RV maintenance checklist: 10 spring to-dos before you hit the road

Last year's pandemic lockdowns meant that thousands of vacation-hungry Northwesterners became first-time RV owners. If you're among them and getting ready to hit the road again, run through this first-of-the-season checklist to ensure easy miles ahead:

1.     Roof. 

Just as winter can be rough on the roof of your house, it can be brutal to an RV. Inspect the roof for signs of separated seals, loose caulk and damage from fallen branches. Open cabinet doors to uncover hidden signs of water intrusion. If your RV is older, it may be time for a new roof coating. That's something you can DIY; just make sure you choose a product formulated for RVs.

2.     Appliances. 

Test the refrigerator, stove, A/C unit and other appliances to make sure they're working. If the stove has died, it's better to find out in your driveway rather than in the wilderness with a dinner to cook!

3.     Smoke and CO detectors. 

A cold winter may have sapped the batteries in your safety devices. Change them before your first trip. And two additional checks: Make sure your fire extinguisher is fully charged and, once a year, have your RV dealer or repair shop pressure- and leak-test the propane system.

4.     Water system. 

After months of sitting unused, your RV's water system needs to be sanitized and flushed to ensure safe water for cooking and bathing. Follow your manufacturer's recommendations. You can DIY as long as you use the proper concentrations of sanitizer (bleach), allow it to sit in the tank long enough to be effective and flush it thoroughly to remove all traces. Our friends at KOA have a helpful video showing how. When you're finished, replace your water filters.

5.     Generator. 

Check your owner's manual for a generator service schedule. If you're unsure when it was last serviced, it's a good idea to get it professionally checked before your first outing. Even if it's had a fairly recent visit to the shop, still check the oil and make sure there's no sign of damage to the exhaust system.

6.     Fluids.

Check all fluids (oil, transmission, brake and washer) under the hood of your motorhome or tow vehicle, the same as you would in your car before a road trip.

7.     Battery. 

Exposure to cold temperatures and prolonged inactivity degrade your battery. To ensure yours has plenty of life left, get it professionally checked and, if needed, charged. You also can check it yourself if you're comfortable; however, we aren't big fans of DIY battery work. Batteries can present serious shock, skin and eye-injury hazards. Any time you work with a battery, be sure to use appropriate protection including safety goggles and gloves.

8.     Lights. 

Connect to your tow vehicle to make sure turn signals and brake lights are working. Also check internal lights on the RV.

9.     Safety chains. 

Inspect your hitch and safety chains thoroughly for signs of wear or damage. Always use two safety chains and crisscross them when hooking up so that if the trailer becomes unhitched from your tow vehicle, the tongue will be caught in the "cradle." Make sure there's enough slack in the chains so you can turn, yet they're not so loose that they sag close to the ground. Use chains that are already the proper length rather than, contrary to common practice, twisting to shorten them, since twisting can reduce chain strength.

10. Tires.

Tires on stored vehicles often lose pressure, and underinflated tires can be susceptible to blowouts. Inflate tires to manufacturer's specifications, and don't forget about the spare.