Summerize Your RV

Summer Ready RV Check Listkeep the air moving through. Wash any dishes
It's been a long winter and now that summer is inthat may have been left inside. Wash the toilet
full swing it's about time to hit the road with theand shower, especially the shower curtain.
RV. Before embarking on the road this summerSpring prep must include a fluid and connections
remember that the effects of the wintercheck. Look for insect and rodent nests. Also
elements can damage a stored RV. If your motorcheck for any chewed wires and hoses. Check
home has been in storage, now is the time tothe Rvs amount of LP gas and test appliances for
check do a little checking and maintenance. Takingproper functioning. Look at the generator and
a little time now will go along way to ensure thatmake sure it is working well.
your RV will work properly throughout the year.Drain and flush the freshwater tank. Add 1/4 cup
Before driving off you should complete an RVof household bleach for each 15 gallons of
prep checklist. It is pretty basic. If you dont feelcapacity. Then fill the tank almost to capacity,
qualified feel free to take the RV to a mechanic.leaving room for sloshing. Drive or tow the coach
The important thing is that the vehicle is checkedto mix the bleach. Run the hot water to get the
out. Start with a thorough inspection of thebleach through the water heater. Then drain the
exterior. Meaning examine the outside, includingfreshwater tank. Refill, along with 1/4 of baking
the body and roof. You should look cracks, holes,soda per 15 gallons. Drive or tow to mix the
separation. Look inside for stains on the ceiling, thiswater, run the hot water, then drain and refill with
is way you can be sure there are no leaks. Somefresh water. Test the water pump and water
cracks maybe too small to see and the interiorsystem, including the water heater.
stains will let you know without a doubt if thereOn motor homes, generators and tow vehicles,
are leaks. Be sure to look beneath the vehicle forchange the oil and filter and perform all
signs of fluid leaks. This could be oil, coolant, gas,recommended services according to the owner's
power steering fluid, and wiper fluid. If you see aand maintenance manuals. Batteries should be
puddle, check to see where its coming from andcheck for electrolyte level and connections should
what color it is. Oil and fuel leaks are the biggestbe removed, cleaned and after re-assembly,
concerns.treated with an anticorrosive product. Secure all
Now that you have determined there are nolug nuts, check tires for wear, cracks, and other
exterior leaks, go ahead and wash the RV with adamage. Use a penny to check the amount of
specially formulated soap. This soap will helptread left on the tires. Inflate tires to the proper
remove stains, bugs, and prevent discoloration. Ipressures.
would recommend using BlackMagic on the tires.Replace and check all batteries. Test smoke
Also, NeverDull is a great product to shine allalarms and carbon monoxide detectors. Check the
crome. It is a good idea to work in the shade,on fire extinguishers. Refill your first aid and
since washing a hot surface can result inemergency kits. Make sure our emergency kit
hard-to-remove spots and streaks.includes these essentials: flares, a gas can,
An RV that's been stored all winter needs to bereflective triangles, duct tape, jumper cables,
aired out. Vacuum the carpet and clean the floorswheel chocks, flashlights, jumper cables and
and other surfaces as needed. Typically people willwater. Taking these extra precautions will surely
also shampoo the carpets. It is a good idea leavepay off if there are any emergencies.
the doors and windows open while cleaning just to