Winter is finally over, and, at long last, your RV adventures can begin again! It’s time for the travel season, and you probably already have plenty of ideas for where you’ll go next. First, however, you’ll have to make sure your recreational vehicle is ready to hit the road. It’s been months since many of its critical systems have been used, and you’ll need to ensure they are operating properly. You will also need to reverse some of the winterization procedures you put in place before putting your vehicle into storage for the colder season.
Albany RV specializes in supplying premium parts and services for recreational vehicles in the Albany, Salem, Bend, and Newport areas of Oregon. In this blog post, our experts have provided a guide for how to dewinterize your RV after the long, cold months it has been in storage. Follow the guide below to ensure your vehicle is safe, functional, and road-ready in time for the travel season.
Start with an Inspection and Repairs
Winter weather combined with a long period of disuse can take a toll on your vehicle by the time you bring it out of storage. Before taking any steps to return it to travel shape, you should first make a thorough inspection of the vehicle and all its systems.
Your inspection should begin with the outer body of the RV. Storms, ice, and heavy rain or snow, as well as other inclement weather conditions, can dent or damage the doors, windows, and roofs of recreational vehicles. Look for any signs of cracked sealant or caulking, as this can allow moisture to enter the interior of the vehicle. Fix damaged doors and windows, refresh sealant as needed, and complete any other repairs before you hit the road. Some you might be able to DIY, while others may require experienced service professionals.
You also need to check for any signs of animal infestation in and around your vehicle. During cold weather, pests such as mice and rats like to build nests inside sheltered spaces, such as in the engine compartment or under the wheelhouses. Look for any droppings or other signs of rodent activity in your vehicle. If you do find evidence of critters, clean out any nesting materials and double-check for signs of further rodent damage, such as chewed wires or damaged upholstery. It can also be helpful to plug any small holes that might let rodents into your RV.
Check the Plumbing System
The plumbing system of your RV is particularly vulnerable to cold weather, as any leftover water in the tanks and pipes can freeze and expand, potentially causing damage as they do so. Most RV owners prevent this problem by adding antifreeze to their plumbing as a part of the winterization process. While the antifreeze designed specifically for RV plumbing is non-toxic, it must still be completely flushed out before the system can be returned to active use once winter is over.
Empty any antifreeze left in the freshwater tanks and add new water. Then, continually pump fresh water throughout the plumbing system to clear it entirely of any remaining chemicals.
As the pipes are returned to use, check for any damage that has occurred during the winter. Look for telltale signs like dripping pipes or wet spots near water tanks. If you notice any leaks, contact your service professional to repair them before returning the RV to active use.
Reinflate the Tires
Even if they were fully inflated at the beginning of winter, it’s likely your vehicle’s tires will have lost pressure over the course of the winter. Changing temperatures will cause the air in the tires to expand and contract, ultimately allowing air to seep out through the seals. Weather conditions may also damage the rubber more directly, causing the tires to leak more rapidly and ultimately flatten.
Use a pressure gauge to check each tire on your vehicle. Most RV tires should be kept at around 75 to 100 PSI, so if the reading on the gauge is lower, you’ll have to add more air. You can do so with a motorized pump, which is available for free at many gas stations and truck stops. In some cases, the tires will begin to lose pressure again soon after filling them. This may indicate actual damage. If that’s the case, the tires may need to be patched or replaced entirely by your local RV maintenance professional.
Test the Batteries
Dewinterizing your RV involves many different elements of the vehicle, but perhaps nothing is more important than the battery. RVs are typically equipped with a 12-volt car battery, without which none of the systems will operate, including the engine itself. Batteries that are left dormant for months—such as over the winter—tend to lose their charge and may not be operational when travel season returns.
Many RV owners make use of trickle chargers as part of the winterization process. These keep enough electricity in the battery to keep it operational. If your vehicle has one, it should be removed before returning the RV to full operation.
To check the viability of the battery in your RV, use a device such as a multimeter to check its power levels. If the reading is significantly less than 12 volts, your vehicle may need a jump start.
Test the Appliances
You will also need to use your automotive multimeter to check the appliances and other electrical systems of your RV. Do a test run of appliances such as the television, stove, and microwave to ensure they still operate properly.
Make sure that every socket, outlet, and other electrical device in the vehicle is working correctly. By placing the prongs in your multimeter into the outlets—including major ones, such as the RV’s shore power setup—you’ll be able to receive a reading of the voltage that can help you determine if a live current is available for the system. When using a multimeter, make sure to only touch the plastic elements!
If you discover that any appliances or other elements of your RV aren’t operating after winter storage, contact an RV service provider like Albany RV to perform any necessary repairs. Our service staff will be happy to repair or replace any damaged or worn-out parts of your RV or complete the dewinterization process for you so that you can get back on the road.
