Your RV has been idle for the winter. Now the first signs of spring are here and it’s time to get it out of the warehouse and get the coach and chassis ready for this year’s camping season. If you’re like me, you’ll want to have some kind of logical sequence to follow instead of randomly checking the unit. I made a simple checklist to use so nothing is overlooked. I prefer to do most of the spring preparation myself. If you are more comfortable with someone else doing it, you can make an appointment with a reputable RV service center to do it.
* Depending on how your unit was winterized, it will need to be unpacked. If you used non-toxic RV antifreeze, you should run fresh water through the entire system until all traces of antifreeze are gone. To remove it from the 12 volt water pump, add water to the fresh water holding tank, turn the pump on, and open all the water taps. When the antifreeze is out of the system, turn off the pump and take the water heater out of bypass mode (if applicable). Reinstall the water filter cartridges that you removed for storage.
* At this point I like to disinfect the water system. Make sure all drains are closed and drain plugs are installed. Drink a quarter cup of household bleach for every fifteen gallons of water in your freshwater tank. Mix the bleach with water in a gallon container and pour it into the fresh water holding tank. Fill the fresh water holding tank completely full of water. Turn on the water pump and open all the taps, run the water until you smell the bleach. Turn off the taps and let it sit for at least twelve hours. Drain all the water and refill the tank with fresh water. Turn on the pump and turn on all taps until the smell of bleach stops. It may be necessary to repeat this process to remove all signs of bleach.
* With the water system under pressure, inspect for water leaks. Check the operation of the toilet.
* Wash the unit thoroughly. This is a good time to inspect the roof and body seams and window sealants for cracks that allow water to enter. Consult a dealer for sealants compatible with these materials.
* Inspect the operation of the awning and clean the awning fabric as necessary.
* Inspect tires for signs of dry rot. Inflate all tires to the recommended COLD tire pressure.
* Lubricate all hinges and locks with spray lubricant.
* Remove any tape or protective covering that you have put over the LP gas vents to keep insects and rodents out. Check the mouse traps you have set. Open all doors and compartments and check for rodent intrusion and water damage.
* Inspect and clean the interior.
* Plug in all the appliances you unplugged for storage and replace the dry batteries you removed. This is a good time to put fresh batteries in items like smoke detectors.
* Test the operation of the carbon monoxide alarm, LP gas leak detector, and smoke alarm.
* Check the fire extinguisher. Make sure it is fully charged.
* Reset any circuit breakers that you may have turned off. If you removed the fuses for storage, reinstall them.
* Clean or replace air conditioner filters if not done before storage and remove covers that were placed over air conditioners.
* Open the vents and windows and ventilate the unit.
* If you removed the batteries from the coach and chassis for storage, install them. Whether or not they have been removed, check the electrolyte levels, clean the terminals and clamps, and check the charge level on all batteries. Recharge the batteries as needed.
* Check the operation of the electrical steps if applicable. Lubricate the step mechanism.
* Test the operation of the hydraulic jacks if applicable. Check the hydraulic fluid level.
* Test the operation of the rear camera and monitor, if applicable.
* If you did not change the generator oil and filters prior to storage, this is a good time to do so. Inspect the generator exhaust system for damage before starting. Start and run the generator for two hours with at least half the rated load. Consult the generator owner’s manual for load capacities.
* Turn off the generator and connect the unit to earth ground. Turn on the refrigerator in electric mode. Let cool long enough and verify that it works properly.
* Check all 12 volt interior lights and accessories.
* Test the monitor panel to see if it works properly.
* Check the operation of the sliding outputs if applicable.
* Verify that the remaining 120 volt appliances are working properly.
* Test the Ground Fault Interrupter (GFI) to verify that it is working properly.
* Turn off the refrigerator, leave the doors open, and allow enough time for it to reach room temperature so that it can be checked in gas mode.
* Before using the LP gas system, I perform a leak test and a working pressure test of the gas. A qualified technician with the proper equipment should perform these tests.
* Once this is accomplished, open the LP gas valve and check the operation of all LP gas appliances. Make sure the water heater is full of water before testing it. If a gas appliance is not working properly, have it inspected by a qualified technician. Insects are attracted to the smell added to LP gas and build nests that can affect the proper operation of the appliance.
* If your unit was in long-term storage and you did not change the engine oil and filter before storage, this would be a good time to do so.
* Check all fluid levels in the transmission, power steering, engine coolant, engine oil, windshield wiper, and brakes. Consult your vehicle owner’s manual.
* Start the engine and verify correct readings on all gauges. Check the dash air conditioner for proper operation.
* Perform a complete chassis lubrication if not done prior to storage.
* Check the condition of the wiper blades and replace them if necessary.
* Check the operation of all lights on the chassis.
* Make sure the vehicle’s emission / inspection label is up to date.
* In addition to this, if you have a pop-up or travel trailer, the wheel bearings and brakes (if equipped) should be inspected at least once a year. Inspect any canvas for tears and dry rot; inspect all hitch and coupler work for damage. Inspect the kill switch and flex cable for proper operation.
Happy Camping,
frames
Copyright 2006 by Mark J. Polk Owner of RV Education 101
