Why an annual checklist protects every mile
Annual maintenance for camper vans keeps small issues from turning into trip ending surprises. A disciplined checklist improves safety, preserves performance, and helps you spot wear before it strands you. It also creates a service history that boosts resale confidence and informs smarter upgrade choices. Think of it as a spring cleaning for both the chassis and the living systems that make a camper van a home.
Safety, reliability, and value
- Safety: fresh fluids, sound brakes, leak free gas and water lines
- Reliability: tested batteries, healthy tires, sealed roof and windows
- Value: documented care, clean systems, and stable structure
The complete annual maintenance checklist
Build your checklist around three pillars: chassis and drivetrain, house systems, and body and exterior. Tackle the van front to back and record findings with dates and mileage.
Chassis and drivetrain
- Engine oil and filter: change per manufacturer interval, inspect for contamination, check for seepage around the pan and valve covers
- Coolant and hoses: pressure test, confirm freeze point and pH, inspect clamps and belt condition
- Transmission and differential fluids: verify level and color, service if due, look for leaks at seals
- Brakes: measure pad thickness, inspect rotors and drums, flush brake fluid on schedule, verify parking brake hold
- Steering and suspension: check ball joints, bushings, tie rods, shocks, and alignment indicators like uneven tire wear
- Tires: inspect tread depth and evenness, note DOT date, set pressure including the spare, confirm jack and tools, test TPMS
- Battery and charging: clean terminals, measure resting voltage, load test starting battery, confirm alternator output and belt tension
House systems and electrical
- 12 volt power: test state of charge and health of the house battery bank, confirm correct charge profiles on DC to DC and shore charging, inspect fuses and connections
- Inverter and shore power: verify proper output, GFCI function, and labeling, inspect cords and inlets for heat or corrosion
- Solar: clean panels, check MC4 connectors, confirm controller settings, and log peak wattage on a sunny day
- Lighting and fans: test every interior and exterior light, confirm fan speeds, replace worn gaskets on roof fans
- Detectors and extinguishers: replace CO and smoke detectors at end of life dates, test alarms, verify fire extinguisher pressure and mount security
Plumbing, propane, and climate
- Freshwater: sanitize the tank, lines, and pump using manufacturer safe dilution, clean the pump strainer, check for PEX or fitting leaks, verify water heater function
- Gray water: flush the tank, treat for odors, confirm valve operation and hose condition
- Propane: check cylinder date and condition, conduct a leak test with a suitable solution at connections and appliances, verify regulator output and appliance flame quality
- Heating and cooling: clean air filters, test air conditioner performance, inspect diesel or propane heaters for proper combustion air and exhaust routing, confirm clear condensate drains
- Refrigerator: confirm temperature stability, inspect ventilation and door seals
Body, structure, and exterior
- Roof and seals: examine roof fans, antennas, racks, and seams for cracks, re seal with compatible products where needed
- Windows and doors: inspect seals and latches, adjust strikers, lubricate hinges and locks
- Racks and accessories: torque check fasteners on roof racks, ladders, awnings, steps, and bike mounts
- Exterior lighting and glass: verify headlight aim, check all markers and brake lights, repair windshield chips before they spread
- Undercarriage: inspect for rust, loose shields, exhaust hangers, and protective coatings that need touch ups
Seasonal tasks and smart storage habits
A camper van lives best on a rhythm. Match a yearly deep dive to the seasons so the rig wakes ready for long miles.
Pre season preparation
- De winterize: flush antifreeze from water lines, pressurize and check for leaks, test the water heater and fixtures
- Sanitize: run a full sanitize of the freshwater system and replace filters
- Systems test: power up all electrical and climate systems, test cooktop and refrigerator on every fuel or power mode
Post season or long storage
- Fuel and batteries: fill the fuel tank as appropriate and consider stabilizer, park with house batteries at a healthy state of charge, maintain with a quality charger if stored off grid
- Tires and weight: set storage tire pressure, roll the van monthly to avoid flat spotting, remove heavy items not needed during storage
- Pest and moisture: seal entry points, set desiccant packs, and ventilate on dry days to prevent musty odors
Record keeping and inspection cadence
Keep a binder or digital log with receipts, test results, and photos. Add notes about odd noises, smells, or handling changes. Schedule mid year spot checks for high use rigs and after any rough trail travel. The logbook becomes your early warning system and your map for future improvements.
Turn checklists into confidence with expert support
If your annual review reveals tired components or you want to improve power, storage, or comfort, a professional evaluation can translate notes into a clear plan. The OZK Customs team builds and refines adventure ready vans every week, from electrical upgrades to structural accessories that survive demanding roads. See how we approach comfort, capability, and long range travel on our Recreational vans page. Explore how fully tailored interiors, power, and storage come together on our Custom van builds. If you are comparing platforms, review features and financing friendly options on Mainstream vans and then align your checklist with your next platform.
Ready to trust your van for a big loop this year? Share your checklist and goals, and we will turn findings into a phased plan that suits your travel style. Submit the form and let OZK Customs prepare your rig for confident miles.
