Preparing your RV for Spring Travel

Preparing your RV for Spring Travel

Spring is right around the corner and it’s time to get your RV ready for this year’s trips. Here are a few tips to getting your RV ready for the spring.

Auto mechanic checking car engine at the garage.

Protect your RV’s exterior surfaces

Inside and out, your RV’s surfaces need to be protected and maintained. While cleaning your RV, you can start by checking the outside seals like windows and doors for wear or cracking. To protect your RV exterior you can wax your RV, apply UV protectant to anything vinyl or rubber (e.g. bumper trimmings, tire flaps, awnings), and apply lubricant to any moving parts such as your TV antenna. Reference your manufacturer’s user manuals for best practices for your devices.

Check your RV’s fluids and tires:  

Check the transmission, power steering, engine coolant, engine oil, windshield washer and brake fluid. Consult your vehicle owner’s manual for proper levels. Also check tire pressure, tread depth, and the weight of vehicle. It is recommended that tires are changed every 5-10 years depending on their use. If you’re not sure how old your tires are, there is an easy way to check: the date the tire was manufactured is the last four digits of the DOT code. The first two digits are the week of manufacture, and the last two digits are the year. For example, if the last four digits of the DOT code are 0203, that means that the tire was manufactured during the second week of the year 2003.

Ready your RV’s systems and appliances:

RVs have several systems that should be checked and spruced up before your first trip of the season. This includes the electrical and water systems. For your electrical system, be sure to check the generator and your batteries. If the generator does not start at first, check if your system has a priming feature or a crank that will help start it.  Ensure that the voltage is appropriate for your batteries, or you may want to invest in a new battery. To ready your water system, turn on your water to check for leaks and sanitize the system.

Next, test out your appliances and give them a good cleaning. This will make sure that layers of dust don’t build up on your appliances and that they’re ready to go when you need them. As part of testing your appliances, be sure to check that the propane tank is full and isn’t leaking, and that you turn on your leak detector.

Stock up on handy supplies

It’s wonderful when you know you have the right tools to fix things quickly if they break. Getting your RV ready for the spring is a great opportunity to restock your repair tools and supplies. This includes stocking up on cleaning supplies, plumbers grease, tank treatment, gorilla and/or duct tape, and a good microfiber cloth can also go a long way.

Your travel adventure is about your needs. An RV allows you to bring the comforts of home on the open road with you.  The staff at Nohr’s RV Center in Tracy, California is committed to helping you find the best RV for your needs.  Stop by our RV dealership today to explore your options!

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