Spring Checklist - Get your RV ready for the Season
- Exterior
- Remove all plastic covers on outside vents such as air conditioner and roof vents
- Thoroughly wash your unit and check the roof and body seams and window sealants for cracking that would allow water in. Replace if necessary with sealants compatible to these materials.
- Inspect operation and condition of all awnings clean and let air dry.
- Inspect tires for any sign of dry rot and inflate all tires to recommended COLD tire pressure.
- Lubricate all hinges and locks with spray lubricant
- Check operation and condition of exterior steps. Lubricate if needed.
- Test leveling jacks, if hydraulic check fluid. Lubricate
- Check condition of windshield wipers. Replace if needed
- If you have a pop-up trailer or a travel trailer the wheel bearings and brakes should be inspected at least once annually. Inspect any canvas for dry rot and tears.
- Inspect all hitch work for proper operation or damage.
- Fresh Water System
- Run fresh water through entire system to flush out all antifreeze
- Remove anti-freeze in water pump. Add water to holding tank, turn on water pump and open all faucets.
- Turn pump off and turn water heater out of the by-pass mode.
- Re-install water filters cartridges
- Sanitize water system
- Make sure all drains are closed and drain plugs are installed.
- Mix in a jug a quarter cup of household bleach for every fifteen gallons of water your fresh water tank holds.
- Pour mixture into fresh water holding tank. Completely fill tank with fresh water
- Turn the water pump on and open all faucets until you smell bleach. Close the faucets and let sit for twelve hours.
- With the system under pressure this is a good time to check for leaks. Check operation of toilets.
- Drain all the mixture and refill with fresh water, Turn pump on and open all faucets until bleach is flushed out. It may be necessary to repeat process to eliminate all signs of the bleach.
- Interior
- Check all lights replace bulbs
- Test monitor panel for proper operation
- Check operation and condition of the interior of slide outs
- Check all outlets and GFI's for proper operation
- Test the operation of the CO detector, LP gas leak detector and smoke alarm. Check the fire extinguisher. Be sure it is fully charged
- Remove any tape or protective covering the LP gas vents. Check any mousetraps. Inspect all doors compartments for rodent intrusion and water damage.
- Place mothballs near (not in) the gas burner assembly of the refrigerator (to prevent spiders from nesting and causing gas flow blockages at the burner).
- Place mothballs near (not in) the gas burner assembly of the hot water heater (to prevent spiders from nesting and causing gas flow blockages at the burner).
- Place Dryer sheets (Bounce or similar product) under each mattress, cushion etc… This will keep field mice away.
- Plug in any appliances that you may have unplugged for storage and replace any dry cell batteries.
- Clean or replace air conditioner filters
- Test the operation of the back up camera and monitor
- Reset any breakers or fuses you may have turned off prior to storage.
- Clean and test all appliances for proper operation
- Engine
- Check the coach and chassis batteries electrolyte levels, clean terminals and clamps, and check charge level in all batteries. Recharge if needed.
- Turn the generator off and plug into shore power. Turn the refrigerator on and check for proper operation.
- Change oil and filters in the generator. Inspect generator exhaust system for damage prior to starting. Start and run generator for two hours with at least a half rated load on it.
- Check all fluids levels in transmission, power steering, engine coolant, engine oil, windshield washer, and brakes
- Start engine and check for proper readings on all gauges. Check for proper operation of dash air
- Perform a complete chassis lubrication.
- Make sure the vehicle emissions/inspection sticker is up to date.
