Your RV has been sitting idle for the winter. Now the first signs of spring are here and it’s time to get it out of storage and prepare the coach and chassis for this year’s camping season. If you’re like me, you’ll want to have some sort of logical sequence to follow rather than going through the drive at random. I made a simple checklist to use so nothing gets overlooked. I prefer to do most of the spring prep myself. If you feel more comfortable with someone else doing it, you can make an appointment with a reputable RV service center to do it for you.

* Depending on how your unit was winterized, it will need to be winterized. 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 on the pump and turn on all water faucets. When the coolant is out of the system, turn off the pump and take the water heater out of bypass mode (if applicable). Reinstall any water filter cartridges you removed for storage.

* At this point I like to sanitize the water system. Make sure all drains are closed and drain plugs are installed. Take 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 freshwater tank. Completely fill the fresh water tank with water. Turn on the water pump and open all the faucets, let the water run until you smell the bleach. Close 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 the faucets until you no longer smell the bleach. It may be necessary to repeat this process to remove all signs of the bleach.

* With the water system under pressure, check for water leaks. Check the operation of the toilet.

* Wash the unit well. This is a good time to inspect roof and body seams and window sealants for cracks that allow water ingress. Consult a dealer for sealants compatible with these materials.

* Inspect canopy operation and clean canopy fabric as needed.

* 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 protective tape or covering you have put over the LP gas vent lines to keep out insects and rodents. Check any 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 unplugged appliances for storage and replace any dry cell batteries you have 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 you have turned off. If you removed any 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 air out the unit.

* If you removed the batteries from the coach and chassis for storage, install them. Whether they have been removed or not, check electrolyte levels, clean terminals and clamps, and check charge level on all batteries. Recharge the batteries as needed.

* Check the operation of the electrical steps if applicable. Lubricate the pitch mechanism.

* Test the operation of the hydraulic jacks if applicable. Check hydraulic fluid level.

* Test the operation of the rear camera and monitor, if applicable.

* If you did not change the generator oil and filters before storage, this is a good time to do so. Inspect generator exhaust system for damage before starting. Start and run the generator for two hours with at least half rated load. See generator owner’s manual for load capacities.

* Turn off the generator and connect the unit to the ground. Turn on the refrigerator in electric mode. Allow enough time for it to cool down and check for proper operation.

* Check all interior lights and accessories for 12 volts.

* Test the monitor panel to see if it works properly.

* Check the operation of the sliders if applicable.

* Check that the remaining 120 volt appliances are working properly.

* Test the ground fault interrupter (GFI) to see if it works properly.

* Turn off the refrigerator, leave the doors open, and allow enough time for it to come to room temperature so it can be checked in gas mode.

* Before using the LP gas system, perform a leak test and gas operating pressure test. A qualified technician with the proper equipment should perform these tests.

* After 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 the water heater. If a gas appliance is not working properly, have it inspected by a qualified technician. Insects are attracted to the odorant added to LP gas and build nests that can prevent the appliance from working properly.

* If your unit was in long term storage and you did not change the engine oil and filter prior to storage, this would be a good time to do so.

* Check all fluid levels in the transmission, power steering, engine coolant, engine oil, windshield washer, and brakes. Consult the vehicle owner’s manual.

* Start the engine and verify that the readings are correct on all gauges. Verify that the dash air conditioner is working properly.

* Perform full 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 the lights on the chassis.

* Make sure the vehicle’s inspection/emissions 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 dry rot and tears; Inspect all hitch and coupler work for damage. Inspect the safety switch and pigtail for proper operation.

happy Camp,

frames

Copyright 2006 by Mark J. Polk owner of RV Education 101