With warmer weather and plenty of sunshine, the great outdoors are calling—in other words, it’s time to take a camping trip with your RV! Make adventure happen during National Camping Month this June and get out in nature with your recreational vehicle. Just like the steps you take to winterize your RV, you should prepare your vehicle for summer camping. Here are RV Trader’s six tips to get your RV ready for camping.
1. Clean Your RV Before Camping
Remove the RV cover, take your fifth wheel or other camper out of storage, open up the windows, and get some fresh air in your vehicle. If your RV has been idle and sitting during the winter and early spring months, freshen it up. When you clean your vehicle, it’s also an opportunity to inspect for any damage. Inside the RV, clean furniture, dust upholstery, wipe down panels, change air filters, vacuum, and mop. Outside, check and clean your gutters and storage compartments, look over your roof for any cracks or leaks, and make repairs. Finally, give your vehicle a wash and wax with cleaning products designed for RVs.
2. Check Your RV’s Battery Before Camping
You’re not going to get far on the road with an old battery, so check and make sure it’s in working order. Always take safety precautions and check your owner’s manual for specific battery maintenance procedures. Disconnect the RV’s hook-up power and make sure all the power is off in your RV prior to inspecting or changing your battery. Look over your battery connections to make sure the terminals are clean and free of debris. Heavy corrosion often indicates that it’s time to make a battery replacement.
3. Take Care of RV Tires Before Camping
Temperatures fluctuate between the seasons and, as a result, so does your tire pressure. Grab your gauge and check your RV’s tire pressure. Look over your owner’s manual for the exact PSI, and inflate your tires. While you’re at it, look over your tire tread to see if it’s worn down and if the grooves are smooth and even, and clean and lubricate your wheel bearings. You may need to replace your tires or have them rotated if you’ve been putting heavy mileage on them.
4. Treat Your RV’s Water System Before Camping
If your RV has a water system, then you may have done some water treatment to winterize your vehicle in the recent months. Now is the time to remove any traces of antifreeze by flushing out the water system with fresh water, ensuring there is no pink fluid in your RV. Take a further step and add some bleach through the tank and cleanse it with fresh water. Check your RV’s tap and faucets for any leaks and make repairs.
5. Safety Precautions for RV Camping
Camping and safety should always go hand-in-hand, even when camping in a comfy RV. Inspect and test your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they’re working, and replace their batteries if needed. Make sure your fire extinguisher is ready and in working order, and keep your first-aid kit nearby. Look for any damage to your propane tanks, including hoses, regulators, and valves, keeping in mind that leaks may leave a smell. Make a replacement or have a professional make repairs.
6. Make RV Camping Preparations
Before your camping excursion, make sure your tags and vehicle inspection are up to date. Check your oil level and do an oil change, change your windshield wipers and fluids, and double check that all your lights are working, including your brake lights for towing your camping trailer. Make some space in your vehicle to pack all your gear, including your tent, sleeping bags, hiking packs, and other supplies. Make your campground reservations for your RV several months ahead of the time you plan to boondock or camp.
National Camping Month is around the corner, with the right RV and pop-up camper maintenance, your vehicle will be ready for your next outdoor adventure. Give your vehicle a clean, check for damage, make repairs, take precautions, and get ready to camp! If you’re looking to purchase your next new or used RV for your camping trip, be sure to see the nation’s largest inventory online at RVTrader.com.
