Dewinterizing your RV involves more than just the fresh water system. When you bring your rig out of hibernation is the best time to do some routine maintenance!
Following are some tips that will help get you started:
Climb onto the roof (carefully!) to inspect the seams, seals and vents for cracks, splits or other damages and to remove any debris. Replace anything that's broken (i.e., vents)
You know you want to, so go ahead and give your rig a thorough wash (and wax if you're so inclined). Be sure to wash the roof (be careful up there!) to help control those pesky black streaks and don't forget to treat the tires.
Open windows and doors to get some fresh air inside and eliminate any stale, musty air and disperse any condensation. Leave the cabinets and closets open to let the fresh air get in there too. Inspect the ceiling for any leaks that may have occurred over the winter.
Inspect propane tanks for cracks and rust.
Check hoses and gaskets for cracks and leaks, especially for anything related to propane.
Refill the LP tanks, if necessary. Turn the LP on at the main valve and check for leaks with an approved liquid LP leak detector. Turn on all your LP appliances to ensure they are working properly. (Make sure you've filled the hot water heater with fresh water before turning it on!)
Recharge the battery(ies)
Replace the batteries in all smoke detectors, LP detectors and Carbon Monoxide detectors. Test each detector to make sure they're working properly.
Turn on the air conditioner to make sure it's working properly. If you didn't clean the filters last fall, go ahead and do that now.
Check all tires and inflate to manufacturer specifications.
If you have a generator, perform the manufacturer's recommended service, including oil and filter changes. Start up the generator and let it run for at least two hours at a minimum of 50% capacity, or for as long as the owner's manual recommends.
Check the wheel bearings and brakes. Replace any worn out brake parts and repack the bearings with fresh grease. Connect the umbilical cord to the tow vehicle and check all wiring and braking functions.
If you have a motorhome, be sure to perform all the manufacturer's recommended service. Be sure to check the following:
Engine oil and filter
Check all fluids and top off as needed
Check air and fuel filters; replace as needed
Check all belts and replace as needed
Check air pressure in tires and inflate to manufacturer specifications. Inspect tires for tread or sidewall damage
Engine oil and filter
Check lights, horn and other dash accessories to ensure all are in proper working order.
Check your manuals for any other regular maintenance recommended by the manufacturer.
Once you've finished the above, pull out your checklist of all the items you removed from your RV for the winter, like toothpaste, shampoo, dish soap, etc. (you DID write that all down, right?). If you didn't, that's OK. Start replacing those items now, so when you're ready to make that first trip of the season you'll be ahead of the game before you even start packing! We have a handy checklist of items you should always keep stocked in your RV. Go ahead and print out the list and start checking off what you have and what you need to add or replace
Julie Miklaszewicz is an avid RVer, having visited 48 states by the time she was 16 years old. She has yet to fly anywhere and prefers traveling with her truck and fifth wheel with her husband and three children, enjoying the beauty of the U.S.A. from the ground. While camping and at home, she prefers to cook in her cast iron Dutch ovens and numerous other cast iron cookware. She and her husband, Greg, are the owners of the RVing Outpost, located in Abbotsford, WI.
Disclaimer: All information on this site is provided for informational purposes only! By no means is any
information presented herein intended to substitute for the advice provided to you by any health care or other professional
or organization.
