Your RV represents a serious investment, and like any vehicle, it needs regular attention to keep performing the way it should. Whether you own a travel trailer, a fifth wheel, or a toy hauler, routine maintenance is what separates a rig that's ready to roll every season from one that surprises you at the worst possible time.
At The Power Garage in Woodstock, our certified RV technicians provide full-service maintenance and repair for all makes and models, including Keystone, our primary RV brand, serving Oxford County, London, Brantford, Kitchener, and surrounding areas across southwestern Ontario.
Ready to book? Book a service appointment online, or browse our current RV inventory if you're considering an upgrade.
A proper RV service isn't just an oil change. It's a systematic inspection of every major system, because problems in an RV tend to start small and become expensive if they're caught late. Here's what our certified technicians work through on a complete RV service:
| System | What We Inspect | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Roof & Seals | Seams, vents, skylights, slide-out seals | Water damage is the #1 cause of costly RV repairs in Ontario |
| Plumbing | Fresh, grey & black water tanks; pump, lines & fittings | Leaks and freeze damage are preventable with timely inspection |
| Electrical | 12V & 120V systems, batteries, converter, shore power | Faulty wiring is a safety and reliability issue |
| Propane System | Hoses, regulator, appliance connections, CO detector | Gas leaks and detector failures are serious safety hazards |
| Slide-Outs | Seals, tracks, motors, alignment | Slide failures in the field can make your unit inoperable |
| HVAC | Furnace, AC unit, vents & filters | Climate control failure is miserable — and avoidable |
| Chassis & Running Gear | Brakes, bearings, tires, hitch components | Critical for safe towing on Ontario roads |
| Exterior & Structure | Sidewalls, decals, windows, doors, storage bays | Early detection of delamination or structural issues |
| Appliances | Fridge, stove, microwave, water heater | Functionality checks before they fail mid-trip |
Most RV water damage starts as a small, undetected seal failure. An annual roof and seal inspection is one of the highest-value services you can invest in.
Our technicians also note anything approaching the end of its service life, so you're not caught off guard. A good RV service appointment isn't just about fixing what's broken; it's about knowing what's coming before it becomes a problem on the road.
How often your RV needs service depends on how heavily you use it, but here are the general intervals our technicians recommend for southwestern Ontario conditions:
| Service Item | Recommended Interval |
|---|---|
| Roof & seal inspection | Every season - spring before first trip and fall before storage |
| Brake inspection | Annually, or every 10,000 km of towing |
| Wheel bearing repack | Every 2 years or 24,000 km |
| Battery service & test | Every season - especially after winter storage |
| Propane system check | Annually |
| Water system flush & sanitize | Spring commissioning - every year |
| HVAC filter & furnace service | Annually before camping season |
| Slide-out lubrication | Every 6 months or as recommended by manufacturer |
| Full system inspection | Annually - ideally before the season begins |
In Ontario, timing matters. The freeze-thaw cycles we see in Oxford County and across southwestern Ontario can cause serious damage to an RV that hasn't been properly prepared, or one that's been brought back into service before it's truly ready.
| Category | Fall Winterization | Spring Commissioning |
|---|---|---|
| When | September - October (before temps drop below 5°C) | Late March – April (after consistent above-freezing temperatures) |
| Why | Prevent freeze damage to water lines, tanks, and pumps | Ensure all systems are safe and functional before your first trip |
| Water System | Drain all tanks; blow out lines with compressed air; add RV antifreeze | Flush all antifreeze; sanitize fresh water system; test pump and water heater |
| Electrical | Disconnect and trickle-charge or remove battery; check converter | Test battery, recharge or replace; test all 12V and 120V circuits |
| Propane | Turn off propane; check hoses and connections before storage | Turn on propane; test all appliances; check CO detector |
| Roof & Seals | Inspect and reseal any gaps before winter moisture gets in | Inspect for any winter damage; reseal as needed before season |
| Tires & Chassis | Check tire pressure; cover tires if stored outside | Inspect brakes and bearings; check tire condition and pressure |
| Interior | Clean and dry thoroughly; remove food; use moisture absorbers | Air out; inspect for mould or rodent damage; test all appliances |
Don't wait until the first hard frost to book your winterization; our service schedule fills up fast in September and October. Call ahead or book online to secure your slot before the rush.
If you're unsure whether your RV has been properly winterized, perhaps you bought it used or it sat in storage without being prepared, our technicians can do a full inspection and assess the condition of your water lines, tanks, and seals before you head out for the season.
There's plenty you can do yourself to maintain your RV between professional service appointments. But there are also areas where skipping certified service can have real consequences, including voiding your warranty and missing problems that aren't visible without the right tools.
| Task | DIY Friendly? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cleaning interior & exterior | ✅ Yes | Regular cleaning prevents moisture buildup and premature wear |
| Checking tire pressure | ✅ Yes | Do this before every trip |
| Slide-out lubrication | ✅ With guidance | Use manufacturer-recommended products only |
| Fresh water sanitization | ✅ Yes | Annual spring task — straightforward with the right products |
| Roof & seal inspection | ⚠️ Inspect, not repair | Resealing requires the right sealant type — wrong product causes more damage |
| Propane system service | ❌ Dealer recommended | Requires leak testing equipment and certified inspection |
| Electrical system work | ❌ Dealer recommended | Risk of shock, fire, and voiding warranty |
| Brake inspection & service | ❌ Dealer required | Safety critical — not a DIY task |
| Winterization (full) | ⚠️ Possible with training | Improper winterization is the leading cause of freeze damage — when in doubt, bring it in |
| Warranty service & recalls | ❌ Dealer only | Must be completed by a certified technician to maintain coverage |
Most RV manufacturer warranties, including Keystone, require service to be completed by a certified technician to remain valid. Attempting propane, electrical, or structural repairs without documentation can result in a denied warranty claim. When in doubt, call our service desk before you pick up a wrench.
Our parts department carries a wide range of RV maintenance supplies, including approved sealants, water system products, and accessories, so whether you're handling the basics yourself or leaving the technical work to our team, we can supply what you need.
Need RV parts or maintenance supplies? Visit our parts department; we stock products for all major RV brands and can order what we don't have on the shelf.
Whether you're booking your annual inspection, preparing for winter storage, or getting your rig ready for the season, our certified technicians are ready to help. We service all RV makes and models, including Keystone travel trailers, fifth wheels, and toy haulers.
Serving Woodstock, Oxford County, London, Brantford, Kitchener, and all of southwestern Ontario.
Upgrading your RV? Ask our team about financing options through The Power Garage Finance Department, and explore our current RV inventory for new and pre-owned travel trailers, fifth wheels, and toy haulers.