Dewinterizing RV Tips to Get Ready for Spring Camping

It’s hard to say if the inconsistent snow season is behind us. But as we start to get a taste of warmer weather, you’re likely getting the “itch” for an early Spring RV trip! RV season is unpacking its bags and getting ready for the fresh air and warm weather of spring! That means it’s time to dewinterize your RV! Dewinterizing RVs can take some time, but if you follow our guide, you can make sure it’s done right!

If you followed our guide on winterizing your RV or travel trailer, we have a bunch of great tips on getting it ready for the road again!

Man and woman checking electronics in RV with checklist

1. Check for Damage Outside the RV

Between the cold weather, rain and snow, winter can be hard on an RV. Whether you keep your RV indoors or outdoors for the off-season, it’s important to do a quick look around the outside of obvious signs of damage. The first step of dewinterizing an RV is to give your RV a proper inspection.

Use this checklist as you visually inspect your RV exterior:

  • Do you see any signs of cracks or separation along the seams of the roof or body?
  • Do you see any peeling paint or rust, particularly in the wheel wells, doors, or windows?
  • Can you see any signs of leaking fluids?

If you notice any major issues on the outside, it may be necessary to consult a professional, particularly if it might affect the safety of operating your RV!

Tire Maintenance

During your exterior inspection, hopefully you took a close look at your tires. They are foundational to the safety and mobility of your RV, and deserve extra attention. You should take time to perform proper tire maintenance by inspecting each tire for signs of wear, such as cracks, bulges, or uneven tread wear. These can indicate that it’s time to replace your tires.

Even if your RV was stationary for an extended period, tires can lose pressure, which affects performance and fuel efficiency. Every RV owner should have a tire pressure gauge to check the pressure against the manufacturer’s recommended levels. If they’re not right, it’s time to inflate the tires to the appropriate pressure level.

Proper tire maintenance not only ensures your safety on the road but also extends the life of your tires, providing a smoother and more efficient ride. When it comes to RV dewinterizing, tire checks are critical!

2. Flush and Sanitize Your Water System Inside the RV

Flushing out your plumbing system is an important step to de-winterization. If you used RV antifreeze over the winter, it becomes doubly more important to properly clear and sanitize the plumbing before normal use.

You will need to fill your fresh water tank and turn on the pump. One by one, open each faucet in your RV and let them run for a minute or two (if you used antifreeze, make sure the color and odor of the antifreeze is gone before you stop.) Do this with any part connected to the plumbing, including running your toilet and shower.

Wondering how to sanitize your RV water system easily? Just find some ordinary, household bleach. Fill a container with 1 gallon of water and 1 cup of bleach. Pour this into your empty tank and run the faucets, keep running them until you notice the smell of bleach. Then let this sit for about one full day, then run clean water through the faucets until the bleach smell is gone!

3. Test Your Engine & Batteries

It’s easy to get surprised by problems with fluids or corrosion when you haven’t used your RV for months at a time. A quick diagnostic will help you get your RV ready for Spring.

As far as your engine goes, cold weather can do a number on your oil, so it’s generally a good idea to take this time to change your oil and oil filter. After the oil is taken care of, inspect everything else under the hood and rig as a last check for obvious damage or other issues like pesky critters. Now you can fire up the engine and do a last look to make sure all your signals and lights work.

4. Battery Care

When de-winterizing your RV, you have a great opportunity to give extra attention to the battery. Good battery maintenance is crucial for ensuring your vehicle is ready for travel. If you removed the battery during the winter storage period, the first step is to reinstall it securely.

After installation, check the battery’s charge level. A fully charged battery is essential for starting your RV and powering any electrical systems without a hookup. You can use a battery charger to recharge the battery if it’s not at full capacity. If the battery no longer holds a charge effectively, you’ll need to replace it. It’s better to find out now than when you’re getting ready to go on your next vacation!

5. Safety Device Checks

Ensuring the functionality of safety devices in your RV is a critical step in the de-winterization process. Start by testing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. These devices are your first line of defense against potential fires or gas leaks, making them indispensable for your safety. Replace the batteries if necessary to guarantee they are in working order.

After the smoke detectors, it’s time to inspect your fire extinguisher. Check that it is fully charged, accessible, and that you know how to use it. A fire in your RV is unlikely – but being prepared for it is key! Ensuring these safety devices are operational gives peace of mind and secures a safer living environment in your RV.

6. Interior Cleaning and Inspection

Your RV has been in storage for months! It’s practically a guarantee the interior of your RV will need a thorough cleaning and inspection. Begin by cleaning all surfaces, appliances, and floors. A deep clean not only improves the appearance and smell of your RV but also gives you the opportunity to inspect the interior closely for any damage or issues that may have arisen during the winter.

Pay special attention to areas where pests, such as rodents or insects, could have entered and nested. Check for droppings, damaged materials, or any entry points that need sealing. Removing any pests and repairing damage is crucial before setting out on your adventures to ensure a safe and comfortable environment inside your RV.

Once your RV is ready for the road, all that’s left is decide is where to go! We have some of our favorite vacation destinations for RV owners if you’re looking for ideas.

Download our handy checklist to de-winterize your RV!

Contact RV Wholesale Superstore

If you’re looking for a great RV, the professionals at RV Wholesale Superstore are ready to help. Visit us in-person at 5080 W. Alexis Road, in Sylvania, OH or call us at (844) 601-1171

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