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Get your RV road-ready with seasonal maintenance tips. From spring prep to storage, protect your investment and enjoy stress-free adventures.
Whether you’ve purchased your first RV or can’t wait to pull it out of storage, save yourself some headaches down the road with a few preparations before the season starts.
Inspect all areas within the RV for any critters that may have found a home while in storage. Clean out the trailer thoroughly.
If the water system was treated with RV anti-freeze while in storage, flush out and drain the system.
Re-install any low point drain plugs that may have been removed during storage.
Check all vents for obstructions- hot water vents, stove vents, heater vents and AC vents.
If you’re going to “boondock” (dry camp without connecting to water, electricity or sewer), be sure to fill and rinse out your fresh water tank(s). A 1/3 cup of household bleach in a 5-gallon tank can be added and flushed through the water system if there are any odors.
Check electrical panels to ensure fuses, breakers and connections are in good working order.
Don’t ignore the roof. Inspect and make sure all components like vents, domes, antennas and the AC unit are all sealed properly, and that the roof is cleared of debris before traveling.
Inspect the axle bearings, tires and towing electrical harnesses for any wear or damage. Repair before travelling.
Inconveniences can pop up during your trip and interfere with your fun, but a little on-the-go maintenance will alert you of small things before they become bigger problems.
Make sure to check the tire pressure before each trip, and inspect the tires for any signs of wear.
Periodically add black tank odor pods or odor liquid to the septic system. This will keep stinky smells down to a minimum.
After a couple of black tank drains, flush the tank completely to prevent the dreaded “Poo Pyramid”. This will help keep the system working better.
Replace water filters according to manufacture specifications.
Check the roof on an ongoing basis, especially before heading out.
Inspect the propane system for any loose fittings before every trip, to prevent lost propane and fire issues.
Check carbon monoxide detectors frequently.
The season may be over, but there are still a few things to do before you store your RV and start dreaming of next year’s adventures. After all, you want to take care of your investment so you can enjoy it all over again, right?
Drain all liquids from the trailer - the fresh water, grey water and black water tanks.
Either use air to blow out the water system OR run RV anti-freeze though it (except the hot water tank - be sure to close the hot water tank valves to prevent any anti-freeze from entering). Pull the hot water tank drain valve out and leave it unplugged.
If the RV has a slide out or multiple slides, lubricate the sliding mechanisms under the trailer or the underbelly of the slide.
Seal up all access points to prevent critters from getting into the trailer.
Clean out the trailer, and don’t leave food or anything that would attract critters.
Turn off all electrical systems and remove any batteries. Store batteries in a shed, garage or house.
Use a trickle charger to maintain the battery while not in use.
Disconnect the propane tanks and store appropriately.
If you store your RV in a highly humid area, if possible use indoor storage with humidity control. This will help prevent moisture and mold.
There’s always something new to learn in the world of RVing. Here are a few tips and tricks you might want to consider to get the most out of your RV experience.
If your RV is parked outside, use wheel covers to protect them from the sun and prolong the life of the tires.
Solar panels are a great option if power is not available while “boondocking”.
Select a generator that can run the highest consumption item in the trailer. Usually it would be the AC unit, hot water tank or the furnace. Microwaves and coffee pots can also draw a lot of power.
Use a pressure valve between the water supply and the inlet to the RV. This can prevent high pressure blowouts in the RV.
Level the RV as best as possible after you park it. This will prevent swaying and bouncing during use.
Learn more about Generators and using them with common items found in your RV in our Buying Guide