Spring RV Maintenance Tips for a Smooth Camping Season

Myles here from MnM’s Mobile RV Service with a few tips to get you started on the path to a great camping season.

I know you’re all excited to get set up and start camping, but before you get going, I suggest taking some time for maintenance that could save you some trip interruptions down the road.

Check for Water Intrusion

Water intrusion can be an expensive and devastating occurrence.

To help avoid it, make sure you check your roof and exterior sealants for cracks and gaps. A quick inspection can catch problems before they arise and potentially save you from costly repairs later.

Sanitize Your Water System

Have you ever gotten out to your trailer, started camping, turned on your water, and noticed a foul smell coming from your taps?

Don’t worry, it’s not just you.

This often happens because of bacteria buildup in the water system. That’s why annual water system sanitization is so important.

Sanitizing your water lines, water heater, and fresh water tank each year will not only help eliminate bacteria, but it can also help remove the smell of plumbing antifreeze after de-winterizing.

Don’t Forget About Your Furnace

Most of us are familiar with changing the furnace filter in our homes, but did you know that your RV furnace doesn’t have a filter to change?

Because of this, your furnace can pull in dust, pet hair, and other debris over time. This buildup can lead to major furnace problems if left unchecked.

The good news is that annual appliance servicing can help prevent these issues before they become expensive repairs.

Keep Your Refrigerator Running Efficiently

Like your furnace, your refrigerator can also experience problems due to dust and dirt buildup.

The back of your fridge is exposed to the outside through the louvres in the access door. When debris collects in that area, it can prevent your fridge from cooling properly, affect propane operation, and potentially create a fire hazard.

Regular appliance maintenance can help keep everything running safely and efficiently.

Why Your Battery Still Matters

With seasonal campgrounds being as popular as they are, there are a lot of permanently parked trailers out there.

A common misconception is that because a trailer is plugged into power all the time, it doesn’t need a battery.

While running your trailer without a battery for a short period may be okay, it is not recommended long term.

The battery acts as a filter for the power generated by your converter and helps protect your trailer’s 12-volt electrical system against smaller power surges that may not trip a fuse. Over time, those surges can damage components, including the charging portion of your converter.

If you’ve ever noticed your lights flickering or getting dim before becoming bright again, that can be a sign your converter is struggling.

Make sure you have a good battery installed while using your trailer, but don’t leave it connected throughout the winter.

A Little Maintenance Goes a Long Way

I know all of this information can sound a little daunting, but don’t worry.

If you’re unsure how to perform these maintenance tasks yourself, feel free to reach out to a qualified RV technician. A pre-season inspection, along with water system sanitization and appliance servicing, can help catch small issues before they become big ones.

A little preventative maintenance at the start of the season can help you spend less time dealing with repairs and more time enjoying your camping adventures.

About the Author

Myles Megyesi is a licensed Red Seal Journeyman RV Technician based in Lethbridge, Alberta, with more than 15 years of experience working on all makes and models of RVs. Through MnM’s Mobile RV Service, he provides on-site RV repairs, maintenance, and inspections for RV owners across Southern Alberta.

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