Spring isn’t far off, which implies it’s time to consider getting your RV prepared for the upcoming tenting season. Earlier than you hit the freeway, you’ll must de-winterize your unit and carry out some RV spring upkeep. RVT has compiled a number of suggestions that will help you get your journey trailer, diesel pusher, toy hauler, or different RV prepared on your summer season adventures!
1) Clear and Examine the Exterior of Your RV
Earlier than you’re taking your unit on the street, study your home windows, physique, roof, and slide-out seams for indicators of wear and tear or water injury—bear in mind to look inside and outside—and apply new seals if wanted. Examine your hitch for injury and change it if obligatory. Wash the outside of your unit with an RV-appropriate cleaner to freshen it up and get it street prepared.
2) Look at Tires and Wheel Bearings
In case you aren’t a year-round camper, your RV’s tires are sitting nonetheless for months at a time. Direct daylight and winter climate can injury the rubber over time, resulting in dry rot. All the time examine your tires earlier than heading out; should you see small cracks, change the tires. RV tires have a shelf lifetime of round 5 to seven years. Checking your tire stress can also be necessary. Seek the advice of your producer’s information for the perfect tire stress. For probably the most correct studying, verify the stress when the tires are chilly.
3) Test Your Cooling System and Engine
Test all fluid ranges in your motorhome or tow automobile, make certain all lights and controls are operational, and have your cooling system serviced earlier than hitting the street. Change or restore what’s obligatory. Have in mind, summer season warmth could cause pressure in your engine, particularly should you’re touring in areas with a whole lot of elevation modifications, so it’s necessary that your cooling system is in prime situation.
Professional tip: dashing to get to your vacation spot wastes fuel and may overheat your engine, so take it straightforward on the journey.
4) Recertify Your Propane Tanks And Test Fuel-Fired Home equipment
Propane tanks should be recertified each ten years. If yours has expired, you’ll want to interchange it. When you’ve checked and reinstalled your propane tanks, it’s time to verify your gas-fired home equipment by opening the fuel line and turning them on. Ensure that your scorching water tank is full earlier than you check it. If any of your propane home equipment aren’t working, have them inspected by a licensed RV service division. Any ignition issues or propane leaks must be dealt with by professionals.
5) Check Your Batteries
Test your engine and accent batteries earlier than you head out on the street. Ensure that the connections are tight and batteries have been fully charged. If you want to change any, keep away from combining previous and new batteries.
6) Flush Your Water Strains
After winterizing with RV antifreeze, you’ll must flush out the system within the spring. Activate the water pump and open all water taps, inside and outside. Allow them to run for a couple of minutes to do away with any antifreeze. On the similar time, verify for any leaks within the water system. After flushing, the water ought to style clear and recent. If it doesn’t, strive placing some baking soda into the drains and flush once more till the water tastes clear.
7) Clear and Look at the Inside of Your RV
Fastidiously undergo the inside of your RV and search for proof of water injury, rodent exercise, or bugs, and make repairs, if wanted. Activate any non gas-fired home equipment to verify they’re working. Air out your unit and clear the within prime to backside, together with followers, home windows and screens.
8) Make Certain All Security Gear is Working
Test your hearth extinguisher, smoke detector, and carbon monoxide detector to make sure all are in correct working order. Fireplace extinguishers usually final about fifteen years. If the deal with is cracked or wobbly, change the extinguisher. When you have an older, new-to-you unit and also you don’t know when it was final changed, think about getting a recent one. Now can also be time to refresh your first assist provides.
We hope the following pointers are useful as you put together for the brand new tenting season. In case you’re uncomfortable performing upkeep in your RV your self, an RV service supplier close to you’ll be joyful to assist. Have in mind, some upkeep—reminiscent of repairing gas-fired home equipment—ought to solely be achieved by an expert. Comfortable tenting!
In case you’re searching for a brand new or used RV for the upcoming season, try the most recent items out there on RVT.com.
Share this text: