RV Winterizing / Spring Start Up Tips |
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Quick checklist for do-it-yourself winterizing and spring start up.
Winterization and Spring Start-Up Checklist
Proper storage and start up practices are critical to trouble free, long term operation and performance from your RV. The following checklists represent a simple outline of the primary items that should be checked for proper storage and start up. ALWAYS refer to your owner's manuals for specific procedures and checks that should be followed.
Winter
Fresh Water System
- Drain all water lines
- Empty water heater
- Close bypass valves on back of water heater
- Drain fresh water storage tank
- Empty toilet
- Drain shower hose
- Pump RV antifreeze through system
Waster Water System
- Pour antifreeze in "P" traps
- Flush and clean all holding tanks
- Inspect termination valves
- Lube valves
LP System
- Turn off all appliances completely
- Tank service valve off
- Plug service valve outlet
- Cap POL fitting
- Remove/store LP cylinders
- Clean and cover regulator
- Disarm LP leak detector
Water Heater
- Turn completely off
- Cover opening
Furnace
- Cover intake/exhaust vents
Refrigerator
- Turn completely off
- Clean and dry inside
- Block door open
- Cover exterior vent opening
- Install screen on roof vent
Range
- Turn completely off
- Clean and dry
Battery Systems
- Disconnect all betteries and tape off ends of wire with electrical tape
- Fill and charge batteries before storage
120 Volt AC System
- Unplug and store shore line
generator
- Add Stable to gas supply according to directions on package. Run genset for 1/2 hour to get Stable into genset
- Clean exterior of generator
- Block off exhaust
Roof
- Check seams
- Reseal as necessary
Roof Air Conditioner
Windows
- Check sealants and reseal as necessary
Awnings
Tires
- Inspect
- Apply protectant
- Cover
Motorhome Specifics
- Fill gas tanks and add Stable as directed
- Check engine coolant strength and add if necessary
- Check windshield washer fluid
Wash exterior of your RV and cover with tarp if needed.
Spring
Roof
- Inspect sealants and reseal if necessary
Windows
- Uncover and open to air out
Battery Systems
- Reinstall and reconnect batteries
- Clean contacts and tighten terminals
- Check electrolyte level
- Charge fully
- Verify voltage inside coach
- Reinstall dry cell batteries in safety systems
120 Volt AC System
- Inspect shoreline cord/clean contacts
- Verify polarity
- Test GFI
Fresh Water System
- Sanitize fresh water tank
- Pump fresh water through system
- Drain and refill tank
- Add freshener
Waste Water System
- Check operation of termination valves
- Drain and flush tanks
- Add chemical
- Inspect flexible sewer hose
- Replace seals if necessary
LP System
- Inspect LP cylinders
- Connect regulator assembly
- Leak test fitting
Water Heater
- Uncover vents
- Blow out burner area
Refrigerator
- Uncover vents
- Insure free flow of air
- Blow out burner area
Furnace
- Uncover intake/exhaust vents
- Vacuum around combustion chamber inside
- Clean wall thermostat contacts
Range
Open LP Service Valve
- Light one stove burner
- Light all other appliances and let cycle
- Activate LP leak detector
Roof Air Conditioner
- Clean filters
- Remove cover
- Inspect condenser fins
Generator
- Change oil and replace all filters
- Lube throttle pivot points
- Clean plugs and reinstall
- Open tailpipe
- Clean exterior of unit
- Test unit
- Apply air conditioner load
Motorhome Specifics
- Check all fluid levels
- Fill windshield washer bottle
travel trailer Specifics
Under Coach Area
- Check all items
- Tie up loose wires, etc.
- Clear cobwebs
Miscellaneous To Do
- Wash exterior
- Lube compartment locks
- Test all lights, running gear, etc.
- Inflate tires as necessary
- Check lug nut torque
- Insure that fire extinguisher is ready
- Test drive coach
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