As we head towards cooler temperatures a few preventive maintenance checks to help prepare your RV for the fall and winter camping seasons can go a long way. Here are a few quick tips to get you started prepping for a new season of camping at your favorite campground.
1. Inspect your RV batteries
Inspect the battery cables and connectors for any damage, and for secure connections. Look for any signs of corrosion. Corroded battery terminals or swollen and corroded battery cables will severely reduce a battery’s performance. Clean any dirty battery terminals and connectors using a 50/50 mixture of baking soda and warm water. Replace any corroded battery cables.
If you have lead-acid batteries check the electrolyte level in each cell and add distilled water as needed. Only fill a battery cell to 1/8 inch below the vent well in the cell. Overfilling battery cells can cause battery acid to overflow.
Note: Water should only be added after fully charging the battery unless the water level is already below the plates. The plates need to be covered at all times.
Test the battery state-of-charge and charge any batteries that are at or below 80 percent. A discharged or partially-charged battery will freeze much faster than a fully-charged battery. Use a digital voltmeter to measure voltage for a quick picture of the batteries’ depth of discharge. If you don’t feel comfortable working on or around batteries have a reputable RV service center perform battery maintenance for you.
Note: A 12-volt battery that is charged should read 12.7 volts. Readings less than 12.5 indicate the battery state of charge is below 80 percent and the battery needs to be charged. A 6-volt battery that is charged should read 6.37 volts. Readings below 6.25 indicate the battery state of charge is below 80 percent and the battery needs to be charged.
2. Test automotive antifreeze in the RV or tow vehicle
The antifreeze in your tow vehicle or motorhome’s radiator should always have a 50 to 70-percent concentration of antifreeze to water. Water does a good job in keeping the engine cool, but it freezes quickly during cold winter temperatures. Water can also cause certain metals to rust and corrode over time. The proper concentration of antifreeze is necessary to provide freeze protection and chemical protection against corrosion.
Note: To test the automotive antifreeze, use quality test strips, a float-type hydrometer or a refractometer. A refractometer is the most accurate testing device.
Inspect all coolant hoses for signs of damage or leaks. Coolant hoses deteriorate from the inside out. Inspect all hoses for wear, cracks, soft spots, brittle areas and leaks. Inspect hose clamps for secure mounting and replace any damaged coolant hoses or clamps as required.
3. Use a fuel stabilizer product like STA-BIL
Fuel stabilizers provide excellent protection against stale fuel during periods of storage. They contain corrosion inhibitors, remove water and help clean fuel injectors. There are fuel stabilizers designed for use with gasoline and diesel engines.
4. Furnace checkup
One LP gas appliance that gets overlooked during warm weather is the forced-air furnace. Most service requirements for the furnace need to be accomplished by a reputable RV service center, but there are a few things the owner can do to prepare the furnace for cold-weather operation.
The battery plays an important role in the proper operation of the furnace. Keeping lead-acid batteries watered and fully charged will prevent many furnace-related problems. Inspect furnace ducting that is above floor level for any damage, such as crushed ducting or obstructions that could affect furnace operation. Make sure the furnace air return is not blocked or restricted. Test the operation of the furnace before the day arrives when you actually need it. Have a certified technician test your LP-gas system annually for proper appliance operating pressure and leaks.
5. Inspect all safety devices and replace all dry-cell batteries
Carbon monoxide is deadly. Test the CO detector, LP-gas leak detector and smoke alarm for proper operation every time you use your RV. Instruct individuals on symptoms, and what to do if they are exposed to carbon monoxide or if they hear the LP-gas leak detector alarm. Replace all dry-cell batteries when you change the settings on your clocks in the spring and fall. Make sure you have a charged fire extinguisher on hand and that you and other adults know how to operate it.
6. Clean, inspect and reseal your RV roof
Not that this is directly related to fall or winter use, but I like to inspect the roof twice a year, at a minimum, and I think spring and fall are good times of the year to make these checks.
Note: Exercise caution any time you work on the roof of your RV. The roof’s surface can be slippery and a fall can result in serious injury, or worse. If you are not comfortable working on the RV roof have these checks done by a qualified RV service center.
Clean your RV roof with an approved cleaner for the type of roofing material your RV has. Every time you clean the roof inspect the sealants around all of the openings and the seams on the roof. Water will take the path of least resistance, and if there is the smallest opening it will find it. Thoroughly inspect the roof sealants for potential leaks and reseal any areas of the roof seams and around openings where you suspect a potential leak. Make sure you use sealants compatible with your roofing material. Keep in mind that your warranty can be voided if you fail to perform some of these required inspections. Check your RV owner’s manual for roof inspection intervals.
7. Plan for non-use
If you don’t plan to use your RV over the fall and winter months, winterize the plumbing system to prevent freezing, and prepare all other systems for short or long-term storage.
There are other checks you could make, but this is a good start to prepare your RV for some cold weather camping. If you plan to winterize and store your RV as opposed to using it this winter check out our RV Winterizing and Storing Online Course.
KOA’s resident RV expert, Mark Polk, and his wife Dawn started RV Education 101 in 1999. Since that time RV Education 101 has helped educate millions of RV owners and RV enthusiasts on how to properly and safely use and maintain their RV. Mark’s favorite past times are RVing in their 35-foot Type A motorhome, and restoring vintage RVs, classic cars and trucks. For more information on how to learn about RVs the easy way, visit RV Education 101. Be sure to check out their RV Online Training Site too!
