How to de-winterize your RV interior
Temperatures are on the rise, flowers are blooming, and we know you’re itching to get your RV out on an adventure. Sounds like it’s time to de-winterize so you’ll be ready to roll whenever inspiration strikes. This is the second of our two-part series – if you missed the exterior de-winterization portion, check it out here!
- The most crucial step for interior de-winterization is the water system because it’s used for everything from showering to cooking to drinking. When you winterized, you probably added non-toxic RV antifreeze to the system so the pipes wouldn’t freeze. Now it’s time to flush out the water system so it’s safe again for use. Consult the manual of your specific system for best practices.
- Check for leaky water lines. Turn on the electric pump and allow it to pressurize the water system. When the freshwater tank reaches full pressure, the pump should shut off. If it does not, or if it turns back on, that’s a sign that you’ve got a leak somewhere, so check faucets, under sinks, around the edge of the toilet and following the plumbing lines to find the leak.
- Change all filters. Starting the season with clean air filters helps your RV ventilation and cooling systems run more efficiently and can also help with allergies and asthma issues. Coleman-Mach has a new line of Climate Control Accessories that includes advanced Merv 6 Replacement Air Filters and the innovative iWave-M Ionic Air Purifier that help make RV interiors cleaner and more comfortable.
- Make sure air vents and windows are all working properly, and that the weather stripping around each is in good shape.
- For privacy try out all RV shades to ensure each is easy to open and close. Damage to pleated RV shades can be fixed with a Restring Kit from United Shade to extend the longevity of existing shades. When it’s time to finally upgrade MCD Innovations makes modern roller shades for RV windows, windshields and screen doors.
- Test all your 120-volt appliances by plugging them in and making sure they run properly. Additionally, check the propane system by opening the gas line and testing each gas appliance. Be sure your hot water tank is full of water before testing it.
- Double check safety items like smoke alarms, carbon monoxide detectors, LP detectors and fire extinguishers. Look at expiration dates, replace batteries, and test that they’re all working properly.
- Restock your emergency first aid supply kit and be sure that nothing in it is expired.