How to Get Your RV Ready for Summer

By joanne lemna | March 30, 2017

It’s finally time to pull the RV out from the garage or take off the tarp and bring it home from storage. With the snow melted and the campgrounds opening it’s tempting to jump in and head off right away. Unfortunately you have to do some work before your RV is ready for your weekend getaway.

#1 Visual Inspection + Wash

The first thing to do is a visual inspection of your trailer. You want to see if there was any damage sustained over winter looking for water leaks in particular. Especially focus on the roof and caulking around windows vents air-conditioning unit and doors – you don’t want to find any cracks or holes. Look for cracks stains separations and leaks. Check for nests and chewing too. Roll out the awning if you have one and inspect it for tears. If you can’t open it or are having difficulty take it to a professional to be repaired. Check your fluid levels and top them up if necessary. Inspect hoses for any tears or holes and valves for leaks. In addition ensure your tow vehicle and RV have had all required maintenance work by checking your manuals. Next be sure to wash the exterior with soap in the shade – don’t forget to clean the wheels! This will indicate if there are any leaks and prevent any kind of build up on your trailer.

#2 Tire Check

Next you’ll want to check your tires. You want to see if there are any cracks in the sidewalls or between the treads. Treat these seriously and get them repaired before you head out for your first camping trip. The tire pressure should also be checked and returned to the maximum recommended pressure found in your owner’s manual. Don’t forget to check that your lug nuts are tightened!

#3 Battery Check

Have your RV’s battery tested and replace as required and don’t forget about the batteries inside your RV. Be sure to replace multiple battery banks together. If your batteries need to be cleaned make sure they are disconnected and use a hot water and baking soda mixture to clean them. Wear safety glasses and latex gloves.

#4 Propane Tank Check

Check your propane tank as seals can dry out over the winter. First make sure you have everything turned off you aren’t around any smoking flames or sparks and your propane leak detector is turned on. Open the valves on your tank and smell for leaks. Check the valves and regulators by using a soapy water mix. If you find any leaks have a professional inspect and repair them.

#5 Generator Test

Test your generator if you have one. Use the prime feature until your indicator light turns on for the fuel pump run it for 20 seconds and the generator should start more quickly. You will have to crank it until it starts otherwise as there will likely be a lack of fuel in the lines. Let the starter rest to cool after 15 seconds of cranking. Don’t forget to check the oil and air filter.