Sixteen Necessary RV De-Winterizing Helpful Tips

  

1. CHECK YOUR TIRES

Using a tire pressure gauge, check the air pressure in all of your RV tires — including the spare tire. Re-inflate the tires to match the manufacturer’s recommendation based on the load. If you are unsure of the correct tire pressure for your camper, check your RV manual.

2. INSPECT THE EXTERIOR

If you stored your camper outdoors for the cold season, check for any water damage and pay specific attention to the roof. Inspect the hitch components for rust and damage. As well as the weather-stripping around windows and doors and replace any sealant that is cracked or peeling. Visually inspect the outside of your RV/camper for any damages, leaks or cracks. Check all body, roof and slide-out seams and apply new seals as necessary.

3. CHARGE AND REINSTALL YOUR BATTERIES

If they are not periodically checked during the off-season, your camper batteries lose a small percent of their charge each month that they are in storage. Just as your RV tires will lose pressure during storage, your RV batteries will also lose a percentage of their charge due to internal leakage.

4. FLUSH YOUR WATER SYSTEM

In the fall, you most likely added non-toxic RV antifreeze to the water system to prevent the pipes from freezing. This antifreeze must now be flushed out of the plumbing system so the water is clean and safe to drink.

5. SANITIZE YOUR WATER SYSTEM

The next essential step for getting your camper water system ready is to sanitize or bleach it. Even if you did not use non-toxic antifreeze to winterize your plumbing system, sanitizing or bleaching your water system is still imperative for removing any bacteria/mold that could have grown during the winter months.

6. CHECK FOR LEAKY PIPES

With water in the freshwater tank, turn on the electric pump and allow it to pressurize the water system. When the system reaches full pressure, the pump will shut off. Listen for several minutes to hear if the pump turns back on. If the pump cycles back on again or does not shut off at all, there is a leak somewhere in your plumbing system.

7. REPLACE PROPANE TANKS

If your RV uses propane, reinstall your propane tanks on their mounts and connect the hose. Make sure the hose is fitted tightly by turning on the propane valve a little bit to open the gas line. Use water or a spray bottle to spray and see if bubbles form. If so, tighten the fitting again to make sure there is no leak and the seal is tight. Stop by our store and refill or exchange your propane tanks if needed. See store for details and exclusions.

8. CHECK PROPANE APPLIANCES

After your propane tanks are reinstalled, check that all of your LP gas-fired appliances are working properly by opening the gas line and testing each appliance. When testing the hot water heater, make sure it is full of water first.

9. TEST 120-VOLT APPLIANCES

If all of your propane appliances are working properly, plug in your unit and test the 120-volt appliances. Make sure you are using a sufficient electricity source of 30 or 50 amps, or appliances like microwaves and air conditioners may not work properly.

10. CHECK THE ENGINE

Investigate the engine by checking all engine fluids and making sure all lights and controls are operational. Check the fluid levels of the power steering, transmission, engine oil, brake fluid, engine coolant and windshield washer fluid.

11. TEST YOUR RV GENERATOR

If your camper has an onboard generator, check the oil level. If oil levels are low, have your generator serviced by a pro.

12. CHANGE FILTERS

During camper spring maintenance, change out all of your air and water filters. Air filters can collect a lot of dust and debris during a busy camping season, so start the season bright with clean filters.

13. CHECK WINDOWS AND AIR VENTS

As part of your RV de-winterization, open all of your windows and air vents to make sure they are in working order. Air vents ensure proper air-flow through your camper to prevent excess humidity and keep you cool all summer long.

14. CHECK SAFETY DEVICES

Make sure all of the safety devices in your RV/camper are operating properly. This includes your smoke alarm, fire extinguisher, carbon monoxide detector and LP detector. Install new batteries in all battery-powered safety devices. Test your carbon monoxide detector and smoke alarm. If you need to replace something, stop by and pick up a new one from Schauer's Hardware.

15. RESTOCK FIRST AID AND EMERGENCY SUPPLIES

Restock your camper first aid and emergency supplies as part of your RV preparation. Check the expiration dates on any medicines and restock any first aid supplies that are low. Make sure your RV has plenty of bottled water. Your camper emergency kit should also include tools and other supplies for emergency RV/camper repairs, such as pliers, a hammer, screwdrivers, extra oil and coolant, hoses, batteries and leveling blocks.

16. UPDATE YOUR REGISTRATION AND INSURANCE

The final step for getting your camper ready for the next road trip is making sure your papers are in order for the year. Check that your RV registration is up-to-date, as well as your RV insurance and emissions sticker.

Now you are ready to get moving on your first trip of the season. Happy traveling from Schauer's Hardware in Forest Park.

Tips shared from KOA.com