Camping Season is Almost Here!
As winter comes to an end and camping season approaches, it's very important that you do all the steps to de-winterizing your RV properly. After months of storage, your RV’s plumbing, systems, and components need to be carefully brought back into service to avoid damage and ensure everything is operating correctly and safely.
Inspect the Exterior and Tires
Before reconnecting any systems, begin with a thorough visual inspection of your RV’s exterior. Focus on areas like the roof membrane, roof seams, vents, skylights, slide-out seals, window frames, and exterior access panels. Winter weather, snow load, and temperature changes can cause sealant to crack or separate, allowing moisture to reach interior walls, insulation, and electrical components. Then take a look at your tires. Make sure they have no cracks, dry rot, or uneven wear, and ensure all tires are inflated to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure.
Prepare the Fresh Water Plumbing System
After you have completed your exterior inspection the next step would be to de-winterize the fresh water plumbing system. If RV antifreeze was used during winterization, it must be completely removed from all supply lines, fixtures, and valves before the system is put back into service. Begin by confirming the water heater bypass valves are set correctly and the water heater is reconnected. If the water heater was drained or removed for winter storage the bypass must be closed so fresh water can refill the water heater tank before it is turned on, preventing damage to the heating element or burner.
Re-Pressurize and Flush the Water System
With the water heater configured properly, re-pressurize and flush the water system using either a city water connection or the onboard water pump. Open each faucet individually, running both the hot and cold sides, starting with the fixture farthest from the water source. This pushes RV antifreeze out of the water lines until the water runs clear. Repeat this process for all sinks, the shower, and the toilet. Drain and refill the fresh water tank as needed to remove any remaining antifreeze.
Sanitize the Fresh Water System
After draining out the antifreeze the next step is to sanitize the fresh water system. Sanitizing removes bacteria that may have developed during storage and ensures safe water for the season. This typically involves circulating a diluted bleach solution through the fresh water tank and lines, allowing it to sit for several hours, and flushing thoroughly with clean water until no bleach smell remains.
Test Electrical Systems and Appliances
Once the plumbing system is complete, test appliances and electrical systems. Inspect battery condition and charging, test interior and exterior lights, and check major appliances such as the refrigerator, furnace, air conditioner, water heater, and water pump to confirm they are operating correctly.
Inspect Propane and Safety Systems
Next, inspect propane and safety systems. Check propane lines and fittings for visible damage, test propane-powered appliances, and ensure smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and fire extinguishers are present and functioning properly.
Final Operational Walkthrough
Finally, complete a final operational walkthrough. Test slide-outs, awnings, leveling systems, brakes, and hitch components, and consider a short test drive to ensure
everything is functioning as expected before your first trip of the season.
Need Help De-Winterizing Your RV?
De-winterizing your RV properly helps prevent damage, protects your investment, and ensures a smooth start to the camping season. If you’d rather leave it to the professionals, Great Escape RV’s service team can assist with inspections, system checks, and full de-winterization services. Contact Great Escape RV today to schedule service and get your RV road-ready with confidence.