There are a few things that you need to do to make sure that your first adventure is a great escape. Remember all those things you did to make sure that your RV was well setup to withstand the frigid cold this winter? Now is the time to clean out the antifreeze and get ready for summer camping.
Exterior
Start with a good inspection of the exterior of your RV. Give your RV a good wash and wax and while you are at it, look closely for cracks, cuts, or holes. Don’t forget to get up onto the roof to make sure everything is sealed up properly. Make sure the windows, door, and vent seals are all in good working order.
If you have permanent solar panels, the spring is a great time to give them a thorough cleaning. They can’t work properly if they are covered in winter grime. Most solar panels can be cleaned with water and a soft cloth but check with the manufacturer for your particular type.
If you have an awning, make sure it is working and there are no tears in the material. It is a good opportunity to give it a good wash as well. You should also check underneath your RV for animal nests, spider webs, or other debris that will need to be removed before you hit the road.
Water System
One of the most important steps of de-winterizing your RV before the camping season is getting the water system back in order. All of the plumbing connections, including the water pump and sink, need to be reconnected and tightened properly. The water tank needs to be filled, the antifreeze has to be flushed out of the entire system, and the hot water heater needs to be re-lit. This YouTube video gives a great overview of the entire process.
Don’t forget to double and triple check your plumbing connections to make sure that water is not leaking from anywhere in the system.
Make a List and Check it Twice
There are a lot of small things that you will need to check on each spring. It is useful to make a checklist to use each year so you don’t forget anything important.
To make sure that everything is safe and ready to go before your first camping trip, add these items to your list:
- Check the tire pressure. RV tires can lose two to three psi of air pressure each month, so you will probably need to top them up.
- Charge and reinstall batteries.
- Replace or refill your propane tanks before you hit the road.
- Test appliances.
- Change filters.
- Check safety devices including carbon monoxide detector, smoke detector, and fire extinguisher.
- Restock the first aid kit.
- Double-check that the registration and insurance are up to date.
It may sound like a lot of hassle to get your RV ready for the road, but it isn’t too much work. If you prefer, you can always hire a professional to de-winterize for you. Getting your RV ready for the camping season well in advance means that you will be able to enjoy camping as soon as the weather allows.
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