What’s the worst thing you’ve found in your RV after winter? A surprise mouse nest? Chewed-up wires? That unmistakable smell of something living where it shouldn’t be? Every spring, I fully expect to find some kind of unwelcome surprise—mouse poop, broken seals, tires that look fine but aren’t, and an exterior that’s absolutely filthy (because let’s be real, we don’t cover ours).
That’s why it’s worth doing a full check before your first trip. One, for safety—because no one wants to deal with a tire blowout or propane leak when they’re supposed to be relaxing. And two, because it’s way easier to hit the store for supplies before you realize mid-trip that your water filter is toast or your fridge refuses to cool.
Here’s a full checklist to dewinterize, clean, and prep your RV so you can get back to what actually matter… hitting the road.
1. Exterior Inspection & Cleaning
Your RV has been sitting all winter, exposed to the elements. Before you hit the road, take a few minutes to really inspect it—catching small issues now can save you major issues later. When’s the last time you really looked at your RV?
- Check for cracks, leaks, or damage on the roof, walls, windows, and seals.
- Inspect caulking around windows, doors, vents, and seams—replace if cracked or peeling.
- Check end caps on the bumper (replace if loose or missing).
- Wash and wax the exterior to remove dirt and protect against UV rays.
- Inspect the roof for cracks, soft spots, or missing sealant.
- Clean and inspect exterior storage compartments.
- Test slide-outs and awnings to ensure they extend and retract smoothly.
- Inspect awning fabric for tears, mildew, or damage.
- Lubricate moving parts to prevent sticking and ensure smooth operation.
- If you have solar panels, check the wiring and mounting brackets.
- Inspect roof vents and fan covers for debris or nests.
2. Dewinterize the Water System
Your plumbing system has been hibernating, but it’s time to wake it up. Flushing out antifreeze, checking for leaks, and replacing filters ensures clean, safe water for drinking and showering. Did you use RV antifreeze this winter? Then it’s time to flush it out.
- Drain any remaining antifreeze from the system.
- Flush the system with fresh water until the water runs clear.
- Sanitize the fresh water tank with a bleach solution (1/4 cup of bleach per 15 gallons of water, let sit for a few hours, then flush).
- Check for leaks in water lines, faucets, and connections.
- Replace any water filters (sink, fridge, inline, or whole system).
- Check the anode rod in the water heater and replace if corroded.
3. Plumbing & Bathroom Maintenance
A leaky toilet or clogged shower is no way to start a trip. Taking the time to check your bathroom fixtures now means fewer unpleasant surprises when you’re miles from a hardware store. What’s worse—realizing your toilet is leaking before your trip or during it?
- Check the toilet seal—pour water into the bowl and see if it holds.
- Lubricate the toilet seal with silicone spray (avoid petroleum-based products).
- Inspect and clean showerheads and sink aerators for sediment buildup.
- Ensure all drain traps are free of debris.
- Check the water heater for leaks and flush out any sediment.
- Check that the water heater switches properly between electric and propane modes.
4. Rodent & Bug Inspection
Mice and insects love making a winter home in an idle RV. Look for droppings, nests, and chew marks—preventing an infestation now is far easier than dealing with one later. You weren’t using your RV, but that doesn’t mean something wasn’t.
- Check cabinets, storage areas, and behind appliances for rodent droppings or nests.
- Inspect wiring and insulation for signs of chewing.
- Look for any holes or gaps where pests could have entered—seal them up.
- Set traps or use repellents if needed.
- Check the fridge vent and exterior access panels for wasp nests or spider webs.
- Inspect roof vents, bumpers, and fan covers for debris or nests.
5. Electrical & Battery Check
Nothing kills the excitement of a road trip faster than a dead battery or a dark interior. Checking connections and charging batteries now keeps everything running smoothly later.
- Test the RV battery—check voltage and recharge if needed.
- Inspect battery terminals for corrosion and clean if necessary.
- Check all interior and exterior lights—replace burnt-out bulbs.
- Test power outlets and appliances.
- If you have a generator, check the oil level, air filter, and run it for a few minutes.
- If you use solar, test your charge controller and inverter for proper operation.
- Check your tech—make sure your GPS is updated, your RV apps are synced, and your data/hotspot plans are active
6. HVAC System Check
Your heating and cooling systems keep your RV comfortable—make sure they’re working properly before you need them.
- Turn on the heater and let it run to ensure it functions correctly.
- Turn on the air conditioner and check for proper cooling.
- Clean or replace the AC filter—clogged filters reduce efficiency and air quality. (Here’s a video of me cleaning our filter.)
- Inspect the furnace exhaust to ensure nothing made a nest inside.
7. Propane System & Appliances
Your stove, water heater, and fridge rely on propane, so make sure everything is working properly. A simple leak test now can prevent major issues when you’re out in the wild. Nothing like planning to cook at camp only to realize your stove won’t light.
- Open propane tank valves slowly and listen for hissing sounds (a sign of leaks).
- Do a soapy water test on propane connections—bubbles mean there’s a leak.
- Check the stove, water heater, and furnace—light each appliance to ensure it’s working.
- Make sure the fridge switches between propane and electric properly.
8. Black & Gray Tanks
Your tanks should be empty, but that doesn’t mean they’re clean. Flushing, inspecting, and adding treatment helps prevent clogs, bad odors, and unexpected plumbing issues. Your tanks should have been emptied before winter, but they still need attention.
- Flush out any remaining antifreeze from the system.
- Inspect the black and gray tanks for leaks or buildup.
- Add a holding tank treatment to break down waste and control odors.
9. Lubricate Hinges, Locks & Moving Parts
Doors that stick, squeaky steps, and stiff locks can make your trip annoying fast. A little lubrication goes a long way in keeping things running smoothly. If it squeaks now, it’ll only get worse.
- Apply dry lube or silicone spray to all door hinges, locks, and storage compartments.
- Lubricate slide-out rails and check seals for cracks.
- Grease stabilizer jacks and steps for smooth operation.
- For an easy-to-use option, try the WD-40 Pen for precise application on small parts and hinges.
10. Tires, Brakes & Suspension
Your tires are the only thing between you and the road—don’t take them for granted. A thorough check ensures a smooth and safe ride. Are you still rolling on last season’s air?
- Check tire pressure and inflate to the recommended PSI.
- Look for cracks, bulges, or uneven wear on tires.
- Torque lug nuts to proper specs.
- Inspect brakes and grease wheel bearings if necessary.
- RV wheel bearings should be repacked with grease once a year or every 10,000 to 12,000 miles, whichever comes first.
11. Fire Safety Check
You never expect an emergency, but being prepared can make all the difference. Make sure your fire extinguisher, smoke detector, and carbon monoxide detector are in working order. This takes two minutes. Just do it.
- Inspect the fire extinguisher—make sure it’s fully charged and not expired.
- Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors—press the test button to check for a beep.
- Replace detector batteries if needed.
- Ensure the propane leak detector is functioning.
12. Stock Up on Essentials
You don’t want to realize you’re missing something important once you’re already at the campsite. Checking supplies now means fewer last-minute stops later. What’s missing from your RV right now?
- Restock the first aid kit with bandages, medications, and other necessities.
- Replace expired pantry items and stock up on non-perishable foods.
- Refill propane and fresh water before your first trip.
Get Ready to Hit the Road
What’s your first trip of the season? A quick weekend getaway? A long-haul adventure? Either way, you’ll be glad you took the time to get everything in order before you pulled out of the driveway.
This post contains a few affiliate links—if you click and buy, I might earn a few cents (truly). It helps offset hosting costs, and I only recommend products we actually use while living full-time in our R-Pod 192.
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