Before you hit the open road this summer with dreams of national parks and perfectly toasted marshmallows, it’s a good idea to ask yourself: is your RV truly prepared? Even if you’re not gearing up for a complete overhaul or fancy upgrades, now is the perfect moment to give your rig’s essential systems a pre-season once over. After all, nobody wants to find out their water pump is plotting a silent strike—or that their cooling system has decided to retire early while they’re sweating it out in the middle of Death Valley.
Check out this handy pre-trip checklist that focuses on the systems most likely to overheat, misbehave, or mysteriously fail when summer really kicks in, so the only drama this summer is trying to find a cell signal at the campsite.
System 1: A/C Check
If there’s one thing that can totally ruin your dream vacation, it’s finding out that your RV’s air conditioning has mysteriously kicked the bucket somewhere between Barstow and the Mojave. To keep everyone cool (and safe from heatstroke), fire up the unit before hitting the road and look for these indicators of trouble:
• Weak airflow or inconsistent cooling, which could indicate clogged filters, blocked ducts, or a compressor that’s nearing its end.
• Strange sounds like rattling, grinding, or a soft whimper of despair, which could indicate issues with the fan motor or other internal parts.
• Power cycling on and off frequently, which could signal a thermostat problem or a failing capacitor.
Now is also a great time to give those neglected air filters a quick cleaning or replacement to really boost performance. Check out how to clean or swap your filters here.
Still not feeling the cool breeze? It might be time to think about an upgrade. Units from Coleman-Mach, Furrion, and Dometic offer impressive cooling power and energy efficiency—plus they’re designed to tackle the hottest weather and the longest off-grid adventures. You can explore upgrade options right here on Parts Via.
System 2: Thermostat Function
An unresponsive or inaccurate thermostat can leave you feeling like a marshmallow roasting over a campfire by noon, only to have you shivering in a hoodie by sundown. So, before summer really heats up, it’s a good idea to take a closer look at that little wall-mounted box.
Here’s how to test it:
First, switch your thermostat to cooling mode and set the temperature a few degrees lower than the current room temperature. Your A/C should kick in within a minute or two.
If there’s a delay, no response at all, or your system keeps starting and stopping (aka short-cycling), that’s a clear sign something’s off. But don’t overlook the quieter clues: unexpected temperature swings, inaccurate readings, or a display that’s dim, flickering, or totally dead. All of these could mean your thermostat is on its way out.
Upgrading to a digital thermostat can provide you with more accurate readings, better control over temperature settings, and sometimes even programmable schedules. Brands like Coleman-Mach and Furrion by Lippert offer dependable digital models that are easy to install and work seamlessly with their cooling systems. Plus, a modern thermostat is one of those low-cost, high-impact upgrades that pays off every time the sun rises.
System 3: Water Heater Test
No matter how hot it gets in the summer, no one wants to wake up with a blast of Arctic-cold water before breakfast. Pre-season is the perfect time to ensure your water heater is ready for action.
Here’s how to test it:
Fire up your hot water system and see how long it takes to deliver warm water. Ideally, it should heat up in just a few minutes and keep a steady temperature. Icy cold water, delayed ignition, or any sputtering, hissing, or popping noises could indicate issues with the ignitor or your propane supply. One common culprit is the bypass valve. If it’s still in the bypass position from winterization, water won’t flow through the heater properly. You can read more about this issue and pick up some other troubleshooting tips in our RV appliance guide.
If your unit is showing its age, or you suspect the heating element is on its last legs, it might be time to consider a replacement or upgrading to a tankless unit. Here at Parts Via, you can browse quality options from trusted brands like Girard, Furrion, and Suburban Manufacturing and enjoy fast, FREE shipping to a network dealer near you.
System 4: Refrigerator Function Check
RV refrigerators have a reputation for struggling in the heat, and summer is when they often throw in the towel. So, before you stuff it with $200 worth of groceries, make sure to give your fridge a solid test run (because no one’s vacation should start with a side of salmonella).
Follow these simple steps to prepare your RV fridge for summer:
Plug your RV into shore power and let the fridge run overnight, ideally with a thermometer inside to monitor how it’s doing. A properly-working fridge should cool down to safe temperatures—34-40°F for the fridge and 0°F for the freezer—within about 8 to 12 hours, depending on the outside heat.
You should hear a gentle hum (for compressor models) or the burner clicking on (for absorption models). If it’s totally silent, running constantly, or still warm after several hours, something’s likely wrong.
