How to Spring Clean an RV
Spring Means Camping Season is Close - Time to Get Your RV Ready
Feb 24, 2009
For the snow-bound RV crowd, early spring is a time to dream and plan. "Where will we go this year? Can we afford it? How will the recession affect our camping plans?"
Once the snow goes and spring has truly arrived, though, it's time to get the RV out of storage and ready for the camping to come. Readying the RV is (along with gophers and crocuses here on the Alberta prairies) a sure sign of spring!
Either schedule an appointment with a local RV service center, use the RV unit's service guide, or refer to this checklist to make sure nothing is missed.
Spring Cleaning Means De-Winterizing
This is a checklist, not a how-to; for directions on how to do any of these steps, consult the unit's owner manual or a local service representative.
- Flush the system of any non-toxic RV antifreeze (follow manufacturer's directions)
- Take the water heater out of bypass mode
- Reinstall any water filters that may have been removed
- Sanitize the water system if desired [reference]
- Pressurize the system and check for leaks (don't forget the toilet)
Spring Cleaning the RV: Outside
A good job for the first nice day of spring.
- Remove any protective covers over the unit or those placed over vents to keep out insects and rodents
- Wash the exterior thoroughly
- Inspect panels for damage
- Examine roof and body seams, window and door seals and reseal if necessary
- Inspect the awning for damage, mildew and insects; clean as required.
- Inspect the tires; inflate to recommended cold pressure.
- Lubricate hinges, locks and other moving parts
- Check and clear any mouse or insect traps
- Open exterior storage compartments; check seals, look for damage from mice, insects, or water
Got black streaks from seeping seals? RV stores carry products specifically designed to make removal easy.
Spring Cleaning the RV: Inside
Also good for a balmy spring day, but interior spring cleaning can be done when it's not so nice.
- Inspect and clean the interior
- Open all vents and windows to air the unit.
- Open all cupboards, drawers, and stowage bins. and check for damage, insects, etc.
- Plug in any appliances that may have been unplugged for storage
- Test all alarms - Carbon Monoxide (CO), Liquid Propane Gas (LPG), Smoke Detectors
- Check the charge on the fire extinguisher
- Reset any breakers or reinstall any fuses taken out for fall storage
- Clean or replace A/C filters if not done at storage
Spring RV Checkup: Electrical
Test all electrical appliances for proper operation.
- Check electrolyte levels on coach and chassis batteries; clean terminals and clamps, recharge as necessary.
- Check generator – change oil or filters, do a test run
- Interior 12V lights and accessories
- 120V appliances (see below for LPG refrigerator)
- Monitor panel
- Test GFCI and breaker panel
The owner is advised not to attempt to repair the 120V system but instead to consult an RV service professional.
Spring RV Checkup: Accessories & Systems
If the unit has any of the following, check operation and lubricate or service as appropriate:
- Step mechanism
- Hydraulic or scissors jacks
- Backup camera system
- Slideouts
- TV antenna or dish.
- Solar collector system
Turn the LPG valve on and check for leaks by swabbing soapy water on all connections (or have a qualified technician complete repairs complete a leak and pressure test and make repairs as necessary). Once all is okay, check the operation of all gas appliances. Be sure the water heater is full before testing the water heater.
Check the refrigerator on both 110V and LPG as appropriate (let it warm to room temperature between tests)
Spring RV Checkup: Vehicle
As the Go RV Texas web site points out, "Many RV and motor home manufacturers recommend that, in addition to regular scheduled oil changes, you change the engine oil and filter twice a year: prior to storage and in the spring. During storage, the oil can separate, causing a condensation buildup that may harm your engine." Go RV Texas also suggests that each spring the RV owner should:
- replace the spark plugs.
- check and clean the carburetor or service the fuel injection system,
- replace the air filter, fuel filter etc. according to the vehicle owners manual.
- Check all fluid levels - transmission, power steering, engine coolant, engine oil, windshield washer and brake master cylinder.
Mark Polk of RV Education 101 reminds owners to start the engine and check for proper readings on all gauges, and to perform a complete chassis lubrication if it wasn't done prior to storage. Polk adds some often-overlooked items:
- Check operation of dash air conditioner.
- Examine the windshield wiper blades and replace them if necessary.
- Check all chassis lights.
And if this has started to sound like hours of effort, here's one further suggestion: Space it out. Make a Spring Cleaning Schedule – vehicle one week, exterior the next, and so on. Plan it so that your Spring Clean RV is ready well in advance of its first trip.
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