Your vehicle was empty in winter. Now there are early signs of spring, and it's time to pick it out of the warehouse and prepare the coach and the chassis for this year's camping season. If you like me, you'd like to follow some logic sequence, and then try it out. I used a simple checklist to ignore anything. I would like to do most of the spring preparation. If it's more convenient for someone else to do so, you can arrange an appointment with a reputable RV service center to complete it.
* Depending on the appliance being winter, the winter should be removed. If you use non-toxic RV antifreeze, run fresh water throughout the system until traces of antifreeze fluid go away. To remove from the 12-volt water pump, the water must be injected into the fresh water tank, switch on the pump and open all the water taps. If the antifreeze system is switched off, switch off the pump and remove the water heater from the by-pass mode (if applicable). Re-install the stored water filter cartridges.
* At this point I want to clean the water. Make sure all drains are closed and the drain plugs are installed. Take a quarter cup of household bleach every fifteen gallons of water that is kept by their freshwater reservoir. Mix the bleach with water in a gallon container and pour into the fresh water tank. Fill the fresh water tank completely with water. Turn on the water pump and open all taps and blow water until bleach is reached. Close the taps and leave for at least twelve hours. Drain all water and replenish the tank with fresh water. Turn on the pump and open all the taps until there is no smell of bleach. You may have to repeat this process to eliminate any signs of bleach.
* Check the water leakage under the pressurized water system. Check the operation of the toilet.
* Wash the appliance thoroughly. This is a good opportunity to test roof and body sutures and wipers for cracking that will allow water to enter. Consult your dealer for sealants that are compatible with these materials.
* Inspect the sun visor and, if necessary, clean the awning fabric.
* Check the tires for signs of dry rot. Blow all the tires to the recommended HIDEG tire pressure.
* Lubricate all piston shafts and latches with spraying lubricants.
* Remove any ribbons or protective covers that can be transferred to LP gas guns to keep insects and rodents away. Check for any hammers that may be installed. Open all doors and calculations and check for rodent penetration and water damage.
* Inspect and clean the interior.
* Connect all devices that have been pulled out and replace any removed dry batteries. This is a good time to put new items into objects like smoke detectors.
* Examine the operation of the carbon monoxide alarm, LP gas leak detector and smoke detector.
* Check the fire extinguisher. Make sure it is fully charged.
* Reset any disconnected switches. If you have removed all the fuses for storage, reinstall them.
* Clean or replace air conditioner filters if it has not been done before storage and remove the cover on the air conditioners.
* Open the ventilation holes and windows and expose the appliance.
* If you removed the chassis and chassis, store them. Whether or not the electrolyte level has been removed or not checked, clean terminals and clamps and check the charge level for each item. If necessary, load the batteries.
* Check electrical action if applicable. Lubricate the stair mechanism.
* Inspect for hydraulic connections if applicable. Check the hydraulic fluid level.
* Check the operation of the back-up camera and monitor, if applicable.
* If you did not change the oil and filters in the generator before storage, this is a good time to do so. Check the exhaust system of the generator before it starts. Start and run the generator for two hours, at least half of it. Refer to the generator manual for evaluation of the load.
* Turn off the generator and connect the appliance to the ground. Turn on the refrigerator in electric mode. Allow sufficient time to cool down and check for proper operation.
* Check all 12V internal lights and accessories.
* Check the monitor for proper operation.
* Check slider operation if applicable.
* Check for the correct functioning of the remaining 120 volts.
* Test Earth Failure Circuit Breaker (GFI) for proper operation.
* Turn off the refrigerator, leave the doors open and allow enough time to reach room temperature, so that it can be checked in gas mode.
* Before I used the LP gas system I made a leak test and a gas pressure test. A qualified technician must perform these tests.
* Once completed, turn on LP gas valve and check all LP gas operation. Make sure that the water heater is filled with water before testing the boiler. If the gas appliance does not work properly, check with a qualified technician. Insects are linked to the fragrance added to the LP gas and create nests that may affect the operation of the device.
* If the device was in long-term storage and did not change engine oil and filter prior to storage, this would be a good time to do so.
* Check the fluid level in the gearbox, power steering, engine coolant, engine oil, windscreen washer and brakes. Contact the owner of the vehicle.
* Start the engine and check the correct measurements on each meter. Check the dashboard air conditioner for proper operation.
* Complete storage lubrication if it has not been stored before storage.
* Check the windscreen wiper blades and, if necessary, replace them.
* Check all headlamps for operation.
* Make sure the vehicle emission / check sticker is up to date.
* In addition, if you have a pop-up or a trailer trailer, check the wheel bearings and the brake (if fitted) at least once a year. Check the canvas dry rot and tears; Make sure there is no damage to the rope and the connector. Check the disconnect switch and the screwdriver for proper operation.
Mark
Author: Mark J. Polk owner: RV Education 101