Nothing puts a damper on your camping trip quite like discovering a flat tire or leaky faucet! Before you set off on your camping adventure, get your RV ready with this checklist for a safe and stress-free camping trip.
Inspect for Damage
Over the colder months, heavy rainfall or hibernating critters can cause damage.
Check the roof, ventilation, and window seals for water damage. For simple jobs, you can repair it yourself – or hire a professional if the damage is extensive.
Pests love to chew wires, rip upholstery, and leave a mess behind. Mice can get inside the tiniest entryways, so inspect walls and floor for holes so you can patch up any damage.
Check Plumbing and Electrics
Flush out any antifreeze you used in winter so the water pipes are ready to use. While you’re at it, test the water pump, faucets, and toilet to make sure they’re working. If there are any minor leaks or broken parts, they may just need a quick fix.
Next, test the electrical outlets and built-in appliances for faults.
It’s best to be safe, so if you’re not sure what to do, speak to a professional for advice.
Test Batteries and Detectors
Batteries go flat when they go a while without use. Check your batteries and charge or replace them if you need to.
Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. If they don’t seem to function correctly, a simple battery replacement may be all that’s needed.
Finally, fire extinguishers can expire, so double-check the date on yours. If they’re past expiration, don’t risk it — faulty wiring and shorting could start an unexpected fire.
Restock and Replace Inventory
Take stock of small items such as:
- Bedding
- Cooking utensils
- Camping equipment
- First aid kit
If items are lost or broken, it’s better to replace them now before you head out than need it and not have it to hand.
Check your propane tank and fill it up or replace it with a new one — then set it to the ‘off’ position. You’ll also need plenty of food and water. Make sure to take plenty to avoid running out!
Clean Exterior and Interior
Mold and dust make the interior of your camper smelly and unpleasant. Vacuum the floors, upholstery, and drawers to remove crumbs and dust. Clean hard surfaces with disinfectant to kill germs and remove grime. It can help to leave the windows open for a few hours to freshen up the inside, too.
Make sure you close them again before washing the exterior!
Service Tires
Give your tires a once-over to correct the tire pressure and inspect for damage. We’d recommend getting a professional tire service to rotate and replace tires if your RV has been stationary for a while. It’s better to be safe than risk a dangerous blow-out.
With this simple but thorough checklist, we hope you’ll be better prepared for your first camping trip of the season!