5 Tips to Getting your RV Road Ready

5 Tips to Getting your RV Road Ready

This year the United States is estimated over 40 million people to head to the camp ground or onto the road for a weekend getaway. Although the number of tent pitchers has decreased, more are becoming happy campers within the comfort of a recreational vehicle.

Before you dive into the wilderness, there are a 5 basic steps that need to be taken to ensure that your RV is safe and road ready.

Protect you & your family by following the 5 road ready steps.

Step 1. Check the Electrical

Batteries: Be sure to check your batteries for low fluid levels and corrosion. Keep in mind safety is important so gloves are highly recommended during this process. Ensure that batteries are fully charged or replaced if needed and remember it is also best to avoid putting new and old batteries together. Check cable wires in case any have been exposed, damaged or chewed, you want all your batteries in working order.

Appliances: RV fires are common, and have the capability of igniting while on the road. This is why it should be top of the list to check all electrical appliances before traveling. Be sure to check the air conditioner, microwave, fans, the refrigerator and even outlets on the walls. Don’t forget to check that the ventilation behind the refrigerator and that the furnace is working properly.

Light Fixtures: Assure that lights function properly throughout the RV as well as the external lights. These include making sure break lights, marker lights and the electrical connections between both towed vehicles and towers are adequate and ready for the road. Flashlights and road hazard flashers are also crucial to check as well.

Step 2: Check the Plumbing

Water heater: The most important step is to check, wash and flush the water heater. You can do this by simply opening the external access panel and looking for any sort of corroded or over-heated wiring connections. Something else to keep an eye out for is insect nests and spider webs within the access panel. Be sure to open to drain and flush the interior to get rid of any excess remains that settled to the bottom of the tank. Look out for leaks and make sure that the water is properly heating within the water heater.

Sanitize Plumbing Accessories: Spring cleaning is here! It is recommended to clean your plumbing systems with either vinegar, commercial product, or everyday bleach. Add your choice of cleaner to the tank, fill it with water and allow the water pump to flow through all lines. Once you have done this let the water sit there for at least 24 hours before running the tank through the sinks, shower, toilet or filling the waste tanks. This process helps sanitize your plumbing and cleans your lines.

Check Faucets & Toilets: Make sure toilets flush properly and that faucets are operating correctly. Be sure to check underneath the cabinets and behind the access panels to ensure there are no leaks coming from drains and/or pipe lines. Fun tip- Add a small amount of baking soda to the drains for a fresh new feel.

Step 3: Check Tires & Breaks

Properly inflate tires: Be sure to take a look at your tires to confirm that they are properly inflated and have the right tire pressures. Also, check that there are no cracks or damages on the tread or side walls.

Replace Tires: Even if your tires appear in good condition, after 5-7 years it is best to replace your tires. Tires can rot from the inside out and cause a blowout, so be sure to get new ones to prevent this from happening. If you have any questions or concerns, you can check with your RV tire manufacturer.

Check Brakes: Test your breaks and check your brake pads to verify that they are in working condition. Don’t forget to look for any types of loose components, corrosion or damages under the rig, also take a look at the suspension, frame and the exhaust. You can contact your RV manufacturer for help.

Step 4: Safety

Smoke Alarms: Test out the smoke detector and replace old batteries if needed. It is always smart to have an extra set of batteries on board.

Carbon Monoxide Detector & Fire Extinguisher: If your RV doesn’t already have a CO detector you should install one for the safety of you and your passengers. If your RV does then be sure to replace old batteries or the entire unit if necessary. Check your fire extinguisher to ensure that the needle is in the green.

Propane Leak Protectors: To prevent any leaks within your propane gas system, be sure to inspect the system, lines, igniters, tank, etc. You also should replace any hoses or out-of-date LP gas tanks.

Step 5: Roof

Check Rubber Roof: Checking your roof is very important because you have a variety of different types of equipment on it. Make sure your rubber roof has no cracks or tears and that the sealant along the seams is not worn. Clean off any debris on the roof and the slide-out top.

Skylight Installment: Remove the vent covers and check the sealant around all the ventilation openings and skylight fixtures. Look to make sure that your skylight is properly installed.

Hardware Intact: This includes checking the air conditioner cover and cleaning out the inside from any collected dust, sticks or extra debris. The T.V antenna and satellite structures need to be tested and lubricated if necessary and if you have a solar panel be sure to check the mounting mechanism in case the hardware has come loose.

Before climbing on your roof, check your access ladder for damages or cracks to make sure it is safe to climb.

Safety Tips for Checking the Roof

NEVER work alone

It can be dangerous, ask someone for help

If needed, take your RV to a manufacturer.