Weather forecasters are saying that there is a good chance for an earlier spring, with lighter snowfalls allowing for a quicker spring melt.
Perhaps that will lead to even better weather in the month of May and the RV & camping season will start as early as possible!
We are already thinking of where we would like to take our travel trailer in 2020 and will start making bookings on-line soon. Other than the weather, the only other thing that keeps us from hitting the road as early as possible is the condition of our travel trailer.
Even though our rig is stored inside until April, there is always Rv maintenance and dewinterizing that needs to be done once she comes out of hibernation.
Spring Service for Your RV or Trailer
The first order of business for RV service or trailer servicing is to de-winterize the plumbing system. This is important to get the plumbing anti-freeze out of the system and get the hot water heater back on-line.
Next is to check the electrical – install the battery, make sure it is charged and then check the various systems whether plugged into a AC receptacle or running strictly of the battery.
If the battery is more than 3 years old, it would be good to get the battery tested to make sure it will still hold a charge.
If it was not connected to a trickle charger during the winter season, it should be checked every year.
Of course, while you are connected to an AC receptacle you should test all your electrical devices and appliances.
However, remember that most travel trailers and 5th wheels use either 30 amp or 50 Amp and most household receptacles are 20 amp maximum, so you will not be able to test multiple devices and appliances simultaneously, especially if the air conditioner is running.
Also do not forget to check those same appliances which can run off of propane – hot water heater, refrigerator, furnace, stove and BBQ.
Get Out Ahead of the Season
Before heading out on the road for the first time each season, make sure your signal, brake and taillights are working. Of course, you should do this every time you hook up; however, issues are easier to fix while you are still at home and not far away from a service center or parts depot.
Make it a habit to carry spare bulbs, but if the problem is with the wiring or connections you probably will need a skilled service technician to solve the problem.
Remember travel trailers and 5th wheels are large and long with lots of wiring and they can bounce around a lot while being hauled along the highway.
Also make sure you hitch setup is working properly, including appropriate grease on moving parts. Inspect the safety chains and the break-away brake to make sure they are in working order in case the worst scenario ever occurs – the trailer breaking away from the tow vehicle.
A lesson we learned a few years ago was to make sure you put the plumbing system under pressure with water to check for leaks as early in the season as possible. We had a plumbing elbow near the hot water heater burst from freezing so as soon as we turned the water on the floor became covered in water. Thankfully we were still at home and not at a campsite which made it easier and less stressful to have fixed.
When RVing, Water is Your Friend and Your Enemy
The biggest threat to any recreational vehicle is water, either from the plumbing or a leak in the roof or walls.
Water will cause floors and/or walls to get wet, swell and begin to rot. And before they rot, they will get soft and weaken.
So, first thing in the spring check your roof, walls and around any appliances or vents for any potential leaks from cracked seals or even puncture holes.
Remember we have extremes of temperature in Ottawa so the various seals and joints will expand and compress with the temperature fluctuations. RV manufacturers do an admirable job with factory sealing, however after a few years of Ottawa weather the strain can begin to show.
Even if a leak is just suspected it is always best to have it sealed. Also check the windows and doors for any potential leaks and have them fixed as soon as possible.
Your RV Ride Depends on Your Tires
The next important item to check is the tires.
Not just the air pressure. The tires need to be inspected for weather cracks and wear and tear. Trailer tires are not the same as truck and care tires – they are designed specifically for trailers, so they wear differently.
No one wants to have a blowout while motoring down the highway. Even if your trailer is just sitting on a seasonal lot, every tire will still weather wear and may not even hold air the day you decide to put the travel back into your trailer.
While we are mentioning the tires, we should also point out the wheel bearings and brakes – these two aspects are critical to safely and successfully hauling your trailer whether your next trip is five kilometres or two thousand kilometres.
Get Your RV Serviced at Travel-Mor
And this brings us to the final point, as wheel bearings and brakes are heavily mechanical in nature and need to be serviced properly by a skilled RV service technician.
And this goes for any of the items I have covered throughout this article – if you are not confident you do not have the skill or interest in doing any of these service tasks please book an appointment now at Travel Mor for early in the spring – and have your recreational vehicle properly inspected and serviced.
We all invest money in buying our toys, and RVs are sophisticated toys designed to let you live and play in an environment very much unlike your house or apartment. And just like your house or apartment an RV or trailer needs to be properly maintained and serviced.
Many road trips have been ruined by the refrigerator that will not cool or the slide out which will not properly deploy. Make sure you find any issues and have them fixed before you embark on even the shortest trip at the beginning of the season. Otherwise imagine how you will feel in May/June/July when you see others motoring down the highway while your rig is laid up with an issue you could have had solved as early as March or April.
