Tips For RV Exterior De-Winterization
The open road ahead of you, the excitement of planning trips and looking to your next destination – we get it. RV season is around the corner, and you can’t wait to get back out there!
But before you go, remember there are some important de-winterization steps to take first. It’s crucial to de-winterize both the exterior and interior of your RV. Doing all of this before you take a trip could save you major headaches – and major expenses – later.
This blog is the first of a two-part series on de-winterizing your recreational vehicle. This time we’re all about the outside. Here’s a handy checklist of things to consider when it comes to the exterior of your RV:
- Start on the ground level checking the tire pressure and condition. While an RV is stored, it loses a little pressure each month, so you’ll need to add a little air. Also check your tire’s tread and sidewalls to make sure they are in road-worthy condition.
- Inspect the exterior walls for cracks, signs of water leaks or any other damage. This includes checking the weather stripping around doors and windows as well as the body and slide-out seams. Dicor Products has a Seal-Tite™ Corner Seal Kit and a Seal-Tite™ Window Foamcore Kit with everything you need to seal or repair those respective parts on your RV.
- If your RV has an awning, make sure it deploys and retracts properly, lubricating parts as necessary. Also check the condition of the awning fabric for holes or tears.
- Get up on the roof to look for damage. Inspect any roof-top components paying particular attention to vent lids and covers as well as air conditioner shrouds for signs of damage or infestation. If you find cracks, chips, or compromised components Maxxair has ultra-durable fan covers, AC shrouds, and a universal vent lid for easy replacement.
- If you have solar panels, give them a good clean so they will operate at the top of their game.
- Batteries can lose charge while being stored, so check them with a voltmeter. If you haven’t been charging them through storage months, charge and then connect securely.
- If your RV has a generator, check the oil level, and have it serviced by a professional if necessary. When the oil level checks out, examine the exhaust system for damage before starting up the generator. Like the batteries, if you’ve been periodically running the generator while in storage, it should start easily. If it’s been sitting, you’ll want to run it a few hours with only a half-rate load.
- Check your propane bottles. Often good for 10 years, it’s easy to forget that occasionally they need to be replaced. Assuming they’re good, consider refilling before your first trip unless they’re already nearly full. It’s never fun to run out of propane while cooking or in the middle of a cold night.
- Make sure your registration and insurance are up to date. If you have a trailer, you may not be required to carry insurance, though it’s a good idea to insure your investment.
Ready to head inside? Check out our next blog for interior de-winterization tips and then you’ll be ready to take that first trip of the season!