Dewinterizing your RV or Camper
Posted: Thursday, March 13, 2008
by Julie Miklaszewicz
RVing Outpost, LLC
Dewinterizing your RV involves more than just the fresh water system. When you bring your rig out of hibernation is the best time to do some routine maintenance!
Following are some tips that will help get you started:
- Climb onto the roof (carefully!) to inspect the seams, seals and vents for cracks, splits or other damages and to remove any debris. Replace anything that's broken (i.e., vents)
- You know you want to, so go ahead and give your rig a thorough wash (and wax if you're so inclined). Be sure to wash the roof (be careful up there!) to help control those pesky black streaks and don't forget to treat the tires.
- Open windows and doors to get some fresh air inside and eliminate any stale, musty air and disperse any condensation. Leave the cabinets and closets open to let the fresh air get in there too. Inspect the ceiling for any leaks that may have occurred over the winter.
- Inspect propane tanks for cracks and rust.
- Check hoses and gaskets for cracks and leaks, especially for anything related to propane.
- Refill the LP tanks, if necessary. Turn the LP on at the main valve and check for leaks with an approved liquid LP leak detector. Turn on all your LP appliances to ensure they are working properly. (Make sure you've filled the hot water heater with fresh water before turning it on!)
- Recharge the battery(ies)
- Replace the batteries in all smoke detectors, LP detectors and Carbon Monoxide detectors. Test each detector to make sure they're working properly.
- Turn on the air conditioner to make sure it's working properly. If you didn't clean the filters last fall, go ahead and do that now.
- Check all tires and inflate to manufacturer specifications.
- If you have a generator, perform the manufacturer's recommended service, including oil and filter changes. Start up the generator and let it run for at least two hours at a minimum of 50% capacity, or for as long as the owner's manual recommends.
- Check the wheel bearings and brakes. Replace any worn out brake parts and repack the bearings with fresh grease. Connect the umbilical cord to the tow vehicle and check all wiring and braking functions.
- If you have a motorhome, be sure to perform all the manufacturer's recommended service. Be sure to check the following:
- Engine oil and filter
- Check all fluids and top off as needed
- Check air and fuel filters; replace as needed
- Check all belts and replace as needed
- Check air pressure in tires and inflate to manufacturer specifications. Inspect tires for tread or sidewall damage
- Engine oil and filter
- Check lights, horn and other dash accessories to ensure all are in proper working order.
- Check your manuals for any other regular maintenance recommended by the manufacturer.
Julie Miklaszewicz is an avid RVer, having visited 48 states by the time she was 16 years old. She has yet to fly anywhere and prefers traveling with her truck and fifth wheel with her husband and three children, enjoying the beauty of the U.S.A. from the ground. While camping and at home, she prefers to cook in her cast iron Dutch ovens and numerous other cast iron cookware. She and her husband, Greg, are the owners of the RVing Outpost, located in Abbotsford, WI.
This Article has been viewed 1,431 times. (Not updated in real-time.)
No comments yet.We want your comments! If you can read this, you don't have javascript enabled, so you can't use this comment system. Please enable javascript.