If you winterized your RV for the cold season, you are probably ready for a camping trip. Since the RV hasn’t been used for months, there are a few things you need to do to de-winterize your RV. Complete these steps before you get your RV out on the open road.
Wash the Exterior
Whether your RV has been parked outside or in a garage, it will have gathered dirt, dust, dead bugs, and even mildew over the winter. Clean the entire exterior using a mild car wash soap. If there is an awning, clean that too. While you are cleaning, inspect the exterior for damage, especially around seams.
Check the Batteries to De-Winterize Your RV
You can expect your RV batteries to lose 10% of their charge for each month in storage. Check your batteries before using your RV, but protect yourself while you are doing this. Wear protective gear like gloves and safety goggles. Turn off the RV’s power and make sure that shore power is disconnected. Check the batteries for damage and replace them if they are damaged or corroded. Charge the batteries and add water to lead-acid batteries (if the levels are low) after they are charged.
Put Air in the Tires
Tires are likely to lose pressure after months in storage. Check your RV tires’ psi and refill them to the correct level.
Deep Clean the Inside to De-Winterize Your RV
Spiderwebs, dust, and debris will build up in your RV over the winter. Give the inside a deep cleaning and look for signs of pests, like droppings and chewed materials.
Check the Water System
Check the RV’s plumbing system for leaks by putting the bypass valve into normal position and running the hot and cold water. Inspect all pipes and faucets. If you used antifreeze in the tank, flush it out. Clean the system by adding bleach to the fresh water tank, let it sit, drain it, and flush the system until the water does not smell like bleach.
De-Winterize Your RV by Testing the Propane System
Take precautions by turning off all LP devices and turning on the propane leak detector in your RV before you start this process. Open the tank’s valve and rub a soapy water solution on the regulator and valve to detect leaks. Look for signs of damage and leaks on the hoses. After determining that there are no leaks, test all your propane-powered appliances and make sure that they are operating normally.
Check the Dump Hoses and Waste Tank Valves
Inspect your sewage dump hose’s condition. You don’t want to discover a leak when you are dumping sewage. Connect to a dump station, just in case the tank isn’t empty, and check the waste tank valves. Move the handle of the valve seal carefully to make sure it works. Apply valve lubrication if it is sticking.
Before going on any camping trips, follow these steps to de-winterize your RV. You will be confident that the RV is in good shape and that all the systems are working well.
N.E. RV Inspections provides RV services to Florida. Contact us to book your RV inspection.