Spring RV Checklist
Winter RVing can be a lot of fun, but we understand that it is not for everyone. Luckily, spring and warmer weather aren’t that far off. You’ll be seeing nature come back to life in your camper before you know it. First, however, you need to get everything ready. Follow this checklist from Fun Country RVs & Marine, Inc. to prepare your RV for spring.
1. Wash Your RV
Most people wash their RVs before putting them into storage. Unfortunately, dust and grime tend to accumulate even in storage, so a good wash is usually in order. Remember that the longer you wait to clean, the more difficult it will be to clean your camper and the greater the risk of damage.
Speaking of damage, this is a good chance to see how well your RV has held up while in storage. Check the roof seams for cracks or worn sealant. Give the sidewalls and corners a once-over as well. It is better to find a hole now rather than after you have sprayed your RV with water.
2. Air Out Your RV
Once the exterior is washed, open all of the doors, windows, cabinets, slide-outs, and awnings to get fresh air flowing. This is also a good time to find any hinges that have started squeaking and lubricate them so that you can deal with the problem now rather than mid-vacation.
3. Look for Pests
Pests love to use RVs as a shelter from the cold of the winter months. Be on the lookout for any pests, and be ready to deal with them promptly.
4. Check Your Appliances
If one of your appliances breaks down in the middle of a trip, it can be very difficult to repair or replace it. Avoid this problem by doing a quick check. This applies to both built-in appliances like refrigerators and stoves as well as portable ones like coffee makers and microwaves.
5. Test the Lights
Between the interior and the exterior lights, your camper has a lot of bulbs that can go bad and a lot of wiring that can malfunction. Be sure to thoroughly check to make sure all of your lights are functioning as they should. Now might also be a good time to put fresh batteries in any flashlights, lanterns, etc., that provide light but are not connected to your RV’s circuitry.
6. Inspect Your RV's Tires
Tires are what carry your camper to its destination, so it never hurts to give them some attention. The three crucial things to watch are the tire pressure, the amount of tread wear, and the overall condition of the tire itself. Tires with visible cracks or embedded objects can lead to a dangerous blowout, so address these issues if you spot them.
7. Inspect the Battery
Cold temperatures can damage batteries. Make sure your battery is free of cracks, then disconnect it, clean all connections, check the fluid levels, and charge it.
8. Address the Water System
Fully drain and rinse your freshwater tank. You should then fill it back up with clean water and run the pump. This fulfills two purposes: getting clean water into the lines and flushing out any remaining antifreeze.
9. Check the Fluid Levels
Top off your brake fluid, windshield fluid, antifreeze/coolant fluids, and any other fluids your RV needs to function. If your RV has a generator, now is a good time to check the oil and filters.
We here at Fun Country RVs & Marine, Inc. hope your first RV trip of the year is an enjoyable one. We offer a wide selection of new and pre-owned RVs, as well as servicing, parts, and financing services. Visit our dealership in Anthony, Texas for more. We are conveniently located within a half-hour drive of communities like El Paso, Texas, and Socorro, Texas.