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  7. The Ultimate RV Spring Checklist
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  5. Safety & Maintenance
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  7. The Ultimate RV Spring Checklist

The Ultimate RV Spring Checklist

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Before Moving Trailer Out of Storage

  • Inflate tires to proper level.
  • Inspect tires for tread depth, uneven wear, cracking, bubbles.
  • Check tire age (professional inspection required at five years, timed out at seven years).
  • Torque lug nuts to factory specification.
  • Confirm operation of tire-pressure monitoring system.
  • Set mirrors on tow vehicle.
  • Grease hitch ball or kingpin/saddle (or attach lube plate and grease kingpin).
  • Hitch up trailer.
  • Secure safety chains.
  • Attach breakaway-switch cable.
  • Attach sway control if equipped.
  • Connect power cable.
  • Check brake-, tail-, signal and clearance lights.
  • Confirm trailer brakes are working.
  • Adjust brake control as needed.
  • Secure interior doors, including refrigerator and cabinets.
  • Secure exterior compartment doors.
  • Secure patio awning.
  • Make sure antennas are down.
  • Check for updated registration and license-plate tags.

Body/Exterior Inspection/Service

  • Inspect roof condition.
  • Check sealant integrity around vents, TV antenna, satellite dish and all other accessories.
  • Check sealant and caulking integrity at all seams.
  • Look for cracks or tears that can lead to water intrusion.
  • Inspect window frames for signs of leakage; clean weep holes.
  • Inspect caulking around clearance lights and taillights.
  • Inspect caulking around compartment doors and other accessories.
  • Check security of compartment-door latches.
  • Check condition of patio-awning hardware; clean and lubricate as needed.
  • Check condition of window-awning hardware; clean and lubricate as needed.
  • Check slideout-topper tension.
  • Check condition of slide-topper material.
  • Extend all awnings and check fabric integrity; clean if necessary.
  • Lubricate entry- and baggage-door locks (silicone-based dry lube).
  • Clean and lubricate entry-door step (silicone-based dry lube).
  • Clean and treat EPDM, TPO or PVC roof with protectant.
  • Clean and check integrity of roof-vent lids and covers.
  • Check integrity of rear or side ladder hardware and seals.
  • Wash and wax the exterior.

Chassis Inspection

  • Check for excessive rust on the frame and metal parts; paint as needed.
  • Check condition of propane-cylinder mounting bracket, hoses, regulator and cover.
  • Check operation of LP-gas regulator; service by certified technician only.
  • Check level of propane in cylinders; fill if needed.
  • Check condition of suspension equalizer.
  • Inspect spring shackles for adverse wear and replace if needed.
  • Grease all suspension Zerk fittings, if equipped.
  • Operate slideout rooms; lubricate per manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Operate leveling jacks; lubricate as needed.
  • Service wheel bearings per maintenance schedule (12 months or 12,000 miles).
  • Inspect and adjust service brakes (every 3,000 miles or annually).
  • Check batteries for charge condition.
  • Inspect batteries for integrity, age, corrosion, loose cables.
  • Top off battery water if needed.
  • Check gasoline fuel level.
  • Check condition of fuel hose and fuel pump on toy haulers.

House Inspection

  • Have an annual propane leak-down and pressure test performed by a certified technician.
  • Replace batteries in all safety detectors if needed (annually).
  • Test carbon-monoxide and propane detectors.
  • Replace smoke, carbon-monoxide and/or propane detector(s) if out of date.
  • Inspect fire extinguisher(s) for condition, pressure and date.
  • Operate and clean all roof vents.
  • Inspect for ceiling leaks and mildew.
  • Inspect for ceiling leaks inside overhead cabinets.
  • Check for proper operation of all window blinds and replace broken strings or lifting mechanisms.
  • Check all windows for smooth operation and possible defective latches.
    Operate all emergency exits.

System/Appliance Inspection

  • Purge all water lines of antifreeze if winterized.
  • Check anode rod in hot-water tank if equipped; replace if necessary.
  • Pressurize the water system and test faucets, showerhead(s), toilet(s), washer, dishwasher and icemaker for proper operation and leaks.
  • Check low-point drains.
  • Inspect P-traps under sinks and shower pan.
  • Flush the water tank.
  • Sanitize the water system.
  • Test demand-pump operation.
  • Pressurize the water system with the demand pump and listen for cycling to indicate possible water leak in system.
  • Test the air conditioner(s).
  • Service the air-conditioner filter.
  • Inspect the air-conditioner evaporator and condenser for debris and excessive dirt. Professionally clean if needed.
  • Operate the refrigerator.
  • Check the refrigerator vents for debris, signs of rodents and other obstructions.
  • Check the refrigerator burner for excessive rust; service as necessary.
  • Operate the dump valves at a proper facility.
  • Check the vents for the hot-water tank and furnace for debris, signs of rodents and other obstructions.
  • Check the integrity of tank-flushing components.
  • Check the condition of sewer hose(s), fittings and gaskets.
  • Check the stovetop and oven condition and operation.
  • Clean the kitchen exhaust-fan filter.
  • Check interior lights and replace bulbs and fixtures as necessary.
  • Clean the electric fireplace of dust buildup.
  • Test all entertainment and communication components.
  • Install or activate the satellite receiver.
  • Activate or deploy the broadcast-TV and satellite antennas, and check for proper operation and signal.

Generator Inspection and Service

  • Service the generator based on run hours and date.
  • Clean debris in the generator compartment, including signs of rodent infestation.
  • Check the oil level; change oil and filter per maintenance schedule.
  • Check and service the air filter per maintenance schedule.
  • Check and service the fuel filter per maintenance schedule.
  • Run the generator under 50 percent load for 30 minutes.
  • Service the portable generator per maintenance schedule.

Tow Vehicle Checklist

  • Inspect the hitch receiver for rust and wear.
  • Check the tire condition and tread depth.
  • Inflate the tires (cold) for towing service.
  • Check the engine oil.
  • Check the transmission fluid.
  • Check mirror adjustment and function.
  • Check the windshield for cracks and chips.
  • Run the windshield wipers and washer.
  • Check windshield-wiper condition.
  • Turn on headlights at night to check alignment.
  • Check the function of the four-/seven-way receptacle.

Camping season is upon us, so make sure your home on wheels is fully stocked and ready for the road. Whether you’re new to RV camping or a veteran roadtripper, keep this printable checklist in your rig. Spend a little time with our comprehensive spring RV maintenance checklist and kickoff your RV adventures!

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