RV Spring Startup

If your like many of us here at RVupgrades.com, spring is a much anticipated time of the year. Just the thought of getting back in the RV after a winter break is enough to make the final months of rotten weather just a tad bit more bearable.  But so many times in our excitement we tend to forget to cover all of the important aspects of getting the RV ready for the new season.  So we have worked on a RV Spring Startup list with links to products which will help you have a safe and trouble free RV'ing season.

•  Start by removing all protective covers.
  • Adhesive residue from duct tape can be removed withWD-40 or Goo Gone.
• Air out the interior by opening all the windows and roof vents.
• Turn on all of the lights and replace bulbs if necessary.
• Remove any pest control items from interior and exterior compartments including hot water heater, refrigerator gas assembly, and stove top, and oven.
• Check operation of all appliances.
  • Air Conditioner
    • Remove protective cover, replace if necessary.
    • Remove air shroud and check blower fan, motor, and cooling coils.
    • Wash and vacuum the condenser coil.
    • Clean or replace air filters.
    • Clean any dust or debris from discharge air opening and ceiling grill.
    • Clean the cooling fins.
  • Furnace
    • Remove cover
    • Check for lint accumulation and insect nests.
    • Connect to shore power and turn on the thermostats to check for proper operation.
    • Check furnace for proper operation, after you check all the LP connectors.
  • Refrigerator
    • From outside open the refrigerator vent. Look up and around for any nesting, rodent bait, mothballs and remove debris. 
    • Remember to remove debris from the gas burner assembly.
    • See your refrigerator manual for proper start up.
• Reinstall batteries in clocks, smoke detectors, etc.
• Wash interior with proper cleaners for different surfaces.  Vacuum the floors, easiest done with your Dirt Devil Central Vacuum System.
• Inspect roof and exterior body for signs of damage.
  • Look for deterioration of seals around doors, roof vents and windows.  Reseal if necessary.
  • Do not walk on the roof without proper support for weight distribution.
  • Remember you must remove old sealant before applying new sealant.
  • Look inside for stains on the ceiling, sign of a leak.
• Lubricate hinges, locks, slides, and other moving parts.
• If you have an awning roll it completely out. Check for damage, mildew, and insects. 
  • Use awning cleaners to clean and protect from further damage.
  •  Check pull straps for wear and tear and replace if necessary.
• Inspect the headlights, including high and low beams, the taillights, brake lights, and turn signals.
• If you have a tow able RV, be sure to examine the hitch systems for wear, loose bolts and cracks.
• If you have a motorhome it is recommended you change the engine oil and filter twice a year, prior to storage and in the spring.
  •  During storage, the oil can separate, causing condensation buildup that may harm your engine.
  • While you are changing your oil, check & replace spark plugs if needed.
• You should also check and clean carburetor or service fuel injection system, replace air filter, top off the brake and power steering fluids and change transmission fluid and filter.
•  Flush and replace old antifreeze with proper coolant.   Check for cracks in all hoses and fan belts, replace if necessary.  Replace fuel filter and examine fuel lines and fittings for cracks and leaks.
• You should always keep your RV batteries charged and conditioned with one of the many BatteryMinder available.  Clean the cables and terminals with wire brush and anti corrosive product, then grease and reconnect.
  • Depending on your battery, you may have to fill the cells with distilled water.
• Water System
  • Close the pressure relief valve on hot water heater. Remove any debris and or mothballs from the area of the gas burner assembly.
  • Close drain valves and faucets including shower head.
  • Flush RV antifreeze by running water through entire system.
  • Reinstall drain plug which was removed in the winterizing process, replace anode rod if your tank is so equiped.
  • Add a few ounces of baking soda to the tank.  Drive around the block to mix solution. Drain and refill.
  • For water that has a bad taste or strange odor, we highly recommend the Aquasaver if you have access to your tank, if not, perform the following steps to kill bacteria:
    • Fill the fresh water tank half way with fresh water.
    • In a container mix 1/4 cup of household bleach for every 15 gallons of tank capacity with another gallon or two of fresh water.  Pour the solution into the water tank.
    • If needed, top off the water tank with fresh water.  Drive around the block once or twice to mix solution.
    • Pump water through each faucet so all the lines are filled with the water-bleach solution from the RV water tank.  About a quart of water running out of each faucet is adequate.
    • To purge old water out of the hot water heater perform the following steps.  About 6 to 10 gallons of water is held in the hot water heater so run hot water out the faucets until this much solution has passed .  Now the hot water heater should be filled with the water-bleach solution from the RV water tank.
    • Let the water-bleach solution stand for several hours.
    • Drain the entire RV water system including the hot water tank.
    • If there is a bleach odor to the water then mix half cup of baking soda with a gallon of water and pour it in the fresh water tank.
    • Fill the tank completely with fresh water and run this solution through the water lines and hot water heater.  The baking soda solution can sit in the system for a few days.  Drive the rig around the block to slosh the water around and clean the tank.
• Open main LP system and check it for leaks.  Test this by using a commercial leak detector and or solution around each gas line connection.
  • For leak problems replace leaking connectors.
• Remove tire covers and inspect tires for wear and deterioration.
  • If tread is 1/16 inch or less and if side wall is cracked, cut, or flaking replace them.
• Inflate tires to proper pressure using air compressor for accuracy.
• Repack trailer wheel bearings with grease and tighten lug nuts to manufacture's specifications.
• Clean exterior of your RV with specially formulated cleaners designed for RV exteriors and use specialized wheel cleaners to protect them from harmful UV rays.
• Check and refill your first aid and emergency kits.
  • An emergency kit should include: a gas can, reflective triangles and/or safety cones, wheel chocks, flashlight, and basic hand tools.
• Stock up with necessities for cooking, cleaning, and entertaining.  Review kitchen equipment and inventory of favorite games, books, cards, puzzles, CDs, DVDs or videos.
• Hit the road!