Spring is here; now it’s time to de-winterize your RV and prepare it for your upcoming adventures. In this blog, we’ll guide you through step-by-step how to prepare your RV for camping season.
1. Start with a thorough cleaning.
Before you begin any preparations, it’s essential to give your RV a good cleaning, inside and out. Here are our top tips for spring cleaning your RV.
2. Inspect your RV for damage.
Once your RV is clean, it’s time for a thorough inspection to find any damage or wear and tear. Inspect the exterior and interior for signs of cracked sealing, gaps, water damage, or rust. If you have a towable RV, check the hitch for any signs of rust or damage. You should also check your tire pressure – they might be deflated after the long winter.
Remember to inspect the roof. If you’ve stored your RV outside all winter, pay close attention to any signs of water damage or cracks in the seams. And please be careful while you’re up there!
Finally, check to make sure your RV’s mechanical systems are working. Test the brakes, the engine, the transmission, and any other mechanical systems to ensure everything is running smoothly.
If you find any damage to your RV, or if you’re more comfortable with a trained professional inspecting your RV, give us a call at GNR and one of our trained professionals will help you out.
3. Charge and re-install the batteries.
Unless you’ve been charging your batteries throughout the winter, you’ve probably lost some power. Use a voltmeter while your RV is disconnected from any electricity. If the charge is below 12 volts, you need to charge it.
4. Flush and sanitize the water systems.
Before you hit the road for your spring adventures, it’s essential to flush out your water systems. Empty your tank, add potable water back into the fresh water tank, and let the water run from your faucets for a few minutes. Flush the toilet a few times.
You should also sanitize your water systems to be safe. You can do this by adding a small amount of bleach (¼ cup for every 15 gallons of water is recommended) and filling the tanks with potable water. Let the faucets run until you can smell the bleach, and then shut them off and let the mixture sit in the tanks and water lines for twenty-four hours. Then, you can drain it, refill it with fresh water, and flush your system out again.
Now is also an excellent time to check for leaky pipes and replace your water filters.
5. Check your propane system
Check your propane appliances by opening the gas line and testing each appliance. Make sure all the seals and hoses are still in good shape and that all appliances are working correctly. This is also a good time to check your CO detectors. If you suspect a leak, turn off the propane immediately and have a certified RV service technician in to repair it.
6. Update your registration and insurance
After de-winterizing your RV, now you can finally get all your documents in order. Make sure all your insurance, RV registration, and anything else you may need is up to date and accessible in case you need it.
7. Finally, stock up on supplies.
Now that your RV is ready to go, all you have to do is make sure you have all the supplies you need for your trip. This includes food, water, toiletries, first aid, and emergency supplies. And don’t forget to stock up on your camping gear, such as chairs, tables, and sleeping bags.
Preparing your RV for camping season can take some time, but it’s worth it to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. With these tips, you’ll be ready to hit the road in no time!
