The days are getting longer, and the air is getting warmer. Winter is finally over, which means it’s almost time to hit the road. Whether you spent the winter as a snowbird or kept your rig in storage, there are some important preventative steps to take before you set out. As you gear up for your spring adventures, Wholesale Warranties is here to help guide you through the process of RV de-winterization and good spring maintenance!

RV De-Winterization

It’s important to stay on top of your RV’s health. To prevent any unexpected mechanical breakdowns or failures, you likely took some measures to protect your RV for winter travel or storage. RVs are more likely to experience preventable wear under these conditions, so be sure to thoroughly check your vehicle at the end of the winter season! These are the simple steps for proper de-winterization. Of course, there are many different types of motorhomes and towable trailers, so it’s important to keep in mind that some of these measures may not apply to certain models.

1. Charge the Battery

If your rig has been sitting in storage through the winter, it’s possible that the battery has lost some of its juice. You can conduct a simple voltage test with a multimeter. Or, you can get straight to charging. Be sure that the charger is off as you connect it. Set your voltage to 12 volts, then power it on. Depending on the vehicle, the battery may take a few hours up to a few days to reach full charge. Some RVs have four or more batteries. If this is the case, it’s best to leave the batteries charging overnight for caution’s sake.

2. Flush the Water System

Over the winter, you likely introduced antifreeze to your water pipes to prevent freezing and any resulting breakage. You will need to flush your RV water system in order to release the antifreeze. You can do this by attaching a garden hose to your RV’s water hookup. For at least ten minutes, run the water through your system. As the water is running, flush the toilet at least three times. Make sure the water starts running clear before shutting it off. Then, you will need to dump your gray, black, and freshwater tanks before refilling them with potable water.

3. Test the Water Pump

It’s important to check whether your pump is functional before you take off. You’ll want to make sure all the faucets are closed, then turn on the electric pump. Wait for a few minutes for the pump to pressurize. If everything is shipshape, the pump should stop running. However, if the pump doesn’t stop, this may indicate a leak in the pump or line. It’s important to tend to any repairs before traveling.

Routine RV Maintenance

You should regularly check your filters, pipes, and tires. These are things you will definitely want to address during spring maintenance. Air and water filters need to be replaced over time, for they become less effective as they gather debris. As for pipes, we hope you’re comfortable crawling under your sinks—and up next to your toilet. It’s good practice to check your drainpipes for any leaks. Untreated water leaks can cause a lot of problems, such as mold and water damage, which will lead to heftier repair costs.

RVers should be checking their tires and tire pressure at least once a month or before each major trek. This is important when your rig has been in storage. Common tire issues include underinflation and dry rot. Dry rot occurs when the rubber breaks down due to dryness or sun exposure. This condition weakens your tire sidewalls. Underinflation causes uneven pressure distribution, which puts more pressure on the sidewall. Both underinflation and dry rot increase the likelihood of a blowout. Proper inflation will minimize or outright prevent these issues. Use a pressure gauge to check your tire pressure and refer to your vehicle’s user manual for the correct PSI level. These gadgets are inexpensive, easy to use, and available at your local Walmart! Blowouts are inconvenient, scary, and costly. Fortunately, there are measures you can take to ensure wheel and tire protection.

RV Extended Warranty

For additional protection, you should also consider purchasing an extended RV warranty plan. RVs are prone to experiencing breakdowns while in storage, especially during months of harsh weather. As you probably already know, RV repairs are very expensive. Wholesale Warranties offers coverage for motorhomes, towable trailers, and pop-up campers.

An extended warranty has the potential to save you hundreds, even thousands of dollars on some of the most common—and most expensive—repairs and replacements. Warranties cover unexpected mechanical failures. So, if you find any issues during the RV de-winterization process, having a warranty plan in place will safeguard your travel budget. All you’ll need to do is let us take care of the repair bill so you can get back on the road as soon as possible. Get your free RV Warranty Quote today!