Spring is finally here, and it’s the perfect time to take your trailer out of winter storage and get it ready for camping season! Our team of technicians and professionals has prepared a handy step-by-step guide to help you open your RV without a hitch. Follow our tips to make the most of your trailer as soon as the nice weather arrives.
To get started, you can plug in your trailer’s power cord and open the slide-outs. This will make it easier to go through the rest of the opening steps.
Draining the Antifreeze
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Fill the fresh water tank.
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Change the position of the siphon valve, located near your water pump.
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Turn on the water pump so that water is pumped from the tank to the faucets.
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Open each faucet (hot water first, then cold) until clear water flows (no more pink liquid).
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Check that the water heater plug is properly in place.
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Set the water heater bypass valves to summer mode (same position as last summer).
Once these steps are completed, you can connect to city water or fill your fresh water tank if you’re dry camping.
The fresh water system is now ready.
Preparing the Wastewater Tanks
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Replace the vented cap at for the sewer hose.
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Check that the valves are functioning properly.
Reinstalling the Battery
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Clean the battery terminals and cables.
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Check the electrolyte level and add distilled water if needed (for lead-acid batteries).
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Install the battery in the RV and ensure the positive and negative cables are correctly connected.
General RV Preparation
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Remove any steel wool from the furnace exhaust (if applicable).
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Remove any plastic from the water heater and refrigerator access doors (if applicable).
Open the propane tank, then turn on the appliances in the following order:
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Stove burner
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Oven
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Furnace
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Water heater (Make sure there’s water inside before turning it on)
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Refrigerator
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Check for propane leaks (odor).
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Test the propane, carbon monoxide, and smoke detectors to ensure they’re working properly.
Slide-Out Maintenance
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Open the slide-out.
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Spray a light coat of seal conditioner on the rubber seals and let it soak in.
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Spray dry lubricant on the slide gears, hinges, latches, and stabilizers located under the slide.
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Close and reopen the slide to spread the lubricant evenly.
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Lubricate the worm gear and the bases of the stabilizers.
Roof Inspection
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Check all seals and the condition of the membrane.
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Wash the roof and apply the recommended treatment for your type of membrane.
Exterior Inspection
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Inspect all exterior sealant (doors, windows, trims, accessories).
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Wash the outside of the RV and apply a protective wax.
Tent Trailer Canvas Maintenance
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Clean the canvas using recommended products.
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If there is mold, use an appropriate mold remover, rinse thoroughly, let dry, and apply a waterproofing treatment.
Inspect Tires and Brakes
- Tires should be checked for any cracks, uneven wear, or deformation. Don’t forget to check the pressure, which can drop during storage. Worn-out tires can blow out and cause significant damage.
- Bearings should be cleaned, inspected, and lubricated regularly. Poorly maintained bearings can overheat and lead to wheel failure. A complete maintenance is recommended every 10,000 to 12,000 km or at least once a year.
- Finally, brakes should be tested to ensure they respond quickly and effectively. A visual inspection will help detect wear on components such as brake pads, drums, or magnets.
Test Signal Lights
The final step is to check that all your trailer or RV signal lights are working properly—turn signals, taillights, reverse lights, and all exterior signal lighting.
Have a great camping season!
LeisureDays has been your RV destination in the Outaouais region since 2006. Contact our team of experts if you have any questions or would like to book an appointment.