Get Ready for Spring Checklist

A get-ready-for-spring RVing checklist to hit the road with peace of mind

Whether you have stored your RV away for the winter or even if you are a full-timer and use your RV year round, there is nothing like a good spring “get-ready” list to start the warm weather camping season off right! Here are the steps I do when prepping for the new season:

I start by washing the exterior, awning, and roof – remember to allow the awning to dry completely before retracting.
Once it’s clean, I check all of the sealant on my roof, windows, cargo doors and inspect all over for possible water intrusion.
Now it’s time for de-winterizing and sanitizing the entire water system including my freshwater holding tank – and this is the time I also check for plumbing leaks.
Next, I send some water and tank treatment into the black and gray tanks and assess if it’s time for new sewer accessories.
I also sanitize the water heater, replace the anode rod with a new one, fill it with water and check for proper operation, once I have the propane system back in order.
For the propane system, I suggest getting a professional leak drop test performed or at the very least, swab all propane connections with some dish soap and do your own bubble test. And, if they are not already full, I will take the propane tanks to the dispenser for topping off.
I will check my tire pressure, and the tread, plus sidewall condition on all tires including the spare.
If you have a motorized, consider having the engine serviced and all fluids checked.
Towables can inspect their hitch assembly components.
Now, I can connect my 7-pin to confirm the DOT lights, turn signals, and brake lights on the exterior and check my breakaway switch and electric wheel brakes for proper operation.
Time for some electrical: I take a look at my coach battery condition for signs of corrosion, top off the water fill wells on my lead acid batteries with distilled water, and then continue to charge if needed.
Extend and retract slide rooms and don’t forget to lube the seals.
Safety essentials are my favorite items to bring peace of mind, so I test my emergency exit windows, all of the detectors and make sure my fire extinguisher is charged.
This is a great time to get that air conditioner serviced, clean the furnace return area and check the fridge for proper operation.
And finally, I will scrub down the interior.
If this sounds overwhelming, hire a Certified mobile technician or inspector to knock out over half of this list!