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Get your RV spring-ready by following the RV de-winterizing tips and tricks inside. Read on for a full RV de-winterization guide.
Summer is here! That means it's time to take out your motorhome for a much-needed camping trip. But before you can hit the road, make sure your RV is ready for the trip ahead. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to de-winterize a camper making it camping-ready.
P-S Some RV de-winterizing tips and tricks for full-time RVers are also included at the end.
Step 1: Inspect, Maintain and Clean the RV Exterior
Start the RV de-winterizing process by making sure the RV exterior is fully maintained and squeaky clean.
Remove the RV cover and inspect the RV exterior. Look for any scratches on the hull, cracks in the body, discoloration, or damage to the body
Check the roof for cracks and leaks. Fill any cracks with sealant. Apply roof treatment if there are signs of aging
If you have solar panels installed on your RV, give them a good clean
Check the vent caps, stink pipe vent covers, and air conditioner shrouds for any bird or wasp nests
Open all doors and windows to see if they work properly. Oil all hinges including those on RV slides
Clean the RV awning and check if it is deploying correctly
Look for spider webs and rodent nests under the RV
Make sure all plumbing, electric, and water lines are damage-free
Thoroughly clean the RV exterior and roof. Wax the RV exterior once it is completely dry
Here is a video with some helpful tips for washing your RV.
Step 2: Charge the RV Batteries
The next step is to make sure your RV batteries are fully charged and good to go. RV batteries lose a percentage of their charge when they are left unoperated for a while. If you hadn't periodically checked and recharged the batteries during the off-season, chances are the batteries are not at their full capacity. To recharge your RV batteries:
Make sure the RV is not connected to any power
Use a voltmeter to check the current charge in your RV batteries. For a 12V battery, a full charge will read 12.7 V. Anything below that means you need to recharge the battery
Attach the battery charger to the RV charger while the battery charger is turned off
Turn the battery charger on and let it charge the battery completely before turning it off. This may take a few hours to a few days depending upon the size of your battery
After the battery is charged, check the water level in the battery. Add distilled water to reach the optimal level (if the water level in the battery is below the plates, fill it up before you begin charging the battery. The plates should always be covered in water)
Once the battery is fully charged, reinstall it to the RV by:
Spraying both terminal ends with hot water and baking soda solution (you can also use a commercial battery contact cleaning product) to keep them from corroding
Attaching and tightening the red (positive) battery cable
Attaching and tightening the black (negative) battery cable
Double-checking that all the cable connections are tightened
Here are 10 ways to extend your RV battery life.
Learn how to replace RV house batteries.
Step 3: Maintain RV Tires
Just like the RV battery, RV tires also lose their pressure when the RV is in storage. Generally, the tires will lose about 2 to 3 psi for every month they are in storage. To maintain RV tires:
Check all the tires, including the spare, for cracks along the treads and sidewall
Use an air inflation gauge to check the pressure in all the tires
Inflate the tires to the correct pressure according to manufacture guidelines
Make sure all lug nuts are tightened when reinstalling the tires
Wash and clean the tires to make sure they are ready to hit the road
The start of the season is also a good time to get new motorhome tires. If the tires on your RV are old and worn out this is a good time to replace them.
Here are some RV tire maintenance tips and tricks.
Learn some tips to make your RV tires last longer.
Step 4: Check RV Engine and Generator
Inspect the RV engine by:
Check all engine fluid levels
Check the fluid levels of the power steering, transmission, engine oil, brake fluid, engine coolant, and windshield washer fluid
If the levels are low, top them off
Start the engine and check the readings on all the gauges
Make sure that all dash lights, headlights, taillights and windshield wipers are working
Check the RV generator by:
Check the oil level in the generator
Check the exhaust system of the generator for any damage before you start it
Start the generator and run the AC to check if it is working correctly
If the generator surges or will not start, have it inspected and repaired
Here is a list of best RV generators based on RV size.
Learn how to wire your RV batteries.
Step 5: Dewinterize RV Holding Tanks
There are three stages of de-winterizing RV water system.
