Spring is finally here, and that means one thing: time to get your RV ready for the season ahead. More importantly, time to get your RV ready for summer road trips. After all, what’s the fun of camping in the great outdoors if you can’t also spend time at the beach?
Related blog: Top 10 Things New RV Owners Should Know
As it happens, there are quite a few things you can do to make sure your RV stays in tip-top shape all throughout the hot summer months. Here’s how to get started:
Deep Clean
First things first: you’ve gotta deep clean your RV if only to get that funky smell out of it. And by deep clean, we mean everything inside. The walls, the ceiling, the floor, the bed, the kitchen cabinets, the stove, and the refrigerator. And don’t hold back on using the washable and reusable cleaning products you bought for your trip; after all, there’s no reason to let all that grossness build up inside your rig during the off-season.
Wash
It’s spring cleaning time, and that means washing. Yes, your RV’s exterior may be clean, but there’s still a ton of dirt, dust, and grime that’s collected inside. And with all the windows, doors, and vents of an RV providing a convenient way for dust to enter, you’re looking at quite a dense layer.
What’s the best way to get that stuff out? Wash, of course! And you don’t have to stick with basic soap and water, either. You can use baking soda and vinegar to get a deep clean while removing stains and odors. Just mix together a solution of one part baking soda with three parts water and use a scrub brush to clean your RV’s washable items.
Check For Leaks
One of the best ways to protect your investment is to take a look around for any leaks. Sure, you may have gotten a thorough cleaning, but what about those water spots and condensation inside your RV? You may have even found a leaky faucet, crack in the foundation, or a worn-out roof vent.
To check for leaks, start by taking a look around the roof and foundation for any signs of moisture. If you notice any damp spots or rust-colored stains, chances are you have a leaky roof or foundation. And if you’ve found a leaky roof, check out this how-to to prevent it from happening again.
Maintain
Keeping your RV in shape for summer means regular maintenance, not only for the outside but also for the inside. In fact, the inside of your RV is probably dirtier than the outside; after all, dust and dirt live in the crevices of your rig, so vacuuming the inside is a great way to get rid of the majority of the grime.
Once you’ve gotten rid of most of the dirt and dust, it’s time to focus on the maintenance of your RV’s major systems. Keep your A/C running to keep the inside cool, and don’t forget to change your air filter as needed. Keep an eye on the levels in your propane tank as well; while it’s not necessary to top it off every month like you would a lawnmower, it’s important to keep it around 80 percent full at all times so there’s enough for when you need it.
Don’t Forget The Toilet
Yes, we know toilets are gross. But you can’t ignore them when it comes to keeping your RV clean. After all, the toilet isn’t just a toilet; it’s your toilet, the place where you do your business and then flush away the grime and odor. And the same goes for your septic tank.
To clean your toilets, start by getting rid of any excess toilet paper or kitty litter from the bowl. (Seriously, we know it’s gross, but it adds to the mess.) Scrub the bowl with warm water and a mild cleanser, and then pour in some vinegar. Let it sit for a few minutes and then scrub it out again. For your septic tank, start with a cleanout once a year to get rid of any excess build-up. But for the most part, you just have to be careful not to overfill it.
Change The Oil
One of the most important things you can do to keep your RV in top shape for the summer is to change the oil. Yes, we know you did it last fall, and you’re probably thinking, “Are you kidding? I’ll never get around to doing that.” Well, guess what? This is the perfect time to do it!
While it’s not necessary to change the oil in your RV every month like you would a car, you should change the oil in your RV at least once a year. Why? Because unlike your car, which is only driven a few miles each day, your RV is constantly on the road. Modern motor homes, recreational vehicles, and trailers such as RVs use more oil than a car does and can burn through a quart every 500 to 600 miles.
Protect The Paint
One of the most important things you can do to keep your RV in great shape for the summer protects the paint. After all, an RV is made of many layers of different paints and varnishes, and if you don’t take good care of them, all of that paint can start to bubble, peel, and flake.
The best way to protect your RV’s paint is to regularly apply a high-quality exterior paint protection product. Why? Because it gives your RV’s exterior that extra layer of TLC that it needs to stand up to the elements while keeping its shine.
There are many different types of paint protection products on the market, and they come in many different forms. They can be sprays, liquids, waxes, or stains, and they can be used on any exterior paint job, including your RV. There are even self-application options that allow you to get the perfect application without having to hire a professional.
Related blog: RV Spring Decorating Ideas to Make Your Home Feel Like Spring All Year Long
Conclusion
Spring is a great time to get your RV ready for summer. After all, the summer months are some of the most popular times to use your RV. Whether you’re hitting the road for a little family vacation or planning on staying at home for the summer, these tips will help keep your RV in great shape!
Relate blog: Get Your RV Winter-Ready with These Simple Hacks
Let us help you find the Best RV Parks in Southern California (specifically in Bakersfield, CA) for you and your family, visit our website, and let’s get started.
