TIPS for the Start of Camping Season:
If you’re in the northern/colder climates, no doubt you’ve winterized your RV in preparation for winter. It’s been several months since you stored it, and it can be difficult to recall everything to check before your next camping adventure! Here are a few tips to get you started:
1. Use a checklist. It is a good idea to create a checklist so that nothing is overlooked. Checklists will keep you on track and save you time in the long run. Use a checklist when its time to winterize in the Fall and use the same list to de-winterize in the spring.
2. Check your power cord. Since it is the beginning of the Camping/RV season, this is the best time to do it. Check the cord for continuity from the end to where it goes into your coach. If there are any problems, have it repaired or replaced.
3. Check your propane system. This can be a huge safety concern as we rely on our propane system for our hot water, RV fridge operation, furnace and cooking needs. Propane lines can become dry and cracked. Some RV’s cover many miles on the road and that constant earthquake can loosen connections. Its a good idea to have your propane pressure tested each time you open the propane system. This includes each time you refill your propane cylinders.
4. Check your tires. Tire condition can change over time, especially with fluctuating temperatures. It’s wise to keep an eye on the condition of your tires throughout the year. Proper PSI should be gauged whenever it is taken on the road. Check for cracking and tire separation. Replace any tires not in road-worthy condition. I strongly advise using a TPMS (Tire Pressure Monitoring System), as well.
5. De-winterize. Hopefully you followed a checklist to winterize your rig last fall. Simply reverse the process and thoroughly flush the water system. NOTE: NEVER winterize your RV with ethylene glycol anti-freeze! This is toxic and can NEVER be flushed out of your RV system. It leaches into your RV plumbing and would require ALL of your RV plumbing to be replaced.
6. Give your RV a thorough wash and cleaning inside and out. Being in storage can give it that “closed up smell”. Also, you and your family will enjoy it more knowing it has been thoroughly cleaned.
7. Check all your interior and exterior system such as lights, appliances, faucets, electronics, hot water, showers, slide outs, awnings, window operations, thermostats, etc. Check everything you can get your hands on. If you prepare well in advance, it will save you possible headaches during those enjoyable times with family and friends while you enjoy the summer.
8. Have your A/C units serviced. Insure that your system is in good working order, especially for those busy holiday weekends when you want to keep the “Happy” in “Happy Camper!” This should be part of your annual RV maintainance. This is also a great time to do a roof inspection!
We hope this has been helpful to get you started in preparing for a great camping season! Let us know if we can be of help to you!