Spring is in the air, and that means it’s time to get your rig ready for camping season. If your RV has been in hibernation this winter, there are a few things you need to do to get it travel-ready.
From inspecting seals to prepping your plumbing system, here’s how you can dewinterize your RV.
Wash and wax. Give your rig a good scrub and wax to kick off the camping season. Clean off any dirt, mildew, and grime that built up over the winter months during storage.
Exterior inspection. Check your RV for any cracks, damage, or broken seals that will need to be repaired before your first trip. This includes looking on your roof, around windows and doors, checking slide-outs and awnings, exterior showers, etc.
Check under your RV. Look under your rig for animal nests, debris buildup, and any other damage that might have occurred in storage. This includes filling any gaps or cracks under your RV with a foam sealant to protect it during your upcoming travels.
Batteries and generator. Make sure your battery connections are clean and on tight. Then, inspect your generator and test it for proper operation.
Inspect gas lines. Look for damage to your gas lines and test for any leaks using a gas leak detection spray. You can spray your lines and around connection points to ensure your system is leak-free.
Tire pressure. Check your tire pressure and add air if necessary before hitting the road.
Dewinterize your plumbing system. Start by connecting city water supply lines to your RV. Turn on your faucets and run water until it’s clear (especially if you used antifreeze when winterizing). Look for leaks under sinks and around faucets and any outside spigots. Flush your toilet until the water in your tank is clear, and prep your holding tanks for use by adding toilet treatment.
Freshwater tank. Fill your freshwater tank and turn on your water pump. Run your faucets once again to rid your system of any remaining antifreeze. Once the water is clear you can turn your pump off.
Hot water. Reconnect your RV to the city water connection and open the hot water on your faucets. Switch your water heater out of bypass mode and let your hot water run until all of the air is out of your hot water heater.
Alarm systems. Check your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, your LP gas detector, and fire extinguishers to ensure they’re all working properly.
Appliances. Clean and test all of your interior and exterior appliances to ensure they’re functioning and ready for your first trip.
Interior clean. Give your interior a good cleaning and stock your RV with necessary supplies for the upcoming camping season.
Engine and oil. For drivable RVs, check your engine oil and other fluids for proper levels. If you tow your rig, ensure you run the same inspection on your tow vehicle before hitting the road.
