Preparing Your RV For Spring

Spring has sprung and you know what that means! It’s time to ensure your camper is ready for the next round of adventures. It’s time to shed the winter blues and start exploring again. There are important steps you’ll want to take to get your rig in shape. Lakeside RV Sales has put together this guide to get you started. The last place you want to be when you discover an issue is on the road. Keep reading to learn more about how to prepare your RV for spring camping trips.

If you’re in need of assistance with parts or service before your next journey, don’t hesitate to contact us! We’re proud to serve our friends in Nashville, TN, and Atlanta and Augusta, GA. If you’re still shopping for the perfect vehicle, we can help with that too. Check out our impressive selection of RVs, campers, haulers, and trailers for sale.

Thorough Inspection

It might seem odd that your rig can come out of storage with damage, but it’s not all that uncommon. Whether you missed a problem before you stored it and it got worse with time or an issue occurred naturally in the storage environment, it’s crucial to perform a thorough inspection. 

Start by opening all the doors, windows, and cabinets. Unroll your awning and inspect it for functional issues or critters. Be sure to check all the slide-outs and use caution if it seems like anything is stuck. Check the pressure in all of your tires to confirm it’s at the recommended psi. You’ll also want to ensure all tires are free of damage or uneven wear. Open any vents that you covered before storing your RV. Look over every inch of the vehicle for any potential issues.

Test The Appliances

For this step, you’ll want to connect to a power source since you’ll be testing your appliances. There’s nothing like arriving at your destination and discovering your stove isn’t working. Make sure that all appliances are functioning properly, including the heating and lights. Test the furnace and the air conditioner as well. Check your portable devices inside the unit, like emergency radios and flashlights.

Sanitize Your Fresh Water Tank

This section is slightly more technical, but it’s just as important as the other steps. It’s highly recommended that you sanitize your fresh water tank. This process helps flush out any antifreeze you might’ve added to your water supply to prevent your pipes from freezing and bursting during the winter months. Remember that antifreeze is toxic to humans, so this step is essential. Whether you handle it yourself or request the help of our service department at Lakeside RV Sales, make sure you take care of it.

Begin by using a hose to pressure your lines and flush out each one individually. Open the proper faucet or valve until you see fresh water. In order to sanitize the tank, you’ll need to fill it with water and add a quarter-cup of bleach for every 15 gallons. Repeat the flushing out process you performed with the antifreeze until you smell bleach. Allow the solution to sit in your system for at least eight hours before purging it.

Consult A Pro

While there are some checks and repairs that can be easily performed in the comfort of your home, there are other tasks that can be much more involved. You’ll have no problem changing a lightbulb or cleaning out a dusty cabinet. However, if you run into a much more complex issue, it’s best to leave it to a professional. Don’t forget how much money you’ve invested in your camper. It’s important to seek assistance for major repairs that are outside of your wheelhouse.

We hope this guide has been useful. If you need parts or service for your RV, hauler, or trailer, contact Lakeside RV Sales. We proudly serve Nashville, TN, as well as Atlanta and Augusta, GA. For those who are still in the market for a new camper, stop by to browse our inventory today!