RV Trailer Checklist for Spring Summer
RV trailer Checklist for Spring/Summer
Springtime is always an exciting time for nature lovers. Warm air comes blowing in, the birds come flying back and the forests turn green again. This is the time to take the RV trailer out and go camping. But before you go out enjoying all the spring greenery make sure you get a couple things situated with your RV. The time is now to ensure your RV trailer is functioning properly so no problems occur while camping.
Check the pump connections
Starting off, make sure all of the hoses are properly connected. This will prevent any leaking. You don’t want them to be unplugged for any reason, spilling fluids all over the place. Unchecked, this could cause degradation to your trailer.
Once you’re finished checking the connections of all the hoses start filling the water tank. After the water tank is filled, it’s time to flush the anti-freeze out of the trailers pump system. Take your turn with each water system. For instructional purposes we’ll start with the kitchen sink.
Purge the antifreeze
When you turn on the faucet the antifreeze will begin pouring out. It is normally a pinkish color though can be different color depending on what kind you use). The antifreeze will take a couple of minutes to fully flush out of the system. Once this happens water will start to flush out with it.
When only water is coming out of the faucet it means the system is clear of antifreeze. Let the water run for another minute or two. Then carry out the same process with the other water systems in your trailer (i.e. bathroom sink, toilet, shower, any outdoor shower system, etc.).
Set the flow of water
After your water system is purged of all antifreeze, go to the hub on the outside of the trailer and put the drain plug back in. You will need a socket wrench to do so. Assess how large a socket you will need to plug it up and do so now. Then make sure to switch the bypass valve to the normal flow position. When you’re finished, be sure to fill up the water heater. You don’t want your water to go cold while showering.
Since you’ve switched to the normal flow position get the air out of the system. Just have the faucet on and for a couple of minutes air will come out along with some sputtering of water. All of the air will be purged from the system and then you will have a regular flow of water. Just like purging the antifreeze before, do this same procedure for all of the remaining water systems.
Be sure to fill up your city water tank. Just as before, check the city water’s connections to make sure they are on tight and turn the water on. Test and make sure the heat works for your sinks and shower. Go back outside to where your water heater is located and open your water heater covering. If water comes out it means it is full and you’re RV is ready to go!
What to do when your water is lukewarm
If you ever have a problem with your water being lukewarm, it may seem like a failure in the system needing to be fixed. What it really means is you used a water system like an outdoor shower and turned on both the heat and the cold water.
Even though you might have shut off the water when you were finished, the hot and cold water needed to be returned to their original positions. Otherwise you’ll have both hot and cold water on at the same time and your water will be lukewarm. Return the outdoor water settings back to their original states and you will have hot water again.
Final Inspection
Before you take your RV trailer out, make sure to check the tires too. Ensure the tire tread is good, the bearings are on tight and all greased up. Also check to make sure the brake lights and turning lights are functioning properly. You don't want someone rear ending your trailer because they couldn’t tell you were slowing down.
A minute spent on these preparations is a fortune saved on any potential accidents. If you have any parts needing to be replaced while working on preventative maintenance be sure to contact our RV trailer store. We have the parts you need to fix your trailers and get you out on your upcoming camping trip faster.