It’s that time of year when you need to spend a little time checking out your RV to help assure the first trip will be trouble free. We have condensed the process we use in our service center if we were to perform the spring get-it-ready service for you. A thorough spring servicing is equally as important as the fall winter prep service. Quality time spent now will help eliminate surprises later.
As always if you don’t feel comfortable performing some or any of these tasks, we’ll be more than happy to take care of them for you. Please give our Service Department a call at 800-247-5787 or e-mail us at service@circlekrvs.com to set up a time.
• Completely air out the camper by opening all the doors, windows and roof vents.
• Now’s a great time to check window, door and vent operation.
o Lube the slides and mechanisms with silicone.
o Clean the outside window weep holes.
o Check for proper operation of escape exits.
- Be sure to always familiarize your family and guests about escape routes and how to operate the exits.
• Test the electrical system.
o Load-check the coach battery and replace as needed
- The normal life of coach batteries is 4 to 5 years with ideal maintenance.
o Smoke and Carbon Monoxide detectors
- Replace the batteries in the spring every year
- Test the detector and replace if questionable. The normal life of detectors is about 5 years maximum.
o Inspect the shore power cord and adapters for damage
- Replace anything questionable.
o Check interior and exterior lights –
- Don’t forget the running, stop and turn lights
- If you have a trailer, check the brake operation while you’re hooked
up.
• Summerize the water systems.
o Note: It’s best to use the on-board water system pump for testing
rather than well or city water. If you do have a leak, it’s a lot
quicker and easier to simply turn off the pump. And if there is a
small leak that you overlooked, you will hear the pump cycle on/off.
o Close all faucets and drain valves.
o Confirm the water heater bypass valve is in the normal setting.
o Add a few gallons of water to the fresh water tank and pressurize
the system with the pump.
o Check all faucets showers and the toilet for operation.
o Check the lines and drains for leaks.
o Flush the anti-freeze out of the system.
o Add water to the black and gray holding tanks.
o Check for proper holding tank gate valve operation.
• Sanitize the water system.
o For a commercial treatment I recommend the Taste Pure Spring Fresh
Water System Cleaner and Deodorizer
- It’s a two part system that kills bacteria and purifies the water
- Simply follow the directions on the container.
o Or you can use household bleach
- Run approximately 1cup through the system and let stand for a few
hours or overnight
- Completely drain the system
- Refill, flush, and drain – then refill the system with clear water.
• Check around all appliances for obstructions and to insure the vents are open and clear.
o Look for bird nests in the refrigerator top vent.
o Check for evidence of mice, etc around the furnace case water
heater and vents.
o Look for “stuff” that may have fallen off counters, out of drawers and
onto or behind appliances
• Test or have tested the LP system for leaks.
• Turn on LP tanks and let the system pressure equalize
o Turn the tanks on slowly so the system has a chance to pressurize
properly
o Light stove burners.
o Light all other appliances.
o Run the furnace to burn off dust that accumulated during the winter.
o Start the refrigerator to check the cooling.
• Clean the interior.
o Wipe down walls, cabinets and counters.
o Check under windows and in cabinets for moisture or water damage.
• Wash and clean the exterior.
o Inspect seams and sealants for gaps, cracks or separation. Don’t
forget the roof!
o Inspect weather seals on doors windows and slide for deterioration.
• Inspect tire pressure, wheels and brakes to be sure they are in proper working order
o Inspect wheel bearings and re-pack in accordance with manufacturers
recommended maintenance schedule.