De-Winterizing Made Easy: Get Your Camper Ready for Spring with These Simple Tips
Spring is finally here, and that means it’s time to get your camper out of hibernation to make sure it is ready to go whenever you want to hit the road for your first camping trip of the season. After months in storage or being all sealed up (if you have a destination camper), your RV needs a little TLC to ensure a smooth start. Proper de-winterization is key in preventing issues and to make sure everything runs safely and efficiently.
Whether your ideal camping adventure includes a weekend getaway by the lake, scenic mountain road trips, or peaceful nights under the stars, our guide will help you get your travel trailer or destination camper in top shape. From flushing water lines and checking for leaks to inspecting tires and testing batteries, we’ll cover everything you need to do so it’s ready for a season full of memories.
Step 1: Inspect the Exterior
Your camper’s exterior has been exposed to the elements all winter long, unless you were lucky enough to store it indoors. Before hitting the road, give it a thorough check-up, consider it a “health” check for the outside of your RV. Here’s what to look for:
Check for Damage: Take a walk around your camper and carefully look at the roof, windows, vents, and all of the seams where different parts join. Look for cracks, signs of any leaks (like streaks or discoloration), or water damage that could have developed over the winter months. Catching these now, could save you from bigger issues later!
Clean and Wash: Give your camper a good scrub down. This is not only to keep it looking clean, but washing away the dirt and grime helps reveal any hidden damage. Don’t forget to wash the roof - it takes the brunt of the heavy winter snow and ice!
Examine the Seals: Rubber seals around windows, doors, and roof vents are your first line of defense against the elements and they can get worn or cracked over time. Take a close look and “feel the seals”. If you see any areas that look dry, cracked, or aren't making good contact, it might be a good time to reapply a quality RV sealant. This can prevent annoying and potentially damaging leaks when spring showers arrive.
If you're at all concerned about potential damage, or you'd prefer the peace of mind of a professional inspection, schedule an appointment with your dealer’s service department.
Step 2: Test and Reconnect the Battery
Your RV battery is the heart of your camper’s power system, supplying energy to everything from lights to appliances. After months of inactivity, your camper’s battery may need some attention.
Reconnect and Charge: If you removed your battery for winter storage, now’s the time to reinstall it, making sure those connection points (the terminals) are tight, clean and corrosion-free. Before you start flipping any switches, be sure it is fully charged.
Clean Connections: Over time, corrosion can build up on battery terminals, you may notice a white or greenish buildup, which can weaken the connection. A simple fix is to create a cleaning paste by mixing baking soda and water. Then, use an old toothbrush to scrub each of the terminals and wipe them clean.
Test the Voltage: A voltage test, done with a multimeter, can tell you whether or not your battery is holding a proper charge. A fully charged 12-volt RV battery should read at least 12.6 volts. If it’s showing a much lower number, it could mean your battery needs some attention or might be nearing the end of its life.
If your battery isn’t holding a charge, it could be time to replace it. RV batteries have a limited lifespan,around 5-7 years on average, and upgrading to a new one can help you make sure you have the power you need for upcoming trips.
Step 3: Flush and Sanitize the Water System
No one wants to deal with the lingering taste of antifreeze! De-winterizing your water system will give you fresh, clean water whenever you need it. Follow these steps:
Drain Antifreeze: Start by opening the low-point drains and fresh water tank to remove any remaining antifreeze. Then, fully flush the system by running fresh water through all faucets (including sinks, showers, and outdoor spigots) until the water is completely clear.
Sanitize the System: To eliminate bacteria and odors, mix ¼ cup of household bleach per gallon of water and fill the system. Let it sit for several hours to disinfect the tanks and water lines, then drain and flush it again with fresh water, until you no longer smell the bleach.
Check for Leaks: Turn on the water pump and take a look around. Check all of the faucets, the areas under the sinks and in the bathroom. Look for any drips or signs of leaks. Catching any small leaks early can help prevent spendy repairs in the future.
