How To Prep Your RV For Spring

Spring has sprung and that means it’s time to take the RV out of hibernation. Before heading out on your first RV trip of the year, spend an afternoon going through your unit to make sure everything is in proper working order.

If you took the proper steps in winterizing your RV, it should be ready to go with minimal preparation.

Check all tires for proper air pressure. Photos by Dave Helgeson

Open your windows and let your rig air out.

Below is a handy checklist to get your RV ready for a spring camp-out:

Exterior

• Check the tires for proper air pressure and cracks in the sidewalls. Don’t forget the spare.
• Check the unit for any damage. (Tree limbs that fell over the winter, rodents that may have entered the RV, etc.)
• Remove any protecting covers, outside and inside.
• Check the outside components. (Cracked side vents, missing light covers, baggage door operation, turn signals, etc.)
• Check to make sure your license plate tabs are current.

Check your water heater.

Interior

• Open windows and roof vents to air it out and make sure all the windows and vents are in working order.
• Give the inside a thorough cleaning and check for unwanted visitors, such as bugs, mice, etc.
• Vacuum carpets, inside the cabinets, under the dinette seats and sleeping areas.
• Make sure you have an up-to-date and fully supplied first aid kit. Double check expiration dates.
• Check towels and linens that may have been removed for the winter. (Bedding, blankets, pillows, washcloths, beach towels, etc.)
• Click here to make sure your fire extinguisher is not part of the nationwide recall of Kiddie brand extinguishers. Obtain a replacement if necessary.
  

  Make sure your RV’s fridge is in proper working order.
  

Operating systems

• De-winterize the unit and flush the freshwater system.
• Check the freshwater system for proper operation. Don’t forget to check both the water pump and city water hook-up. Test all valves including faucets, outside shower, and toilet.
• Flush and fill the freshwater tank. (Fill it completely full at least once a year to check for leaks in the upper part of the tank, fill hose and vent tube.)
• Make sure the carbon monoxide detector, smoke alarm, LP detector, and fire extinguishers are all in working order. Install fresh batteries for those that aren’t tied into the RV’s electrical system.
• Check the battery. Make sure the water level is correct, it is fully charged, and terminals are tight.

Clean the A/C.

• Check the water heater on gas and electric if so equipped. Make sure the gas burner tube is clean and nothing has nested in it during the winter. If equipped with bypass valves, be sure they are returned to the “summer” position. Note: Never operate the water heater on electric unless the tank is full of water.
• Take the propane tank(s) to be filled. Many states require the tanks be recertified after a set period of time. If your state is one of them, ask the filling attendant how much longer you have until your tanks are due for recertification and act accordingly.
• Check all appliances for proper operation. Wipe out the refrigerator and check operation on both gas and electric.
• Check and clean the air conditioning filter.

Finally, make sure your public land passes are current: US forest service pass, trail passes, state trust lands, etc.

Avoid an unpleasant adventure in RVing by making sure your RV is ready before your first camp-out of the spring. Drive safe and enjoy!

You may also like: 10 Things You’ll Need For RV Spring Cleaning

Dave Helgeson

Dave Helgeson’s many roles in the RV industry started before he even had a driver’s license. His grandparents and father owned an RV dealership before the term “RV” had been coined, and Dave played a pivotal role in nearly every position of an RV dealership. He and his wife Cheri launched their own RV dealership in the Pacific Northwest. The duo also spent 29 years overseeing regional RV shows. Dave has also served as President of a local chapter of the Recreational Vehicle Dealers Association (RVDA), worked on the board of advisors for the RV Technician Program of a local technical college, and served as a board member of the Manufactured Home and RV Association. Dave’s reputation earned him the title of “The foremost expert on boondocking,” bestowed by RV industry icon, the late Gary Bunzer (The RV Doctor). When he’s not out boondocking, you’ll find Dave in the spotlight at RV shows across the country, giving seminars about all things RVing. He and Cheri currently roam in their fifth travel trailer, with Dave doing all the service, repair and modifications to his own unit.