Proper maintenance of your recreational vehicle (RV) is critical all year long but never more so than in the spring when you are just getting your RV out of storage. If your RV has been in storage for four or five months, you need to take some time to get it ready for the season of adventures to come.
To keep your RV in top operating condition and to extend the life of your unit, you’ll want to complete a number of tasks. Whether you are driving a travel trailer, fifth wheel or motorhome, first, remove any covers that you put on while the unit was in storage. Don’t forget refrigerator and furnace vents. If you removed any batteries, re-install them carefully and make sure your positives and negatives line up correctly. This is a good time to top off the battery’s water and give it a good charge.
De-Winterizing and Sanitizing Water System
Another important step is to de-winterize and sanitize your water system. You can do this yourself or save yourself some time and trouble by taking it to your local, RV service center. These are the tasks involved in de-winterizing and sanitizing your water system:
- Flush the antifreeze
- Sanitize & fill fresh water tank
- Fill water heater & test operation
- Inspect anode rod
- Inspect waterlines & faucets
- Add gray & black tank deodorizer
Once this is done, you’ll probably want to give your rig a good wash. While you take care of any grime that accumulated over the winter, you can also inspect the outside for any damage. Look for any cracks, dents or breaks in the seals. If you find anything, get it taken care of before you take it out for its first trip of the season.
Get Ready to Go Camping
Once you’ve inspected for any mechanical and water system issues, you might be thinking you are ready to go on your first trip, but not so fast. There are still the some things you should look at before you hit the road.
- Check all exterior lights
- Check battery condition
- Check awning condition
- Check appliances for proper operation – converter, water heater, gas & electric, A/C, refrigerator, microwave, furnace
- LP pressure & leak-down test
- Inspect roof & sealants
- Torque trailer wheel lug nuts
- Inspect tire condition & inflation
If you have any questions about getting your RV ready for the new season, if you’d like to use our RV de-winterization services, call or stop by today. At Ketelsen RV, we have all the tools, materials and expertise you need to get your RV on the road again in no time. Happy Camping.
