By Jimmy Gerhold | RV Specialist at Riverside Camping Center
📞 Call or text me anytime at 252-404-9207
Spring is here — which means it’s almost go time for RV season. But before you hitch up and roll out, a little spring maintenance can save you a lot of headaches on the road.
I put together this no-BS checklist to help you get your camper, travel trailer, or motorhome road-ready, safe, and fully functional — so you can focus on making memories, not emergency repairs.
🔋 1. Check Your Batteries
Winter storage can be tough on batteries. Start here:
- Reconnect terminals if you disconnected them
- Clean off any corrosion with a mix of baking soda and water
- Top off fluid levels if using lead-acid batteries
- Fully charge and test voltage before hitting the road
Pro tip: If it’s been over 3 years, it might be time to replace.
🛠️ 2. Inspect Seals and Roof for Leaks
Leaks can destroy an RV. Catch ’em early:
- Check the roof seams, vents, and skylights for cracks or lifting sealant
- Inspect windows, doors, and slide-outs for bad seals or gaps
- Reseal any areas with RV-safe sealant
If you’re not comfortable climbing on the roof, give me a shout — I’ll point you to someone I trust locally.
🚿 3. Flush and Sanitize the Water System
You don’t want last year’s water in your tank.
- Reconnect any lines you winterized
- Fill freshwater tank with 1/4 cup bleach per 15 gallons of water
- Run through all faucets, shower, and toilet
- Let it sit for 12 hours, then flush the system with fresh water until bleach smell is gone
🔌 4. Test All Electrical Systems
Plug into shore power or run your generator and test everything:
- Interior and exterior lights
- Outlets and USB ports
- A/C and furnace
- Fridge, microwave, and water heater
- Slide-outs and leveling jacks (if equipped)
Check your fuses and breakers too. Better to find out now than in the middle of a campground.
🛞 5. Inspect Tires
This one’s critical — and often overlooked.
- Check tread depth and sidewalls for dry rot or cracking
- Confirm the DOT date (tires 5+ years old? Replace ’em)
- Inflate to the proper PSI (when cold)
Don’t forget to check the spare tire too.
💨 6. Check Propane System
You’ll need propane for cooking, heating, and hot water.
- Inspect tanks for rust or dents
- Open valves and use a soapy water spray to check for leaks (look for bubbles)
- Test stove burners, water heater, and furnace
Smell gas? Shut it off and get it checked immediately.
🧽 7. Give It a Good Cleaning
Inside and out. You’re about to live in it — treat it like your home:
- Wash the exterior to remove winter grime
- Clean the roof, awnings, and slides
- Vacuum, wipe down surfaces, and disinfect the kitchen & bathroom
- Air it out — open all the windows and let the spring air roll in
🧾 Bonus: Double Check Your Paperwork
Before you hit the highway:
- Make sure your insurance and registration are current
- Keep your roadside assistance info handy
- Pack your manuals, service records, and warranty docs
Ready to Hit the Road?
A well-prepped RV = a stress-free trip. If you need help with any of this — or just want a walkthrough of what to check — I’ve got your back.
📞 Call or text me at 252-404-9207
Whether it’s your first season or your fifteenth, I’ll make sure you’re ready to roll.
See you soon,
– Jimmy
Riverside Camping Center
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