De-Winterize Your RV
by Chris Hemer
Sure, the trees may still be naked and the sky may still be gray in your area -- but the promise of warmer weather is just around the corner. Here's how to get your RV ready for the summer season.
If you live in an area where it routinely freezes, then the odds are good that you winterized your RV. A good first step in getting back on the road is to thoroughly flush the freshwater system, then sanitize it. Even if you have drained the system thoroughly, there is almost always some water left in the system, and this can develop algae and other nasty little critters that can make your water smell and/or taste bad.
"And don't forget the water heater," advises Sandy Lizotte, manager of Bill's RV Service in Ventura, California. "People call me all the time and tell me their hot water smells like rotten eggs. That's because they didn't drain it, and the water sat stagnant for months."
So, if you forgot to drain the water heater (not uncommon in warmer climes), make sure you do it now, and sanitize it as well. Camco and Thetford offer purification kits, or you can use household bleach and baking soda to sanitize the system.
If you didn't winterize your coach, and it was subjected to freezing temperatures, the folks at Auburn RV in Auburn, Washington, highy advise you to check the entire plumbing system thoroughly.
"There can be broken pipes, faucets and toilet valves," says Don Mann, RVIA-certified technician and service manager for Auburn RV.
"Not to mention problems in areas that people often don't think about, like the outside shower, water pump and water filter."
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
You switched the battery disconnect to the OFF position and/or disconnected the house batteries, right? If not, you could be facing dead batteries.
"A lot of people don't realize there is a continual draw on the batteries from items like the carbon monoxide and LP-gas sensors," says Lizotte. "These can drain the batteries within weeks, even days."
Even if you did disconnect the batteries, it's a good idea to check their water level (if applicable) and use a voltage tester to make sure the batteries are up to snuff.
"Even if the trailer was left plugged in while it was in storage, you could have lost water in the batteries," Mann advises. "Once the water level gets below the plates, the battery is no good. It will still work, but it won't hold a charge."
If in doubt, load test your batteries. If you don't have a voltage meter, you can take the house batteries to an RV dealer or even an autoparts store to have them tested. Then you'll know if new batteries are in order.
Finally, check the operation of both the 12-volt and 120-volt AC systems.
"You can get mice in there, and they love to chew up wiring," says Mann. "In fact, you should check the entire rig over for rodent infestation -- they'll check on anything they can make a nest out of -- plastic, insulation, you name it.
And don't forget -- before you leave the storage area, perform a routine safety check -- lights, turn signals, and brakes.
WHEELS & TIRES
Your RV could have been exposed to some pretty nasty conditions over the winter, so one of the first things to check is the tire condition. First of all, check the air pressure before moving the rig. Always re-torque the lug nuts before driving away. Take a close look at the sidewalls to make sure there are no cracks, and also remember that tires can "time out." If the tires are six years old or older, its time to replace them -- even if they look new.
Unless the coach is new or has been recently serviced, Mann recommends that you check the axle bearings and repack if necessary.
"While you're at it, make sure to check the brake condition, too," he says. "Some guys will pack the bearings and never look at the brakes."
In cold, wet conditions, the linkages can seize or become stubborn.
LP-GAS SYSTEMS/APPLIANCES
Naturally, you'll want to check the LP-gas level to make sure the cylinders are full -- but you should also check the operation of the system, and all of the appliances that run on it.
If it's been more than a year or so since you've serviced your rig, you should definitely pressure-check the LP-system for leaks, and service all of the appliances.
"Some appliances require annual servicing -- such as certain refrigerators -- or the manufacturer can void the warranty," cautions Bill Gehr, owner of Bill's RV. "This isn't always the case, but you should definitely check the owner's manual or contact the dealer to find out."
If your rig is new or has been serviced in the last few months, it still behooves you to check all the LP-gas systems. Run the furnace and the water heater, too.
"We always recommend that you spend your first night of the season in your driveway," says Lizotte. "Make something to eat, play some cards, run the furnace -- make sure everything works before you hit the road."
THE ROOF
You might not have given it much thought, but the roof of your rig can take much of the brunt from winter storms. Freezing weather along with high winds can damage the roof, even if the RV is covered.
"I've seen cracks and splits caused by icy conditions," says Lizotte. "So I always tell our customers to get up there and look for anything that looks unusual. Make sure you check all the seams and seals around the roof vents, etc. Also, check the integrity of the shrouds -- they can become brittle and crack. You don't want to lose one going down the highway."
WASH AND WAX
Unless you stored your rig indoors, the chances are good it's in need of a good wash, and most detailing professionals recommend that you wax any finish at least once every three months.
Start on the roof and work you way down, then dry everything off. In addition to wash and wax products, there are a variety of companies that offer RV-specific products for cleaning/treating rubber roofs, removing black streaks, etc. Plus, giving your RV a good soak is also a good opportunity to check for a leaky roof or window seals.
With your RV thoroughly checked out, you and your family can enjoy many weekends of outdoor fun during the travel season -- without the worry of unexpected surprises.
Source: Trailer Life magazine
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