5 Steps To Get Your RV Ready For Summer Fun

Posted on: 20 March 2018

Preparing your RV for summer fun after winter storage is one of the best ways to ensure that you enjoy your time outdoors. Set aside some time when the weather is nice before your first big outing. Here's what you'll want to do.

Inspect for Damage

If you stored your RV in a protected storage facility, chances of external damage are slim. But if there was harsh weather, you may still find cracks in the tires or exterior of the vehicle itself. The tires also likely need some air according to the manufacturer's recommendations. Unroll the awnings to clean them, check for damage, and make sure they open and close easily. 

Check the Battery

Disconnect all shore power and turn the RV's main power switch off. Now you're ready to check the battery. Clean the terminals and trays with water and baking soda. If your battery has been through more than one season, you may want to have it tested to be sure it's up the task of lasting all summer. 

Fill the Propane

Once again, make sure all your appliances are turned off. Turn on the leak detector inside the RV and extinguish any nearby flames. Open the valves on the propane tank and smell for any leaks. Inspect the valves and regulators and remove any debris from them. Light interior appliances, such as the stove burners, one at a time to test the propane system.

Turn on the Water

Inspect all visible water lines and then connect to a local water supply to start filling the tank. While working from the city water lines, you may want to run an inside faucet to allow air to escape from the system. This is also a good time to inspect the hot water heater pressure valve and drain plug for leaks. Once you're confident in the system, begin filling the RV tank. If you used antifreeze in the water system during the winter, you may need to flush it out several times to completely rid the antifreeze.

Start the Generator

Finally, prime the generator and turn it on for testing. Depending on your system, you may need to either crank the generator or allow it to prime by running the pump for about half a minute. Check and replace the oil if needed, then test internal appliances that run on the generator's power. 

Follow these few steps and you'll find it easier and quicker to roll out your RV for new summer adventures. To learn more about RV preparation or storage, visit a business such as Drydock Depot RV Boat Storage

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