks. Yet gas leaks also allow odorless, deadly carbon monoxide to enter living spaces undetected. Unfortunately, corroded tanks, regulators, and fittings only reveal problems once it’s too late.

Solution: During annual maintenance, technicians use electronic leak detectors and pressure checks to systematically inspect the entire LP gas delivery system. They also replace old rubber regulator and appliance hoses prone to dry rot and cracking. Though not legally mandated, annual safety inspections by qualified dealerships provide inexpensive peace of mind.

Fresh Water System:

RVs house complex, interconnected plumbing networks delivering fresh and waste water where needed. Plastic piping and tubing degrade over time, developing microscopic cracks that leak slowly at first. The unsanitary result? Black water from toilets and gray water from sinks backflow into lines supplying faucets and showers. In addition, leaking water can cause unhealthy mold and rot structural components.

Solution: Annual professional sanitizing and testing by certified technicians clears dangerous pathogens like E. coli from tanks and plumbing. Dealers also inspect valve seals, pump diaphragms, and piping integrity to catch flaws early. Don’t guess about water quality or component lifespan if frequenting public campgrounds.

Refrigerator:

Rv refrigerators run very differently than household models, using ammonia absorption technology, specially-vented propane gas combustion, and roof ventilation instead of freon-based compression. Lots of moving parts mean plenty of potential failure points. Burners require adjustment for optimal efficiency while metal ventilation tunnels on roofs corrode surprisingly rapidly.

Solution: Although working sporadically during travel, an RV fridge still needs comprehensive yearly inspections by qualified technicians. They’ll examine the propane system, test combustion efficiency, evaluate cooling unit integrity, and check roof venting for corrosion or cracks that impede ventilation. Don’t take chances with critical food storage by neglecting maintenance.

Generator:

Onboard generators supply critical AC power for appliances, battery charging, tools, medical devices and other electrical equipment while camping off-grid. Surprisingly affordable to purchase but complex internally, RV generators seem intimidating for many owners to maintain. Stale fuel, dirty filters, and sludgy oil quickly damage delicate internal components when operated infrequently.

Solution: Regularly exercising your generator helps keep systems lubricated and prevent stale gas. Annual professional service steps up your generator maintenance game considerably. Technicians change filters, oil, and spark plugs while also checking hoses for dry rot and leaks. They also test voltage regulation, low oil sensors, operation speeds and do complete diagnostics ensuring you generator is ready when needed.

Batteries:

House and chassis batteries are literally the power behind every modern convenience within RVs. While fairly maintenance-free sealed batteries are now standard and still require monitoring and occasional replacement after a few years of service. Infrequent charging cycles and electrical shorts also prematurely destroy batteries over time.

Solution: Many RV dealers offer free battery testing and replacement estimates to identify issues early. But annual load testing, inspection for corrosion and terminal damage, and checking water levels in removable-cap style batteries ensure you aren’t stranded roadside. Technicians also clean connections and check charger efficiency to extend battery lifespan.

Tires:

Responsible for carrying thousands of pounds safely at highway speeds, RV tires arguably keep families safer than any other component while rolling. Under-inflation causes premature wear, blowouts, and wobbling that fatigues suspension parts. Tread damage from curbs and road debris makes blowouts more likely over time as internal steel belt wires rust.

Solution: Annually rotating tires spreads wear more evenly across your motorhome or travel trailer’s full set for maximum mileage. Certified mechanics also inspect for uneven tread depth after rotation, and check wheels closely for developing cracks and damage while tires are dismounted. Don’t rely solely upon your own eyes to evaluate tire integrity and wear.

Why Choosing the Right Dealership Matters

This overview clearly shows why RV industry associations strongly advise annual maintenance by qualified technicians. Detecting small issues early saves owners thousands in repairs and enhance resale values. But choosing an ethical, certified dealership committed to both affordable service pricing and transparency builds confidence and trust for the long haul.

To help you find the best RV service center near you, we suggest you seek the following when qualifying your local RV service center:

• Upfront pricing for common maintenance items helps accurately budget expenses instead of billing by surprises once work is complete.
• Multi-point complimentary inspection checklists that identify maintenance needs sooner rather than later.
• Ask about technician specialty certifications like RVIA/RVDA Master Certified Technicians. These demonstrate extensive, professional training credentials.
• Well-equipped service bays using advanced diagnostic computers streamline repairs and minimize costs by accurately troubleshooting problems faster.
• Glowing online customer reviews reveal satisfied past clients — or alternatively — dealerships to steer clear from.
• Longtime community roots and A+ Better Business Bureau ratings show commitment to great experiences that brings customers back year after year.

At River Sports RV and Marine, our factory-trained technicians average over 10 years of industry experience and our consistent 5-star reputation shows that our expertise keeps RVs of all types running safely, comfortably, and reliably for wherever adventure calls. With a consistent approach to becoming better at what we provide, you can be assured our staff is the best in the area and ready to treat you and your valued investment with the care and respect you deserve. Contact us today to schedule your annual maintenance or repairs!