I recently wrote about de-winterizing your RV before your first trip, but after writing it, I realized there’s a little more to getting your RV ready for your first trip than just de-winterizing. This is also a great time to do some cleaning and preventative maintenance.

Spring Clean Your RV and Get Ready for Your First Trip of the Year

1. Inspect the roof

Carefully climb up on the roof and look for holes. Flex Tape is good for sealing holes on the outside, but you’ll also need to check inside for signs up water damage in the ceiling and walls.

Check the seals around the AC unit, the vents and fans, and anything else that sticks up through the roof surface. Dicor 501LSW-1 EPDM Self-Leveling Lap Sealant is good for renewing those seals. If you don’t feel confident making any needed repairs, make note of them for the repair shop.

2. Lubricate slide mechanisms and apply seal protectant

Slides need maintenance as well. Use slide lube to keep the mechanisms running smoothly.
Use rubber seal conditioner to keep the seals around the slides from cracking and letting water or pests in.

3. Thoroughly clean the outside of your RV

Wash the dirt and grime of the winter off the outside. As you do so, inspect the window seals, cargo bay doors, and so on. Make note of any damage that needs to be repaired.

4. Thoroughly clean the inside of your RV

Clean any detritus from your last trip or dust that settled over the winter. Don’t forget to remove the screens from the vents and fans to clean out leaves and dead insects. Note any damage that needs to be repaired. If rodents or their droppings are found, clean thoroughly and set traps. (go here for some ideas on how to catch them and to keep them out)

5. Take care of any damage

If it’s something you can’t fix yourself, make an appointment with a reputable RV body shop or dealership to get it fixed. Shops frequently get backed up during the busy seasons, so don’t delay getting needed repairs taken care of.

6. Check fluids and tires

Take your RV in for an oil change, to get other fluids topped off, and to get the tires filled, inspected for wear, and rotated. Or, if you’re so inclined, do it yourself. Either way, make sure everything is in good running order and ready so your first road trip of the year isn’t derailed by mechanical problems.

7. Check the generator and propane tank(s)

Start the generator and do any recommended maintenance (check oil, etc). Follow the recommendations in the owner’s manual that came with the generator/RV. Check the propane tanks and fill them, if necessary.

8. Check the water

If you didn’t already do so when you de-winterized, make sure the water is running well, the water heater is working, and that there’s no leaks in the pipes.

9. Prep for your first trip

Check your linen, dishes, toiletries, and whatever else that you keep in your RV. Wash as needed and replace anything out of date.

10. Purchase those items you’ve been meaning to get for your RV

Maybe it’s an outdoor rug or a wall-mounted soap dispenser for the shower, but now is a great time to make some small upgrades. Check out my guides for some ideas that will make setup easier and RV life more enjoyable.