The van life dream is all about freedom, adventure, and the open road. But the reality of a life on four wheels means your vehicle is not just your transportation, it's also your home, office, and sanctuary. Neglecting maintenance is the fastest way to turn a dreamy stop into a roadside nightmare. To keep the adventure rolling and your home safe, we’ve put together the most detailed DIY vanlife maintenance checklist you'll ever need.

Get your gloves and wrench ready! 🔧

Maintaining Engine & Fluid System Health

Your engine is the core of your mobile home. Consistent attention to its fluids and vital components is the single most important step in extending the life of your vehicle and avoiding costly breakdowns.

Engine Oil & Filter

How often to check: Every 5,000–7,500 miles (or manufacturer recommendation).

DIY Check & Maintenance Detail: Oil lubricates, cools, and cleans the engine. Long trips and heavy loads (a fully built-out van is always heavy) accelerate oil breakdown. Check the dipstick monthly. If the oil is dark brown or black, it’s time for a change. Replacing the oil filter at the same time is non-negotiable, as a dirty filter compromises fresh oil.

Coolant (Antifreeze)

How often to check: Check monthly; Flush/Replace every 30,000–60,000 miles.

DIY Check & Maintenance Detail: Coolant prevents overheating and protects against freezing. Check the reservoir level when the engine is cold and ensure it’s between the "Min" and "Max" lines. A low level could indicate a leak. Look for discolored or murky fluid, which signals corrosion or contamination and requires a full flush.

Transmission Fluid

How often to check: Check monthly; Flush/Replace every 30,000–100,000 miles (consult manual).

DIY Check & Maintenance Detail: This fluid lubricates and cools your gears for smooth shifting. Check the dipstick (if applicable) with the engine running and warm. Low fluid can cause damage and poor shifting. Note the color: healthy fluid is bright red; dark, burnt-smelling fluid is a sign of serious trouble.

Brake Fluid

How often to check: Check monthly; Flush/Replace every 2–3 years.

DIY Check & Maintenance Detail: This fluid provides the hydraulic pressure for your brakes. Check the reservoir level. It should be near the "Max" line. More importantly, check the color: it should be light yellow or clear. Dark brown fluid absorbs moisture, compromising your braking power, a major safety hazard for your van life rig.

Belts & Hoses

How often to check: Inspect every 6 months.

DIY Check & Maintenance Detail: The serpentine belt runs the alternator, water pump, and power steering. Hoses carry vital fluids. Inspect the belt for cracks, fraying, or missing chunks. Press on the hoses; they should be firm, not spongy or brittle. A slack belt or damaged hose can lead to a quick roadside breakdown.

Wheel & Brake System

Tires and brakes are your primary contact points with the road and are critical for safe stopping, especially when carrying the extra weight of your mobile home.

Tire Maintenance

Tire Pressure (Monthly): Use a quality gauge to check the pressure, including your spare. Always inflate to the pressure listed on the driver’s side door jamb placard, not the max pressure stamped on the tire sidewall. The right pressure ensures even wear and optimal fuel economy for your adventures.

Tread Depth & Wear (Monthly): Inspect the tread for uneven wear patterns (e.g., center wear means over-inflation; shoulder wear means under-inflation). Use the penny test (Lincoln's head should be obscured). Look for cracks, bulges, or embedded foreign objects. Rotate tires every 6,000 to 8,000 miles for maximum longevity.

Brake System Inspection

Brake Pad Thickness (Every 6 months): Visually inspect the brake pads through the wheel spokes. They should have at least 3mm of thickness remaining. Listen for squealing or grinding, which are urgent signs that the pads are critically worn and need immediate replacement.

Rotor Condition (Every 6 months): Check the brake rotors (discs) for deep grooves, warping, or scoring. A perfectly smooth surface is ideal for safe stopping.

Emergency Brake Test (Every 3 months): On a slight incline, engage the parking brake fully to ensure it holds the vehicle securely. This is vital, as you’ll be parking on many uneven surfaces during your vanlife travels.

Chassis, Electrical, and House Systems

Beyond the mechanical parts, a successful vanlife journey depends on the systems that make your van a home.

Electrical & Lighting

Vehicle Battery (Every 3 months): Check the starter battery terminals for corrosion (a white or blue powdery buildup). Clean them with a wire brush and a mixture of baking soda and water. Use a multimeter to check the voltage; it should be between $12.4$ and $12.7$ volts when fully charged and rested.

Exterior Lights (Monthly): Have a friend check that all headlights (high/low beam), taillights, brake lights, and turn signals are fully functional. Keep spare bulbs on hand.

House Battery System (Monthly): If you have a solar setup, check your leisure battery's state of charge (SOC) and the integrity of your inverter/charge controller connections. Loose wiring can lead to poor performance or even a fire hazard.

Plumbing & Water Tanks (Conversion-Specific)

Fresh Water Tank: Flush and sanitize your fresh water tank at least twice a year using a water-safe cleaner or diluted bleach solution to prevent bacterial growth before every major trip.

Grey Water Tank: Empty your grey water tank responsibly and frequently to prevent odors and buildup. Use only biodegradable soaps and cleaning products in your sink.

Water Pump & Lines: Check the water pump for leaks and ensure the connections are tight monthly. Turn on a faucet and listen for unusual noises that might indicate air in the line or pump failure.

Winterizing (Seasonal): Before temperatures drop below freezing, you must drain all water tanks and lines and add RV-specific, non-toxic antifreeze to prevent burst pipes—a surefire way to derail your vanlife plans!

Structure & Exterior

Rust & Underbody (Every 6 months): Living on the road, especially near salt water or in winter conditions, accelerates rust. Inspect the chassis and wheel wells for any signs of rust. Treat any surface rust immediately with a wire brush and rust-inhibiting paint (like Rust-Oleum). Keeping the underside clean is essential for long-term vehicle health.

Seams and Seals (Every 6 months): Inspect all roof seams, window seals, and vent seals. The constant movement of your vanlife vehicle can crack seals, leading to leaks. Use a marine-grade sealant (like Dicor or SikaFlex) to repair any breaches immediately.

The Vanlifer’s Essential Toolbox & Documentation

Basic Hand Tools: Socket set, wrench set (Metric and Imperial), screwdrivers, adjustable wrench, locking pliers, and a small sledgehammer (for tough jobs).

Safety & Diagnostics: Multimeter, tire pressure gauge, jumper cables or a portable jump starter, fire extinguisher (ABC-rated, mounted securely), and carbon monoxide/smoke detector (check batteries monthly).

Fluids & Spares: Gallon of distilled water, extra engine oil, funnel, spare fuses, and your specific van's spare belt.

Documentation: Keep the van's Owner's Manual and all service records in an accessible, waterproof binder. This is an invaluable resource for both DIY repairs and proving the van's value for a future sale.

Embracing the van life means taking ownership of your home on wheels. By dedicating time to this detailed DIY maintenance checklist, you're not just preventing breakdowns—you're securing your freedom and ensuring your adventures remain memorable for all the right reasons!