As you’re gearing up for spring and you’re planning to hit the road with your RV, don’t forget to spend some time de-winterizing your RV. If this is your first time doing this, read on for some tips on RV spring maintenance to get your camper ready for the season and in perfect shape for travel again.
1. Charge Your Batteries
Before your first season travel, check your batteries using a voltmeter. If your RV is not connected to electricity, a fully-charged battery should give you a reading of 12.7 volts. If it’s lower, attach the battery charger to the RV charger while the battery charger is off. Then, turn the battery charger on and allow the battery to charge completely. This might take a few hours or a few days.
Don’t forget to reinstall your battery and check the water level in the battery, check that it’s connected securely, and your battery is all ready to go.
2. Flush & Sanitize Your Water System
Dewinterizing your water system is crucial to getting your RV ready for the spring. If you added antifreeze to the water holding tank during the winter, drain this tank entirely. Add water back into the tank and follow these steps:
- Turn the water pump on
- Open all water faucets
- Allow water to run for a few minutes
- Flush toilets a few times
- Wait until the water comes out clean
- Turn off the pump and take the water heater out of bypass mode
- Replace water filters
- Dump all gray and black water tanks
3. Replace Propane Tanks
If your RV uses propane, reinstall new propane tanks on their mounts and connect the hose. Some states require propane tanks to be recertified periodically. If you live in one of these states, check your propane certification to ensure it’s up to date.
4. Test Appliances
Once you replace your propane tanks, go ahead and verify all propane appliances. Open the gas line and test each appliance to ensure they’re all working. Then, check your 120-volt appliances. Ensure everything is running correctly, including your air conditioner, microwave, and kitchen stove.
5. Check the Engine
Last but not least, inspect your RV engine. Check the fluid levels of the power steering, transmission, engine oil, brake fluid, engine coolant, and windshield washer fluid. If you don’t know how to do this, consider taking your RV to a professional who can check your engine before your next trip.
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Geraldine Orentas is a writer from Happy Writers, Co. in partnership with outdoor fabric retailer Seattle Fabrics.
