With spring approaching, many RVers are preparing to hit the road. Before you go, there are necessary steps you should take to prepare for the season ahead. Here are some tips for de-winterizing your RV before your first trip of the season.
Checking your tires for cracks and wear is important to prevent an accident when on the road. If your tires are in good condition, check the tire pressure and inflate the tires to the proper air pressure for your rig.
Depending on how your RV was winterized, you may or may not need to recharge your batteries. If you removed the batteries for the winter, don’t forget to re-install them. If your batteries were kept on a charger over the winter, make sure the terminals are clean, and reinstall the batteries. If your batteries were not kept on a charger, properly connect the charging cables to the terminals and leave them to charge overnight.
When reinstalling your propane tanks, check the lines for damage before connecting them to the propane tanks. Once connected, turn on the gas and apply a soapy solution to the hose connector to check for leaks. If bubbles appear, you have a leak. If there are no leaks, test all gas appliances to make sure they are in good working condition.
Preparing the plumbing for use involves removing the antifreeze, sanitizing the system, and refilling the water tank. First drain all the antifreeze out of your water tank. Once it’s empty flush your entire system using potable water. Open all the faucets and showers until the water comes out clear. Make sure to install water filter cartridges prior to sanitizing the system.
To sanitize, use ¼ cup bleach for every 15 gallons of water your tank holds, and mix the bleach with water in a gallon container before putting it in the tank. Run the water/bleach mixture through all faucets and showers, and turn the faucets off once you smell bleach at each one. Leave the mixture inside for 8 hours, and then drain. Flush the system out with fresh water until you cannot smell bleach anymore, and fill the fresh water tank with water.
If your generator is not functioning properly, take it to a professional for service. Check the oil to ensure it is at the proper level, then turn on your generator to test it. Run the AC unit off the generator to ensure both are working properly.
If your generator is not functioning properly, take it to a professional for service. Check the oil to ensure it is at the proper level, then turn on your generator to test it. Run the AC unit off the generator to ensure both are working properly.
Finally, check all safety measures such as smoke and carbon monoxide detectors for proper operation. Install a MarCELL Multisensor to monitor power, temperature and humidity year round.
