Winter has finally come to a close, and now you’re itching to get back on the road again, right? Before you go, though, you need to make sure your RV is safe and as good to go as you are. Below you’ll find a checklist of anything you may need to check and repair to get ready for the summer camping season.
Check the Tires
The easiest thing you can do first is checking tire pressure. Use a tire gauge to make sure the PSI on all tires are up to standard with your RV’s specifications. If you aren’t sure what the PSI number should be, check your RV owner manual. If the number is low, use an air compressor (there are almost always ones available at local gas stations so you won’t have to drive far) to pump them up.
If you use an RV transport or storage service, this will likely not be a problem for you, since the tires have not been in use or subject to weather conditions.
Flush the Water System
If you use antifreeze for the winter season, now’s the time to clear it out! Flush the water lines with water from a hose, and if you’re afraid the antifreeze is still in the water tanks, you can also flush the tanks with a solution of half water and half bleach. Of course, you’ll want to let this sit for about 24 hours, but then be sure to flush it out with a lot of fresh water before using the tanks for drinking water.
Plug in the Power
It’s always worth plugging the RV in a couple of times before your first trip to make sure your electrical wires are working and none of your appliances need to be replaced.
You may also consider checking all the electrical cables you keep in the RV stage compartments to make sure there haven’t been chewed on by rodents, like mice. If they are out of working order, you will have to buy new ones, but rub some peppermint oil on them next time they go into storage to keep the rodents off of them.
Test the Gas
Similar to the power, you’ll want to test the gas lines by turning all gas appliances on for a few minutes, like the stove, fridge, and water heater. Be sure there are no gas leaks, and if you smell any signs of leaks, be sure to have the lines checked and possibly replaced by a maintenance contractor, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
There are always a few things you have to tie up when getting the RV ready for the season. Be sure to follow the steps above for a successful beginning to your adventures.
