How to De-winterize an RV

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As the weather gets warmer and the days get longer, it's time to start thinking about de-winterizing your RV. This process is important to ensure that your camper is ready for use after being stored away during the winter months. Here are some tips on how to de-winterize a travel trailer, so you can hit the open road as soon as spring arrives!

Check the tires - make sure they are inflated to the proper pressure and that there are no cracks or leaks

The tires on your RV camper are essential - after all, they are the only thing that connects you to the ground. Before hitting the road, it's important to check the tires to ensure they are inflated to the right pressure and that there are no visible cracks or leaks. After ensuring your tires are in good condition, you can be sure of a safe and enjoyable journey with your travel trailer!

*Pro Tip Must Haves: We recommend having a pressure gauge and a tire patch kit before striking out this season!

Inspect the roof - look for any cracked sealant or damage

Inspecting the roof of your travel trailer is a vital first step when it comes to de-winterizing. Look for any cracked sealant or roof damage, which can lead to roof leaks and further deterioration if left unchecked. If you're noticing signs of roof damage, then you can use EPDM rubber roofing to paint a new coat over the roof of your RV camper. Flex seal is another great material to have on hand, we usually keep a roll of the tape version handy! This will help ensure that your roof is strong and secure before you hit the open road this spring!

Clean out the gutters - remove any leaves, dirt, or debris that may have accumulated over winter

With spring finally here, be sure to check your RV camper's gutters for any dirt or debris that has accumulated in them during the winter months. It's important to remove these leaves, dirt, and debris as they can impede water flow and cause standing water that could damage your roof, walls, and windows. Oftentimes clogs are caused by tree branches breaking off during storms - take some time to inspect the gutter system and clear away any foreign objects you may find. With a clean system comes peace of mind, knowing that you're all set for safe travels!

Flush the water system - run all the faucets and showers until the water runs clear

Looking to remove the antifreeze from your RV camper's water system and get it ready to use this spring? A great way to start is by flushing out any residual anti-freeze and diving right into it by running all the faucets, showers, and toilets in your travel trailer until the water runs clear. This is an effective way to remove any built-up winterizing agents that had been added to help keep the lines from freezing over but can cause more issues if left untreated. You can sanitize your RV water system- since we live full-time in our RV this is something we perform more often than winterizing! This is a great time to check your Anode rod to decide if it needs to be replaced- What the heck is an anode rod?! After you've flushed out all the lines in your RV camper's water system, you'll be ready for further de-winterizing steps!

Test all the appliances - turn on the furnace, stove, oven, fridge, and microwave to make sure they are working properly

Take the time to test all appliances: turn on the furnace, stove, oven, fridge, and microwave to ensure they are working properly. This is a great time to check your fire alarm and carbon dioxide sensors! Ensure that you have a few necessary batteries for anything that might come up during the year. Checking everything over will both make your ride smoother and give you peace of mind - after all, a well-functioning camper is essential for a great adventure. So don't skip this step as you de-winterize your RV: test those appliances!

Take stock of your supplies - check to see if you need to restock on propane, and tools needed while on the road

Before gearing up to hit the road, you'll want to make sure you've got all the supplies you need. Take note of how much propane your RV needs and make sure there's enough in the tanks. Since taking a trailer on a road trip can mean dealing with lots of small repairs (like replacing a fuse or freeing a sticky hitch), don’t forget to gather up all those minor tools too - from screwdrivers to spare parts and cable ties – now is the time to make sure everything is accounted for so that when you get down the road, you won't have any surprises. Following these simple steps will help ensure that you're ready for your next adventure!

With spring just around the corner, now is the time to de-winterize your RV camper and check all its components. Taking this preventive care can help you avoid any unwelcome surprises while out on the road or at the campsite. From inspecting your tires to cleaning out the gutters, testing appliances, and taking a count of supplies, taking these steps will make a huge difference in ensuring you get back up and running. Don't forget to download our free Ultimate RV Toolkit which has everything you need to keep your RV in tip-top shape year-round! Keeping your camper cared for is always worth it when you can enjoy its comforts while adventuring with family and friends. So go ahead and get started today on giving your camper some TLC and we’ll see you on the road!