With the temperatures warming up, you’re probably thinking about getting your RV ready for a camping trip or two this summer. There are several essential steps you should take to prepare your RV after it has been in storage over the winter. These measures help ensure that everything’s in good working order and that you spot any damage or wear and tear before you head out on your first trip. Our team at Bretz RV & Marine has put together a checklist to help you get your home away from home set for the summer.
Check Your RV’s Tires
During the colder months of the year when your RV isn’t in use, your tires gradually lose air pressure. One estimate suggests that air pressure drops by about 2 to 3 pounds per square inch each month. Therefore, using a pressure gauge to check each tire is crucial. You should then top up the tire pressure as needed to reach the manufacturer’s recommendations. You’ll find the recommendation in your owners manual if you’re unsure what the recommendation is. Don’t forget to include the spare tire in this process if your RV has one.
While you’re working on your tires, don’t forget to inspect them for any signs of wear and tear. If you had an especially cold winter, this may have impacted your tires. Additionally, you may not have noticed how worn your tires were during the fall after last year’s trips. If you think your tires may need replacing, the start of the season is an excellent time to take care of this task. Worn tires can cause serious handling problems on the road and may even result in an accident.
Inspect the Exterior and Conduct Repairs
Depending on where you stored your RV, the exterior can be one of the areas most susceptible to damage during the winter. For example, if you kept your RV outdoors, heavy snowfall could’ve caused structural damage, or cold temperatures may have cracked seams around windows. If you identify any problems, be sure to put them right to avoid bigger issues further down the line, such as water damage due to leaks. Our RV experts will gladly help if your camper requires more extensive work than you can handle.
Flush and Refill Your Water System
If you took the proper precautions in the fall, you probably added antifreeze to your RV’s water system. Now, you’ll need to remove the antifreeze from the system so the water is drinkable. Start by draining your main water tank. Once it’s empty, add potable water to the tank. Then, turn the water pump on and open all water faucets. Let water run through the system for several minutes and flush the toilet a few times. Once the water runs clear out of the faucet, you can close all faucets and turn the pump off.
During this process, you should also get a good idea if any leaks have developed in your water pipes. This may be the case if you had a particularly cold winter. Leaks can cause significant water damage in your RV, so they’ll need to be repaired urgently if you find any.
Charge Your Batteries
Another part of your RV that needs your attention is the battery. During the months of storage, it’ll gradually lose its charge. One way to guard against this is to regularly run your RV’s engine to keep the battery topped up. Even if you did this, you should test your battery’s charge at the beginning of the new season.
A 12-volt battery should show as having 12.7 volts if it’s fully charged. If you return a lower result, you should charge the battery before heading out on your first trip. In addition, check the water level in the battery and top it up if necessary.
Replace Your Propane Tanks
If your RV uses propane tanks for your cooking or heating facilities, you’ll need to replace them in their holders so they’re ready to be used again. If you have refillable tanks, you can take them to a propane station to get them filled. Your tanks may also need recertification, depending on their age. This is an important quality control measure that helps guard against safety issues.
Test Your Appliances
While your RV was in storage, it’s possible that the cold or damp weather had an impact on your electrical system. To see if this is the case, test the household power outlets in your RV with some of your appliances. This should include kettles, radios, televisions, and microwaves. If you detect any issues with your electricity, you may want to get a professional to take a closer look. Problems with specific appliances may require you to purchase a replacement. It’s better to find that out while you’re still home rather than in the middle of your first trip.
Check the Engine
A final step you shouldn’t forget is ensuring all is well with your RV’s engine. During a long storage period, issues could develop with specific components. Alternatively, your engine may need an oil change. You’ll be able to tell if your oil needs changing by inspecting it for debris and checking to see if your engine runs smoothly after you start it up for a few minutes. If you have concerns, the best option may be to schedule a maintenance appointment for your RV at a local reliable service center.
Ready To Get Your RV Prepared for the Warmer Weather?
If you need help preparing your RV for the new season, Bretz RV & Marine is here for you. As one of the top destinations for RV and boat sales in Montana and Idaho, we know what it takes to keep your camper in excellent condition so you can enjoy the summer months. If you’d like to schedule a service appointment for your RV, you can choose from several locations in both states.
You can also reach out to our team by phone or online message to have your RV questions answered. We’re looking forward to helping you get ready for your next adventure.
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