Preparing Your RV for The Summer!

Summer is fast approaching, and that means it’s time to start preparing your RV for some upcoming vacations! Preparing your RV for the summer is an important process that will help ensure your RV is ready for travel and will keep you and your family safe on the road. If you’re unsure what steps to take to prepare your vehicle, here are some tips to get you started!

Clean Your RV Thoroughly

After storing your RV through the winter, it could probably use a good cleaning. Removing the exterior dirt and grime helps keep it from getting into the sensitive interior components of your RV.

Using your hose, begin by wetting and scrubbing the top of your RV, then slowly work your way down. Not only does a good cleaning improve the look of your RV, but it also increases the chance of you seeing any cracks or broken seals that have appeared over the last few months. Furthermore, you can make sure no water is leaking into the interior of your RV. It’s better to find a leak from your hose than to find it during a rainstorm!

While cleaning your RV, pay close attention to your awning fabric. Over time, it may deteriorate and need to be replaced. If you’ve never replaced your RV awning fabric, now is a perfect time!

Flush your Water System

Flushing your water system is necessary for two reasons. First, if you winterize your water tank by filling it with antifreeze to keep it from freezing and bursting your pipes, you’ll need to flush that out and replace it with water.

Even if you didn’t winterize your water tank, you’d need to replace the water that’s been sitting stagnant for months. Thankfully, flushing your tank is simple.

Simply add one cup of bleach to a gallon of water and put it in your tank. Then, turn on your faucets until you smell bleach, and let your tank sit for a day. Next, empty it and fill it with fresh water. Simply keep adding fresh water until you no longer smell bleach!

Test Your Appliances

If you have electrical appliances, make sure all of your connections are tight, your wires haven’t been snacked on by a small animal, and everything turns on as it’s supposed to.

If your appliances run on propane, check your tanks and connections to make sure there is no visible damage. Even if everything is operating properly, be sure to have your system checked annually for leaks.

Make Sure Your Battery Works

After sitting for months, your RV battery may need some attention. If your RV doesn’t start, your battery may need to be jumped. But don’t assume that means you are ready to hit the road! Make sure your battery can hold a charge. If your vehicle turns on, but you still have a hard time turning it over, or need an occasional jump, have your battery checked by a professional. You may need to replace your battery to ensure you don’t get stranded on the road.

Inspect Your Fluid Levels

Check under your RV for pools of liquid. Even if you don’t see any apparent leaks, be sure to check each of your fluid levels carefully before taking your RV out on any trip. Specifically, check the following:

• Power steering
• Transmission
• Engine oil
• Engine coolant
• Generator oil
• Brake fluid
• Windshield washer

While checking your fluid levels, you can also check to make sure all of your lights work correctly, as well as your gauges.

Once you’re done preparing your RV for the summer, plan out your trips and enjoy the open road!

We Can Help You!

RV Awnings specializes in making awning fabric of the highest standard and offers a variety of options. If you have any further questions or would like to order replacement fabric for your awning, call us today.