Checklist – How to prep your RV for Spring

Spring is here and it’s time to prepare for a new season of adventure. Follow this checklist to get your RV shined up, cleaned out, and in perfect working order.

• Perform a visual inspection. Open every door and compartment and check for water damage, wear and tear, and any sign of rodents.
• Reconnect your batteries and test the electrical system. Reinstall any dry cell batteries you took out for winter storage and inspect the battery system.
• Review safety measures. Test the carbon monoxide detector, the LP gas leak detector and the smoke detector, and check the fire extinguisher is fully charged.
• Air out your awning. Deploy it and clean it thoroughly — dirt, tree sap and stains, before mould gets a chance.
• Give the exterior a good scrub. RV washing brushes on a telescopic pole, with proper RV cleaning products.
• Raise the radio/TV antenna.
• Check the seals. Seams, windows and vents for cracks or water damage. Reseal where you need to, and use a rubber seal conditioner to extend the life of the rubber.
• Lubricate the hinges, locks and slide rails with the right lubricant and protector.
• Test the hydraulic jacks and check the hydraulic fluid level.
• Ward off critters. Mothballs near the gas burner assembly of the refrigerator stop spiders nesting, and dryer sheets under the mattresses and cushions deter mice.
• Inspect the tires for wear or cracks, and inflate to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure.
• Check, inspect and test the appliances — furnace, refrigerator and air conditioner.
• Freshen the drinking water tank with a tank freshener, then flush the system through to get rid of the stale taste.
• Treat the black and grey water tanks with drop-in treatments to keep the odours down and the sensors working.
• Refresh the mattress and bedding.

Ready to make this your best RV season yet? Safe travels!