Step 4: Inspect the Propane System
Your camper’s propane system is the heart of RV camping, bringing power to your stove, furnace, water heater, and sometimes your fridge. A good safety check will ensure that everything is running smoothly.
Check for Leaks: Propane leaks are serious, but a quick soapy water test will help you detect them. Mix dish soap with water in a spray bottle and spray it on all propane connections—where hoses meet tanks, regulators, and appliances. If you see any bubbles forming, it’s a sign of a propane leak. Do not use the propane system until the leak is checked and repaired by a professional.
Test Appliances: Now it’s time to check that things are working as they should. Light the stove, turn on your furnace, and fire up the water heater to check that they start up easily and burn with a steady flame. If they’re not igniting, check that you’re not simply running low on propane, if you have an ample amount and it’s still not starting up, there could also be a blockage in the line like a spider web or other debris.
If you detect a leak or if you're not comfortable performing these tests yourself, bring it in for a professional propane system inspection.
Step 5: Examine Tires and Brakes
Your tires are your connection to the road, so you need to make sure they’re safe and that your brakes are in good condition.
Check Tire Pressure: Make sure all your tires (don’t forget the spare)are inflated to the PSI (pounds per square inch) recommended by the tire manufacturer - check the doorframe of your camper, or the owner’s manual. Underinflated tires on an RV can cause uneven wear and tear, horrible fuel economy, and potentially a blowout.
Inspect Tread and Sidewalls: Make sure they have enough depth to grip the road as they should, and check the sidewalls for signs of dry rot (small cracks that resemble spider webs), cuts, or bald spots. And, if your tires are more than five years old, it’s a good idea to consider replacing them. You can find a tire’s age by checking the sidewall in a DOT code.
Test the Brakes: If you have a trailer with its own braking system (trailer brakes), make sure it's properly connected. When driving, pay attention to how your brakes feel. Do they grab suddenly? Do they squeal or make weird noises? Do they feel spongy when you press on the pedal? These are signs that your brakes need attention. Don't wait – get them serviced right away.
Step 6: Prepare the Interior
After a long winter, your camper probably could use a little freshening up.
Check for Pests: Look for evidence of rodents or insects (droppings or chewed materials). Clean any areas that you find these and set traps to make sure they don’t set up permanent residence in your camper.
Test Lights and Appliances: Make sure everything inside is working like it should. Test all your interior lights and outlets - turn on every switch and plug in a small appliance to each outlet. Also, give your refrigerator, microwave, and any entertainment systems a quick test. If a light isn't working, check for blown fuses or malfunctioning bulbs and replace them before you head out on your first camping trip.
Restock Supplies: Make a checklist of necessary items like cookware, bedding, toiletries, and first aid. Stock up on whatever is running low so you can be organized and ready to go.
Step 7: Perform a Final Safety Check
We’re almost there. But, before you hit the road, a few final safety checks will make sure everything is good-to-go.
Test Smoke and CO Detectors: Replace batteries and check that alarms are working.
Check Your Fire Extinguishers: Make sure the pressure gauge is in the green zone and the pin is securely in place. Put the extinguisher in an easily accessible place in case of emergency.
Review Emergency Supplies: Check that your first aid kit is fully stocked, be sure you have a set of road flares packed away somewhere. Also, check that you have a set of basic tools (wrench, screwdriver, pliers, etc) so you are prepared for any minor emergencies that could arise while on the road.
How Minneapolis Trailer Sales Can Help
If you’d feel better with a professional inspection, the team at Minneapolis Trailer Sales is happy to help!
From checking your battery and propane system to taking care of the more complex steps of de-winterization, we’ll make sure your camper is road-ready. We want to take the hassle out of RV maintenance so you can focus on the fun parts of summer camping.
Whether you need a quick check-up or a full-service inspection, we’ve got you covered. Give us a call, schedule an appointment, or stop by our store—we love to help our local camping enthusiasts make the best out of their camping experience.