Pre-Season RV Inspection Checklist: Are You Ready?

April 9, 2019

Contributed by: Jes Finton of JesUnscripted.com

It’s that time of year again; camping season is quickly approaching. It’s time to dust off the cobwebs and shake out last year’s dirt. Like your home or automobile, your RV requires maintenance and preparation before heading out on the open highway. Whether you are a full-time family or only indulge in seasonal trips, Spring is the perfect time to perform routine maintenance to keep your investment running at optimum performance. Use this pre-season RV inspection checklist to get your rig ready for your next adventure; or contact a trusted Utah RV Service Center to help!

Inspect for Brake Malfunctions

It is one thing to fail to get a rig going, but an entirely different experience not being able to make it stop. One of the first maintenance steps you should consider is checking the brakes. Test everything from the brake fluid to the e-brake and everything in-between. Additionally, if your RV or motorhome has sat for an extended length of time, you must also be wary of locked brakes. Self-adjusting brakes can potentially self-tighten all winter long, to the point where an owner may need to adjust the brakes manually.

Check the Tires

RV tires are meant to last anywhere from five to ten years, depending on a variety of factors. Even if your tires are only a year old, make it a habit to check the tires each spring. All tires, including the spare, should be tested for:

Proper inflation,

Cracks,

Cuts,

Leaks, and

Tread wear.

Plumbing Performance Check

Water leaks happen, even to the most seasoned traveler. If you’ve winterized your vehicle, you must also de-winterize it. Take some time to pressurize the system to check for any potential leaks. Carefully look over each line for signs of wear, cracks, or cuts that may eventually result in a leakage in the weeks to come. Use a flashlight to look for drips under sinks, around the toilet, in cabinets, and anywhere else running water may flow. Now is also a great time to flush all of the tanks and water lines to remove any anti-freeze leftover from winterization, as well as sanitize them as necessary.

Electrical Work

Another disaster you want to avoid at all costs is discovering that you are without electrical power when you are in the middle of nowhere. In addition to allowing your refrigerator to run a few cycles and testing your HVAC system, you will want to invest in a multimeter to check the electrical circuit, which includes your electrical outlets. This is also an optimal time to look over your antenna, slide outs and converters.

Examine the Exterior

It is a good idea to examine the exterior of your RV, even if your unit is garage-kept for most of the year. From the roof to the tires, you will want to check every seal and seam for a potential sealant breakdown. Failing to do so results in both energy loss and possible water leaks during the inevitable Spring downpours. You will also want to inspect the roof for signs of wear-and-tear. If your roof looks worn or out of shape, consider having it resurfaced and sealed by a trained professional.

Reliable RV Service in Draper

Use this list to get you started on your pre-season travel preparations. For a full comprehensive exam, or for necessary parts and accessories, contact a Utah RV service center today. The experienced representatives at Recreation RV Sales offer both a 16-point and a 74-point inspection to ensure that your vacation starts off on the right foot. Call us at 801-571-6439 to schedule your Spring inspection today.

Sources: RV Share , Axel Addict