11 Steps to a Season Ready RV
11 Steps to a Season Ready RV
1. Check exterior for leaks in seals: Check your roof and all caulking around the windows, vents, air conditioners, and doors for cracks or missing caulk.
2. Go over tires: Inspect your tires for sidewall or tread cracks. Don’t forget to also check your tire pressure. The owner's manual from the manufacturer will contain the information on the recommended tire pressure. There should also be a decal located inside of a cabinet in your RV with this information.
3. Ensure working appliances: Inspect all appliances for any foreign debris such as nests, insects, etc., and do a thorough cleaning with household cleaners.
4. Inspect and test batteries: Inspect your batteries before each season and have them tested, keeping in mind to adhere to proper safety precautions. This includes wearing safety protection such as safety glasses and protective gloves. Disconnect shore power and ensure all appliances are turned off prior to inspection. If required, clean corroded terminals, battery trays, and connections carefully with hot water and baking soda.
5. Liquid Propane (LP): When checking the LP, make sure the leak detector is turned ON and any LP appliances are turned off. Smell around for any leaks. If you detect a leak, have a professional inspect and repair it for you.
6. Test your water pipes and lines: Before filling your RV water, ensure the hot water heater bypass valve is in the “normal” position and all faucets are closed. Turn on hot and cold faucets while filling. (It is best to use "city water" during this step to flush all of the RV anti-freeze from the lines). This lets the air to escape the lines. Next, inspect for leaks around the pipes and faucets. Turn off faucets and disconnect city water. Now you are ready to fill the tanks with fresh water. Reopen the hot and cold faucets until the water flow stop and then close the faucets again. Run the fresh water pump and wait about 30 minutes, listening for the pump to cycle on again. If it does there could be a potential leak. If the pump does not cycle on then the water tanks system should be ready to use.
7. Testing appliances: With your LP gas leak detector on, light a stove top burner filling the LP lines. Light another LP item such as your fridge. Make sure your water heater is full before lighting it.
8. Checking the generator: Your generator needs to be started and certain functions should be checked. If you do not have a prime feature, you will have to crank it until it starts. After approx. 15 seconds of cranking, let the starter rest and cool. Repeat the cycle until it runs. Don't forget to also check the oil level and air filter.
9. Review the dump hoses: Inspect sewer hoses for tears or holes.
10. Go over the water tank valves: Make sure your tank is empty and inspect the valve seal. Work the handle in and out to make sure it is opening and closing correctly.
11. Roll out the awnings and slides: Roll out and inspect awnings and fabric. Lastly, check the slides to make sure they are in good working order and the tracks are properly lubricated.
Always remember, when in doubt, please call a professional!
Our amazing Parts & Service Department is here to help you with any of your RV repair or maintenance needs.
Call 250-287-9514 to setup an appointment today!
BILL HOWICH RV & MARINE
1-877-289-9514 or 250-287-9514
1632 Coulter Road
Campbell River, BC V9W 7M1