You’ve been waiting all winter to hit the open road for an RV adventure. Now that spring is here, it’s time to firm up your travel plans and get the family excited!
But before you pick a spot and pack your bags for your first trip, it’s critical to de-winterize your RV. If you properly winterized it in the fall, this should be relatively quick and easy.
Here’s a checklist of everything you need to do to get ready for RV season.
Interior
- Open the windows to air out the RV and check vents and windows to make sure they’re all working properly.
- Sweep, vacuum and dust flooring and hard surfaces.
- Make sure your first aid kit is fully stocked and nothing in it has expired.
- Secure all interior doors, including appliances and cabinets.
Exterior
- If your RV was stored uncovered and outside for the winter, check the roof for water leaks, fallen tree limbs and rodent damage.
- Make sure the tires have enough air pressure — as the weather warms and cools, tires lose pressure during winter storage. While you’re inspecting your tires, check the tread depth, look for uneven tread wear, and inspect the rubber for cracks.
- Wash the exterior, especially your windshield.
- Check to ensure that all exterior lights and turn signals are working. Have someone help you make sure all your brake lights are operating correctly.
Operating Systems
- Flush and sanitize the water system.
- Charge and reinstall batteries.
- Check to be sure that your electrical systems — AC (powered by plugging into a ground-based electrical source) and DC (powered by your RV’s batteries) — are working properly.
- Make sure all liquid propane tanks are full (but no more than 80% full) and working properly. Turn your changeover regulators on the tanks to face the RV to protect them from road debris while towing. Test your propane leak detectors’ batteries and make sure they’re fully charged and functioning.
- Operate your leveling jacks to be sure they’re working correctly and lubricated adequately.
Need some help?
If you aren’t completely confident in de-winterizing on your own, especially if you are relatively new to RVs, we can help! Our top-rated service department is happy to assist, and we’re offering a Drive-Through De-winterization Day on April 1. Calling ahead for an appointment is encouraged.Shop more than 400 floor plans of new RVs and a wide variety of used RVs at RVDynasty.com or call 765-689-8815.
