Hey, Mavericks!
You know that feeling when winter finally starts to melt away and the open road starts calling again? Yeah. It's time.
Whether you’ve got a motorhome, a travel trailer, or a 5th wheel RV, now’s the moment to dust off the cobwebs, check your gear, and get that rig road-ready.
This isn’t just about turning the key and hitting the gas—prepping your RV for the season is the difference between cruising into your first campground and calling roadside assistance an hour into the trip.
So let’s run through the essential steps to kick off RV season right. 💥
🌟 Step 1: Exterior Check-Up
Let’s start with the outside of your RV. After months of sitting (often in snow, rain, or under a tarp), it deserves a good once-over.
What to do:
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Check the roof and seals for cracks or water damage
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Inspect tires for cracks, wear, or low pressure
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Look for rust, damage, or signs of nesting critters
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Test your exterior lights and brake lights
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Wash and wax to protect your rig from UV damage
Don’t forget your awnings and slide toppers. Give ‘em a clean and a visual inspection too.
⚡ Step 2: Battery & Electrical Systems
Batteries can lose charge or even freeze during the off-season. Before anything else, let’s make sure you’re powered up.
Checklist:
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Recharge and reinstall your batteries (if stored indoors)
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Clean terminals and check for corrosion
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Test your converter and inverter
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Plug in shore power to check your interior lights and outlets
🚔 Step 3: Brake Check & Hitch Inspection
Whether you’re towing a travel trailer, a 5th wheel RV, or rolling in a motorhome, your brakes and hitch setup need to be in tip-top shape.
Inspect:
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Brake pads and rotors for wear
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Electric brake system connections
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Hitch, coupler, and breakaway cable (replace if frayed!)
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Torque on hitch bolts and pins
If your rig has a 5th wheel hitch or weight distribution setup, make sure it’s still dialed in for your current load.
💧 Step 4: Water System Sanitation
Your fresh water tank's been sitting all winter. Let’s not make your first trip a stomachache waiting to happen.
To-do:
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De-winterize your plumbing system
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Flush your fresh water tank thoroughly
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Sanitize the system with a diluted bleach solution
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Reconnect and test water pump and water heater
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Check for leaks at every fixture and connection
🔧 Step 5: Tires, Tires, Tires
We mentioned tires earlier, but let’s be real—they deserve their own spotlight. Blowouts are no joke.
Tire tips:
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Inflate to the correct PSI (check when cold!)
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Look for dry rot or cracking
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Check your spare (yes, really)
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Re-torque lug nuts before your first drive
🔋 Step 6: Propane & Appliances
Gas-powered appliances = comfort. But not if they’re leaking or failing.
Checklist:
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Inspect propane tanks for rust or damage
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Test all LP connections with soapy water
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Fire up the fridge, stove, furnace, and water heater
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Replace any weird-smelling or malfunctioning parts
✅ Step 7: Interior Clean & Safety Check
You never know what snuck in over winter. Time for a good interior sweep.
Inside Tasks:
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Vacuum and wipe down all surfaces
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Check for mold or mildew
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Test smoke & CO detectors
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Restock emergency kits and fire extinguishers
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Replace any expired pantry goods or meds
🚍 Bonus: Don’t Forget Your Leveling Gear
You made it through winter. You prepped your RV. But the last thing you want to do is roll into your first site and find out your jacks are sinking into soft ground or wobbling on uneven gravel.
That’s why GrabPad should be the first thing you pack for RV season.
With up to 200% more surface area than your standard jack foot and a Terrain-Flex design for uneven terrain, GrabPad keeps your RV level and locked in—whether you're boondocking in the desert or parked on a concrete pad.
Ready to roll? GrabPad's got your back.
💬 Final Thoughts
A little prep now saves a lot of headaches later.
Check your systems, clean things out, tighten everything up, and roll into RV season with confidence.
You’ve got the rig. You’ve got the plan. And with GrabPad under your jacks? You’re ready for anything.
Stay level. Stay wild. Let’s hit the road. 🚗