RV Spring Startup Checklist & Guide- 2025 Edition

Spring is a highly anticipated time for RV enthusiasts! After a long winter break, getting your RV ready for the upcoming season requires thorough inspection and maintenance. This comprehensive checklist will guide you through all the essential tasks to ensure a safe and trouble-free RVing season.

Exterior Preparation

Protective Covers & Initial Inspection

• Remove all protective covers from your RV and any specialized equipment covers
  • Use WD-40 or Goo Gone to remove any adhesive residue from duct tape or covers
• Inspect the roof and exterior body for signs of damage
  • Look for deteriorated seals around doors, windows, and roof components
  • Check for stains on the interior ceiling, as they indicate leaks
  • Use proper sealants for any needed repairs (remember to remove old sealant first)
• Examine your awning for damage, mildew, and insects
  • Roll it out completely and clean with recommended awning cleaners
  • Check pull straps and mechanical components for wear and replace if necessary

Tires & Mechanical Components

• Remove tire covers and thoroughly inspect all tires for:
  • Tread depth (replace if 1/16 inch or less)
  • Sidewall cracking, cuts, or flaking
  • Inflate to proper pressure using an accurate air compressor
• For towable RVs:
  • Inspect hitch systems for wear, loose bolts, and cracks
  • Repack wheel bearings with fresh grease
  • Tighten lug nuts to manufacturer's specifications
• For motorhomes:
  • Change engine oil and filter
  • Replace spark plugs if needed
  • Service fuel system (injection or carburetor)
  • Replace air filters
  • Top off brake fluid and power steering fluid
  • Change transmission fluid and filter
  • Flush and replace old coolant
  • Inspect all hoses and belts for cracks; replace as needed
  • Replace fuel filter and check for leaks in fuel lines and fittings

Exterior Cleaning

• Clean the exterior with specialized RV cleaners
• Use specialized wheel cleaners that provide UV protection
• Lubricate hinges, locks, slide mechanisms, and other moving parts

Interior Preparation

Air Quality & Ventilation

• Open all windows and roof vents to air out the interior
• Check operation of all ventilation fans
• Clean or replace air conditioner filters
• Check for proper operation of air conditioning system

Appliance Inspection

• Air Conditioner
  • Remove protective cover and replace if necessary.
  • Remove AC shroud to check blower fan, motor, and cooling coils
  • Clean and vacuum condenser coil
  • Clean the cooling fins
  • Clean discharge air openings and ceiling grills
• Furnace
  • Remove cover and check for lint accumulation or insect nests
  • Check thermostats for proper operation
  • Inspect furnace operation after checking all LP connectors
• Refrigerator
  • Open exterior refrigerator vent and remove any debris, nesting material, rodent bait, or mothballs
  • Clean the gas burner assembly
  • Follow manufacturer's manual for proper startup procedure
• Other Appliances
  • Test microwave, cooktop, and oven for proper operation
  • Verify function of any entertainment systems

Electrical Systems

• Turn on and check all interior and exterior lights, replacing bulbs as needed
• Reinstall batteries in smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and clocks
• Service your RV batteries:
  • Clean cables and terminals with a wire brush
  • Apply anti-corrosive product, then grease and reconnect
  • Fill battery cells with distilled water if needed
  • Consider using a BatteryMinder to maintain optimal battery condition

Interior Cleaning

• Vacuum all floors and carpets with a Dirt Devil Central Vacuum System
• Clean surfaces with appropriate cleaners for:
  • Laminate/wood surfaces
  • Upholstery
  • Bathroom fixtures
  • Kitchen appliances and countertops

Plumbing Systems

Freshwater System Preparation

• Close the pressure relief valve on hot water heater
• Remove any debris or mothballs from gas burner assembly area
• Close all drain valves and faucets (including shower head)
• Flush out any RV antifreeze by running water through the entire system
• Reinstall drain plug and replace anode rod if equipped
• Sanitize freshwater system:
  • 1. Fill tank halfway with fresh water
    2. Mix 1/4 cup household bleach per 15 gallons of tank capacity with water
    3. Pour solution into water tank and top off with fresh water
    4. Drive briefly to mix solution
    5. Run water through all faucets (including hot water) until you smell bleach
    6. Let solution stand for several hours
    7. Drain the entire system including hot water tank
    8. If there's a bleach odor, mix 1/2 cup baking soda with water and flush through system

Waste Water System

• Check operation of all waste valves
• Inspect for leaks in drain lines
• Consider using tank treatments to prevent odors

LP Gas System

• Open main LP system and check for leaks
  • Use a commercial leak detector or solution around each connection
  • Replace any leaking connectors immediately
• Check operation of LP-powered appliances
• Verify function of LP gas detectors/alarms

Safety Equipment

• Check and refill first aid kit
• Update emergency kit with:
  • Reflective triangles and/or safety cones
  • Wheel chocks
  • Flashlights with fresh batteries
  • Basic hand tools
  • Portable gas can
  • Fire extinguisher (check charge indicator)

Modern RV Technology

• Test WiFi boosters and connectivity systems
• Check solar panel connections and clean panels if equipped
• Update any RV-specific apps or smart systems
• Test backup cameras and parking sensors
• Verify operation of power management systems
• Update GPS and navigation systems

Final Preparations

• Stock up on necessary supplies:
  • Cooking essentials
  • Cleaning supplies
  • Entertainment (games, books, streaming media)
• Check all reservations and plan your route
• Verify your RV insurance is current
• Join or renew RV roadside assistance program
• Perform a short test drive before your first trip

Pre-Departure Checklist

• Secure all loose items inside the RV
• Verify all doors, windows, and compartments are locked
• Check all lights (brake, turn, running) with a helper
• Ensure proper hitching (if towing)
• Remove wheel chocks
• Retract steps and awnings
• Check tire pressure once more