Alex Guillaume unsplash
Proper spring prep means a smooth first trip and convenience all season.
Words by Jessica Rider
This time of year is always exciting. It’s when you get the chance to de-winterize your RV and start preparing for the new camping season. You have made all of your campground reservations, planned a few trips with friends, and even saved a few recipes on Pinterest to try out that new Blackstone grill you received for Christmas.
It’s common to complete many tasks to get your RV ready in the spring including cleansing the black, grey, and fresh water tanks, cleaning the interior, washing canvas and fabrics, and ensuring all systems are good to go. My husband and I also like to go a few meticulous steps further to avoid any surprises on our first trip (or the many that follow).
Connor Olson unsplash
Awnings and other essentials should be cleaned and working properly.
Typically, while I am cleaning the interior of the RV, my husband inspects the exterior. He’ll inspect the roof for any holes or cracks around the vents, skylights and on any other seams, and then see if the propane tanks are current or need refilling. He will also take a look at the outside storage compartments and ensure they are mould-free and the hinges or attachments are working properly.
This hardware, when loose, will eventually come apart when they start showing signs of damage. So, he always tightens them when necessary or replaces them. Doors, windows and vents should open - and most importantly - close properly to preserve cool or warm air when using the A/C and heating systems and seals around these areas should be free of cracks and wear. He also retracts the awning to ensure it works properly and gives it a good washing so it’ll be ready for use.
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We always like to fully stock the pantry with non-perishable items.
My husband and I will usually do any required repairs ourselves and purchase parts accordingly. For jobs beyond the DIY tasks, we’ll schedule an appointment at a local dealer to address more technical issues. This is also the time when we install or even assemble new gadgets.
Once we feel the RV is ready for the season, we load it up with our gear, clothing, and other essentials we use throughout the summer. For instance, if you keep clothes, bedding and towels in your RV all summer as we do, organize the designated compartments accordingly and make sure there’s enough for the season.
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It’s also convenient to store seasonal clothing.
My favourite task is restocking food. Short of meats, vegetables and dairy products, I supply the pantry with non-perishable items, including cornbread mix, flour, brown sugar, white sugar, olive oil, bottled water and spices, as well as snacks like nuts, seeds, popcorn or chips. This only takes one good trip to Costco or Wal-Mart to complete to be set for most of the summer. Plus, this type of organizing reduces the hassle (and stress) of trying to make sure we have enough food every time we travel, which is pretty much every weekend.
Our season usually starts late spring or early summer when the warmer weather begins to prevail and these steps we take in the late spring have made RVing so much easier on weekends. Since, we don’t get as much time outdoors as we would like, being prepared just maximizes our camping adventures.
Happy Camping!