With the cool of winter steadily behind us, it’s time to start planning for spring time RV travel again. If your RV has been in storage for the last several months, no doubt you are excited to uncover it and hit the road!
Before you take off too soon, though, there are a 5 preparations you need to make to ensure your RV is ready to travel again:
- Inspect the exterior
- Check the battery
- De-winterize water tanks and plumbing
- Check the tires
- Stock up on essentials
Inspect The Exterior For Damage
Looking for damage after taking your RV out of storage might seem counterintuitive. It’s been protected for the last few months, right? But even in storage, RVs can incur damage you might not expect. Rodent infestations, water damage, and tire damage can all sneak up on RV owners after a long winter apart from their rig.
Start by inspecting your RV’s exterior, including the roof, windows, doors, and slide-out seals. Look for signs of damage, wear and tear, and moisture. If water or moisture was trapped against your RV over the winter, you could potentially have water damage to deal with. Make sure to repair any damage and replace any worn out seals or components to protect from future damage.
Check The Battery
If your RV was in storage over the winter, and you didn’t regularly start your RV, the battery may have drained. Charge the battery and check its condition, but be careful to not overcharge the battery. An overcharged battery can boil off its electrolyte fluid, causing the lead plates not to be able to store electricity or charge. If the battery is more than a few years old, it may need to be replaced.
De-winterize Water Tanks And Plumbing
If you prepared your RV’s plumbing system for winter, you’ll need to de-winterize the water tanks before hitting the road. This involves flushing the plumbing system, filling the fresh water tank, and checking all faucets and valves for leaks. Any sign of leaks occurring in these areas can lead to extensive water damage if the issue isn’t dealt with, so inspect them thoroughly to be certain.
