Although some campers use their RV year-round, many of us are just getting ready to take it out of storage as summer approaches. Experienced campers know that prepping an RV for summer use involves more than just dusting off the cover and checking the basics. If you’re new to RVing and gearing up to get your RV ready for the season, this article is for you.
Fresh Air
After a period of storage, your RV can accumulate stale air and mustiness, so start by opening all the windows and doors to allow a good cross breeze to circulate through the interior. Turn on the ventilation fans to help expel any lingering odors and moisture. Give the upholstery and bedding a quick check for any signs of dampness or mold, and ensure that the air conditioning system is functioning properly.
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Scrub It Clean
Before setting off for your next trip, you should make sure that every part has been scrubbed to perfection. If you haven't stored your caravan undercover then your solar panels will definetly need some attention. To yield a high level of power from your Solar Panels it is advised to give them a good clean with warm soapy water and soft brush, then rinsed well with water. The same will apply to your skylights. While on the roof it is a good time to soak the caravan and have someone inside checking for leaks. Examine metal components for signs of corrosion or rust. If found, the area should be washed and scrubbed with a wire brush or sandpaper. To prevent further damage, a rust inhibitor can also be applied.
Power Up
After having everything turned off for so long it is important to test all your electrical appliances and battery systems so you are topped up and ready to roll. If you have disconnected any wiring to your battery system then it is time to reconnect and check all existing wiring. Mice and other rodents do enjoy chewing wiring and plumbing so it is important to inspect everything prior to depature. Don't wait until you are on the road to find any problems. It is advised to turn on and run appliances such as fridges for a minumum of a week or two before leaving, this allows plenty of time to test the batteires discharge capabilities, the solar panels effeciency and your appliances performance.
Unfortunatley your batteries will not last forever and there will be a time when they need to be replaced. It is best to do it at home before you leave rather than finding out you've gone flat in the middle of nowhere. Now is the time to consider upgrading to Lithium. See our extensive range here.
If you find your old clunky air conditioner no longer cools your van then it might be time to check out the new range of Air Conditioners on the market. Check out our range here.
Water Works
The debate is always active on whether to store water in your tank to full capacity or completely empty your tank when storing. Either way when you are ready to pull the van back out you are going to need to clean and flush your tank. Using a quality tank cleaner is a great way to clean any nasty bacteria, reducing the risks of anyone getting sick on your trip. Check out the Coast Tank Cleanse Pro here.
Once all this is done it is time to turn the water pump on, and open all taps to test for leaks. Don't forget to check inside cupboards and behind drawers where your plumbing is run.
If you have a hot water system on board allow that to fill and test to ensure everything is working. It is also a good time to check your anode if your system has one and replace if necessary.
Giving your toilet a once over is also necessary making sure the flush system works and the seal between the toilet and the cassette hasn't hardened or broken in storage.
Leaky Gas?
If you carry gas on board it is imperative you check for any leaks prior to moving the caravan or using anything on board. Starting from the regulator all the way through to your gas appliances on board. Soapy water is a great way to check if there is any leaks, cover regulator and hose connections in soapy water and slowly turn gas on. If you see the bubbles move then you have a leak and it is time to contact a certified gas fitter.
It is also importnt to pay attention to your gas cooktops, testing the cut off switches and thermocouplings to ensure you and your family are always kept safe. One of the most important item for a caravan is a gas detector.
Screen don't scream!
Rolling out your awning is a good tip prior to departure just in case a little friend has nested in there and the caravan park doesn't hear you scream. This is also a good time to check for holes and making sure your awning arms all work smoothly. It is also worth checking out the Aussie Traveller Anti-flap Kits if you don't already own one, these are a great addition to your outdoor living space allowing you to easily connect privacy screens for the ultimate outdoor space.
Ok now you should be ready to hit the road for Summer. Feel free to reach out to our team if you have any product upgrade enquiries, give us a call on 1800 787 278.
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DISCLAIMER* Please note, this advice is general in nature and we strongly recommend consulting the product manual and where relevant, a professional installer.