Even if the fridge seems to be cooling normally, check the door seals for any cracks or looseness, and take a peek behind the unit to make sure the vent area is clear of dust and debris. You’d be surprised what can take root back there during the off-season—rodents, wasps, or last year’s snack stash that’s now attracting both.
When it is time to upgrade, many RVers are making the switch to 12V compressor models that cool down faster, handle the heat better, and don’t need your rig to be perfectly level. Check out our full Fridge Upgrade Guide to learn more.
System 5: Range/Stove Quick Test
If you’re dreaming of fresh eggs, crispy bacon, and fluffy pancakes for breakfast, don’t wait until you’re parked in the middle of nowhere to discover that your range is more for show than for cooking. A quick stove test before you hit the road can save you from a week of PB&Js and cold chili straight from the can.
Most RVs come with propane-fueled gas stoves by default—they heat up quickly and work well in compact setups. But if you’re rolling in a high-end Class A motorhome, a luxury fifth wheel, or a custom conversion, you might have an electric or induction cooktop. Either way, it’s smart to give your cooking setup a quick once-over before your first trip of the season.
For gas stoves:
• Light each burner one at a time and watch the flame. It should be strong, steady, and blue. Yellow flames or flickering can point to a clog, poor air-to-fuel mix, or burners that need cleaning or adjustment.
• If the burners won’t stay lit or you hear constant clicking with no ignition, you might have a gas flow issue—or an igniter that’s wearing out.
• Use all your senses. If you smell gas more strongly than usual, shut off the propane immediately and inspect the lines. No bacon is worth a leak.
For electric or induction cooktops:
• Turn each burner on briefly to confirm it powers up. For induction, make sure it recognizes compatible cookware and heats as expected.
• Check for flickering displays, error messages, or odd behavior—anything that might hint at wiring issues or voltage problems.
• Wipe down the surface to remove dust or debris that may have collected during storage, and check that vents (if present) aren’t blocked.
Safety check! This is also a great time to test your smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Make sure they’re present, functional, and not expired—because nothing kills the vacation vibe like an unexpected safety scare. Click here for a quick safety device checklist.
System 6: Electrical Systems Check
RV electrical gremlins can be quite the tricksters. One moment your microwave is working perfectly, and the next, it’s completely out of commission. But more often than not, the culprit isn’t the appliance itself; it’s your electrical system quietly signaling for help. Low voltage, poor connections, or a damaged breaker can all mimic appliance failure.
To ensure your system is up for the long haul this season, run these two checks.
Start with your house battery. Grab a multimeter to check the voltage—a fully charged 12V battery should read between 12.6 and 12.8 volts. If it dips below 12.2, it’s time to give it a charge; and if your battery fails to hold a charge overnight, that’s a major red flag. Take a look at the terminals for any signs of corrosion and ensure that all connections are tight and clean.
Next, perform a shore power check. Plug into a reliable power source (or your home outlet with the right adapter), flip your main breakers, and check that lights, outlets, and appliances are all firing up as they should. Remember to trip your GFCI outlets to ensure they’re working properly, and keep an eye out for any buzzing, flickering, or breakers that refuse to reset—these are all common signs of underlying issues.
Pro tip: Investing in a surge protector or EMS (Electrical Management System) can shield your rig from power surges, voltage drops, mis-wired pedestals, and other campground surprises—and it’s way cheaper than replacing a fridge.
System 7: Roof Vent & Fan Check
Ever microwave your leftovers with the lid still on? That’s pretty much what your RV will feel like if the roof vents and fans aren’t pulling their weight.
What to look for:
• Open and close each roof vent completely to make sure they’re working smoothly. If they’re sticking, jamming, or making weird noises, it’s time for a little lubrication—or maybe a new crank.
• Turn on the vent fans and listen for a nice, steady airflow. If the airflow is weak or you hear strange sounds, it could be a sign of dust buildup, blocked screens, or even a bug nest.
• Check for any damaged or warped screens, as they can let bugs in and reduce airflow efficiency. Swapping out a screen can really help keep things cool and clean.
Roof vents and fans are crucial for venting heat, fighting humidity (especially when you’re showering or cooking), and keeping fresh air flowing through your rig. If it’s time for an upgrade, brands like Dometic and Maxxair’s powered vent fans are popular among RV enthusiasts for their durability and performance.
Ready to Hit the Road? Make Sure Your RV Is, Too!
Whether you’re cleaning filters, testing out appliances, or shopping for an upgrade, Parts Via has everything you need to get your RV ready for the road. Explore a fantastic range of trusted brands and enjoy the convenience of our fast, FREE ship-to-store option at checkout—because having peace of mind should always be on your packing list.