Stage 1: Removing Antifreeze from RV Plumbing System
Make sure all the faucets in your RV are closed
Use a water hose to connect your RV's water inlet with a fresh-water hookup
Turn the water on and listen closely for any leaks or drips in the lines
Starting from the farthest faucet from the water inlet, open the faucet and let the water flow through
The antifreeze you used would likely have a pink color so you will see pink-colored water flowing through the faucet
Let the water run until it becomes clear and then close the faucet
Repeat this process for every faucet, shower, and toilet, as well as the outside shower and low point drain in your RV
Once the water from all the outlets runs clear, close all faucets, fill your RV's freshwater tank, and remove the water hose connected to the hookup
Use the water in the freshwater tank flush each faucet again. Run the water pump and repeat flushing the faucets
Stage 2: Sanitizing the RV Freshwater System
Sanitize the RV freshwater system by cleaning it with bleach
Close all drains with drain plugs
Take a quarter-cup of household bleach for every 15 gallons of water in your freshwater tank
Pour the bleach into a 1-gallon container and fill it with water
Pour the mixture into your freshwater tank and fill it with water as well
Run the water pump and open all faucets in the RV
Keep the faucets open till you can smell the bleach. Once you do, close the faucets
Let the solution sit for up to twelve hours in the water tank and water lines
Drain all the water from the freshwater tank by opening up all the faucets
Re-fill the freshwater tank with clean water and run the faucets again
If you can still smell the bleach, repeat the process till you can't smell it anymore
Stage 3: Refilling the RV Water Heater
Turn the water heater bypass off
Install the drain plug or anode rod in the water heater drain
Turn on the water pump and start filling the water heater. Once it starts filling, open the “hot” tap on a faucet to allow air to escape
Do not turn the water heater if no water is in it
Make sure you check all the pipes in your RV plumbing system for leaks and cracks before you hit the road. Also check your water heater, black and grey water tanks, and water hoses.
Here is a quick rundown on how to clean your RV's water system.
Step 6: Inspect the RV Propane System
Turn off all propane appliances before you begin your inspection
Turn on the leak detector in your RV
Open the valve on your LP tank slowly and smell for leaks
Use a sponge to apply soapy water solution on the valve and regulator and watch closely for bubbling or spurting
Make sure all wires and hoses aren't damaged
If your RV has refillable propane tanks, take them to a dealer to get refilled. Make sure your propane tanks are properly certified
Turn on all LP appliances in your RV are debris-free before turning them on and running them on LP mode for a while
Refill all RV propane tanks before hitting the road
Learn how to connect an exterior propane tank to your RV.
Step 7: Check the RV Electrical System
Turn off the RV electrical system and check all the wires for damage
Turn all appliances in the RV to electric mode, turn on the RV electrical system and run all the appliances for a while
Check all the 120-volt appliances by running them on electric mode
Make sure all in-built electric elements like the indoor RV lights are working properly
Check to make sure all power outlets in the RV are receiving power
Get the Latchit RV Surge Protector to make sure your appliances remain safe from power surges.
Step 8: Deep-Clean the RV Interior
Once you have checked all the vital working elements of the RV, it is time to head inside and do some deep cleaning. We have an entire blog dedicated to spring cleaning your RV. Check it out here.
Step 9: Take Stock of all Safety Devices
Run a safety check on all the safety devices installed in your RV by:
Replace or reinstall the batteries in all safety devices including the carbon monoxide detector, smoke alarm, and LP gas leak detector
Test each device to make sure it is working properly
Look at the expiration date on your fire extinguisher and purchase a new one if needed
If you have a dry powder fire extinguisher, release any powder that may have settled during storage by shaking it and tapping it on the bottom
Make sure you know how to operate your fire extinguisher
Also, make sure to restock your first-aid box and road safety gear before hitting the road. Here are 7 best emergency kits for RV camping.
Step 10: Update RV's Insurance and Registration
The last step in de-winterizing your RV is to make sure all your paperwork is in order.
Make sure your RV registration, RV insurance, and emissions sticker is up to date
Store your RV documentation in an accessible place in your RV
If you have a large motorhome or towable RV make sure you have the required permissions before you hit the road
Make sure your driver's license is up to date
RV Dewinterization for Full-Time RVers
If you're living in your RV full-time, de-winterizing your RV will look slightly different for you.
Remove all RV insulation you installed to keep your RV warm in the winter like RV skirting
Pack and store winter essentials like space heaters, warm clothes, and blankets
Take your RV in for some routine servicing
Declutter and re-think your RV organization
Deep clean your RV interior and exterior
Here is a of how to dewinterize your RV.
A Clean RV is a Happy RV!
Now that your RV is fully de-winterized, it is time to plan the perfect trip for the seasons. Take a look at all these amazing places you can head to this season. Head over here for more RV trip planning resources. Happy Camping!
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