What do I need to do to get my RV ready for Spring after storing it?

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What do I need to do to get my RV ready for Spring after storing it?

Answer: 

First, you want to do a good Inspection of the RV.

Its always a good rule to check your owners manual for any required maintenance. Walk along the outside of the RV and check the inside thoroughly for anything that looks unfinished, cracked or out of place. Windows and doors are especially important when looking for leaks, damaged seals or cracking. Next in line is your roof and all your vents. While your at it, check all your Carbon Monoxide and Smoke detectors to see if they are working properly.

Batteries & Electrical:

Clean, test and charge your batteries. (This should be done every season when storing your RV).

Then Run your Generator (If you have one). Run your Generator and check all the appliances inside and outside to make sure everything is working correctly. Next, check your Water Heater. You will want to drain and flush your Water Heater. (Always make sure the tank is refilled before lighting the burner.

Propane:

After getting all the electrical testing out of the way, its time to check your Propane.

Check the tanks, lines and hoses to see if there is anything that does not look right. If all looks good, turn on the propane at the tank. A great way to check for leaks is to mix soap with little water and pour around connections to see if any bubbles appear. If bubbles do appear, you have a leak. It may just be a loose connection so make sure everything is tight and secure. If everything is tight and there are no leaks, go turn on the stove to make sure everything is working properly. It could take a little time for the propane to reach the stove if your RV has been stored all season. That is normal.

Tanks:

Check your waste tank valves. Connect to a dump station and then pull your waste valve handles. Pull the handles slowly and move them in and out to make sure they are in good working order.

Next, clean out your fresh water tanks. Here is a step by step procedure:

-Run 1 cup of bleach with 60 gallons of water through the tank

-Open all the inside water faucets  to let the water pour through

- In 4-5 hours drain the water and fill the tank with fresh clean water

-Lastly, open all the faucets inside and drain the water one last time.

Editor: R.C. Norman