The ultimate guide : how to prepare for RV camping season

At the start of each season, it is essential to check and maintain your trailer. Here are some tips that will help you carry out this pre-season inspection properly.

Exterior inspection

1. It is important to check the silicone seals on your trailer at the start of the season. Whether around trunks, windows, doors, exterior moldings, roof and skylights and other products located there such as the satellite antenna. This step is crucial to avoid water infiltration and other problems.
2. On the roof, check the condition of the membrane for cracks or any tears. Keep an eye out for plastic products there, because since they are more vulnerable to bad weather, they can crack or be damaged more easily. You can find the necessary products at LeisureDays the Méga Center du VR.
3. Examine the condition of the tires and make sure they are in good condition. Among other things, you must check the condition of the treads, the tire pressure (this is indicated on the tires) and inspect if they are cracked or if there are dents.
4. Check the condition of the signal lights and brakes. These must be functional and conform to the original ones and they must not be obstructed in any way. Also, make sure you have the necessary emergency equipment in the vehicle. These are three reflector triangles or three flares. These two devices are mandatory to have in your possession, it’s the law!
5. After checking the sealant joints, a spring wash is recommended before the start of the camping season. This helps control water marks, black spots, mold and rings on the exterior of your trailer. To do this, you can use cleaners such as stain removers, membrane and awning cleaners.
6. If you have slide-out extensions, don’t forget to open them and inspect the seals. Over time, it can dry out, so you need to make sure there are no cracks. To counteract wear, you can use a rubber seal conditioner. This will both protect and condition your rubber seals, as well as reduce friction when you open and close the extensions. It is the same with the toilet flap seal, do not forget to inspect it and lubricate it.
7. Subsequently, it may be an excellent idea to lubricate the extension rail system, the front door and trunk door locks as well as the stabilizers. In addition to lubricating, it reduces friction and prevents rust.

Interior inspection

1. Before checking the appliances and other interior components of your trailer, make sure to let it ventilate well. Since it spent a complete winter closed and without any ventilation, this step is essential. So open the windows and air vents. Afterwards, do a good internal cleaning to start fresh for the season which is fast approaching. If you wish, you can also carry out treatments for leather and fabrics as well as treatment against ants.
2. Check the condition of appliances, electrical outlets and heating and air conditioning systems. If you notice that any of these systems are not working, contact your dealer as soon as possible.
3. Make sure the smoke and carbon monoxide detector are working properly, in addition to checking the expiration date. Don’t forget to change the batteries to ensure their proper functioning. Do the same for the fire extinguisher.

De-winterization

Now is the time to dispose of the antifreeze fluid used the previous fall to winterize your trailer. Generally, the steps in dewinterization are the opposite of those performed during winterization:

1. Make sure to connect the electricity, the RV battery and connect the city water. Even if you have properly winterized your RV for the winter, it is extremely important to inspect the plumbing wherever you have visual access to the pipes to avoid future water leak issues.
2. At your discretion, you can rinse the fresh water tank with fresh water to clean it. If you are stationary and only use city water, this action is not necessary for you, but if you use it often, this may be a good option for you.
3. To have more space inside the trailer, open the extensions. This way you will have better movement capacity.
4. Open the kitchen and bathroom faucets, the shower, the toilet and the outdoor shower, while making sure to let the water also pass through the pump in order to thoroughly clean any traces of antifreeze. Then, let the water run until it becomes clear and no longer contains any traces or odor of antifreeze.
5. Be sure to replace the cap or anode located outside the hot water tank. Then, reverse the hot water tank valves to put them in the summer position and/or close the bypass valve to let cold water enter the water heater. Then open at least one hot water tap. There will inevitably be some air, which will give little knocks at the beginning. Once the water flow is constant, this indicates that the hot water tank is full. It is very important to ensure that there is no more air in the system by opening all the faucets and that the water heater tank is full before operating it.
6. You must also make sure that the propane is connected and make sure that the propane detector is functional. If an odor persists, immediately close your propane tanks and exit the trailer. Afterwards, you absolutely must call an expert, do not try to repair the leak yourself.

Insurance

Check that you have all the necessary documents for your future outings with your trailer, including your registrations and up-to-date insurance papers.

The start of the trailer camping season can be exciting, but it’s also important to make sure everything is ready and in good condition before you head out. By following these steps, you should be ready to fully enjoy the RV camping season.

Contact LeisureDays Gatineau for your parts and service needs.