How to Get Your RV Road Trip Ready
Before you can enjoy a vacation, you need to prepare your RV for the rigors of the road. You shouldn't take your RV straight from storage and onto the highway. Instead, it's important to tackle various tests and tasks to set yourself up for a safe trip. We've created the following checklist to help you keep track of every step. If you want more advice or want to explore RVs for sale, head over to Texas RV Outlet. Our dealership is based in S. Willow Park, Texas, and we also serve those in Dallas and Fort Worth.
1. Inspect the Integrity of Your RV
Start by checking the exterior of your RV. Are there any cracking seams or worn-away sealant on the roof? Are there any gaps or holes in the sidewalls and corners? Make sure the integrity is strong before you spray your camper with water.
2. Wash the RV's Exterior
As your camper sits in storage, it can accumulate a layer of dust and grime. This gunk can harden and become challenging to clean later. If it's left too long, the caked-on debris can even damage the RV's exterior. Give your camper a good wash and get it sparkling for the next road trip.
3. Get Fresh Air Flowing
The storage process usually results in stale air inside your RV. Open up every window, door, and cabinet as well as slide-outs and awnings (if your model comes with those). This will help remove the smell of storage so you can enjoy fresh air on your trip. As you open doors, listen for any squeaking. Get those hinges fixed up so that you won't be hearing any shrill noises on your trip.
4. Scan the Area for Pests
Sometimes animals and insects make an RV their winter home. Look for signs of a pest infestation. If you find any critters, deal with them as soon as possible.
5. Check the Appliances and Lights
You don't want to discover a burnt-out bulb or broken refrigerator on a trip. Test everything and replace any broken parts in a timely manner.
6. Inspect the Tires
Look over your RV's tires (as well as your tow vehicle's tires if your RV is towable). First, measure the air pressure using a tire pressure gauge. Tires that are over-inflated or under-inflated can hurt your fuel efficiency and increase the risk of a blowout. Second, make sure the tires have enough tread. Third, check that the tires are free of damage.
7. Tend to the Water System
Drain your fresh water tank and rinse it out. Then refill it with clean water and run the water pump. This process helps flush out any remaining antifreeze and gets fresh water back into the system.
8. Inspect the Fluid Levels
Finally, see if there are any fluids running low. Look at the levels for brake fluids, windshield fluids, antifreeze/coolant, and any other relevant fluids. If you notice anything is low, be sure to top it off.
We hope you found this checklist useful! If your RV needs any professional maintenance before your trip, bring your camper to the experts at Texas RV Outlet. Our parts replacement and service department can get your RV repaired in no time. If you are looking to upgrade your camper, check out our selection of RVs for sale. Our expert staff is always happy to answer questions and help you with whatever you need, so stop by and visit us today. We are located in S. Willow Park, Texas, and also proudly serve those in Dallas and Fort Worth.