If you’re looking forward to summer adventures in your RV, now is the time to get it ready for the road. With this guide, you can prep your RV so that it’s road trip ready, and you can focus on having fun with the family. Discover all of the best tips from NSA Storage, and make sure your next RV adventure is fun-filled and stress-free!

Step-by-Step On How to Prep Your RV

Below you’ll find a step-by-step checklist for prepping your RV before you get underway this summer. From cleaning and repairs to restocking, follow the list to prep your RV like a pro!

1. Inspect your RV’s Exterior Thoroughly

The exterior of your RV can take a lot of damage during the winter, especially if stored outside. Thoroughly checking the exterior is important, including the following;

• Look for any cracks in the roof and windows, especially at the seals.
• Check for any damage caused by ice, snow, or wind.
• Ensure that all doors and windows close tightly.
• Wash your RV thoroughly to remove any dirt and grime that accumulated over the winter.
• Wax your RV to protect it from the sun’s UV rays.

2. Take a Good Look at Your Tires

A flat tire during a road trip can put a big dent in your summer adventures. To prevent that, be sure to do the following;

• Inflate all tires to their proper PSI. (It should be listed in your RVs manual.)
• Inspect every tire for any flat spots spots or deep cracks
• Go around to each tire and tighten the lug nuts.
• Check your spare tire to make sure it’s in good shape.

Important Tip– Even if your tires look fine, if they’re more than six years old, experts recommend replacing them. Dry rot is a big problem for RV tires.

3. Test the Brakes

Whether your RV is big or small, your safety depends on having brakes that function correctly. To make sure they do, take a short, slow spin around your block to test them. If they don’t seem to be working perfectly, have your mechanic check them and replace any worn brake pads.

4. Flush Your RV’s Water System

Clean, running water is important for any summer road trip, especially if you go to the beach and swim in salty water. Before leaving home, be sure to run through these checks:

• Turn on all of your faucets and showers to check for leaks.
• Connect your RV to a clean water source and flush its entire water system.
• Test your toilet(s) and shower(s) to ensure they’re functioning correctly.
• Use an RV-approved bleach or sanitizer to sanitize your freshwater tank. Let it sit for about 12 hours and then flush and sanitize it again.
• Check all hoses and water supply connectors for leaks.
• Refill your water tank with fresh, clean water before you leave.

5. Test the Lights and Electrical System

Having a dependable electrical system in your RV is, understandably, important. To ensure it’s working properly, do the following:

• Turn on all of the interior and exterior lights to make sure they’re working.
• Check every outlet and the power cord.
• Inspect the breakers to be sure they’re all functioning.
• Replace any bulbs or blown fuses you find.
• If your RV has a generator, be sure to test it.

Important Tip– Take along a few extra fuses as well as power adapters and extension cords, just in case.

6. Inspect All the RV’s Appliances 

If you’ll be living in your RV, having appliances that work is a must. After all, you’ll need to keep your food fresh, and be able to cook it. To be sure you eat well during your summer RV adventure, be sure to:

• Check your refrigerator to be sure it’s getting and staying cold.
• If you have a water heater, check to be sure that it’s functioning properly.
• Test your stove top, microwave, or other appliances to make sure they’re working.
• Turn on the air-conditioning and make sure it’s blowing cold air at the correct level.

7. Have Your RV’s Oil and Fluids Checked and Changed

Your RV depends on engine oil and other fluids to run correctly and get you where you want to go. Before leaving on your summer RV adventure, be sure to:

• Check the oil, transmission fluid, and brake fluid.
• If needed, refill the windshield wiper fluid.
• Check all coolant levels and also check for leaks. If you’re not sure how to do that, ask your RV dealer.

8. Clean and Organize the Interior of Your RV

While it won’t make a difference in getting to your destination, having a clean and organized RV will make the trip more enjoyable. Be sure to:

• Wipe down all flat surfaces including countertops and cabinets.
• Vacuum your carpets and sweep the floors.
• Check all bed and bathroom linens and, if needed, wash or replace them.
• Restock cleaning supplies like paper towels, soap, and toiletries.
• Open the windows to let in some fresh air and get rid of any unpleasant odors.

9. Check Your RV’s Registration and Insurance

Although unpleasant, accidents can happen when you’re traveling the highways and byways of the United States. For that reason, it’s extremely important that you check your RVs registration and insurance before leaving. Be sure to:

• Check that your RV registration is current.
• Check that your insurance is up-to-date and valid.
• Put copies of all document documents in a folder and place them somewhere safe inside your RV.

Important Tip– If you don’t have it, consider adding roadside assistance to your insurance. If your RV breaks down or you have a problem on the road, roadside assistance can be invaluable.

10. Restock All Essentials

You’ll need a lot of essentials to make sure your summer RV adventure goes smoothly. It’s best to restock all of them before you leave. That way, you won’t have to waste time finding them at a store when you’re on the road. Here’s a quick list:

• A first aid kit
• A fire extinguisher
• A flashlight and rechargeable batteries
• Toilet paper made specifically for RVs
• An extra water hose
• Cooking tools and supplies
• A basic tool set
• Cleaning supplies
• A sewer hose and heavy duty gloves

Fun Tip– Be sure to bring board games and toys for the kids as well as books if you love to read.

Store Your RV When the Summer Adventures are Over

If you prep your RV well, you’ll have a great time on the road without too many hiccups. We hope the RV prepping tips above help you prep your RV and make some magical memories this summer!

At select NSA Storage facilities, you can store your RV in the off season so it’s not taking up room in your garage or driveway. Many of our safe, secure storage facilities have covered RV storage for the ultimate protection from the elements. Reserve your RV storage space online today. Until then, have a fantastic summer traveling the country in your fully-prepped RV!