Hey adventure junkies and weekend warriors! Is your wanderlust kicking in with the warmer weather? Mine too! That means it’s time to dust off your RV and get ready to hit the open road. The day we’ve been dreaming of all winter, right? But before you blast “Wagon Wheel” on repeat and peel out of your driveway, there’s a crucial task to accomplish: RV Opening Day Routine!
Let’s be real, after months in storage, your RV might be feeling a little…well, neglected. And if any problems have popped up over the winter we want to know now – not when we’re halfway to South Carolina. Don’t worry! I’ve got you covered with my essential RV Opening Day Routine. Follow these steps, and you’ll be sipping campfire cocktails under the stars in no time!
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1. The Big Unveil: A Visual Inspection
First things first, pull that RV cover back with a flourish! (Think magician trick reveal, but with an RV cover.) Give your whole rig a good once-over. Look for any cracks, leaks, or signs of unwanted visitors (think creepy crawlies ️and critters ). If you spot anything funky, don’t panic! Just make a note to address it before your first adventure.
Step inside your RV and do a visual inspection here too. You especially want to be on the look out for any leaks that may have happened over the winter. Pay special attention to areas by seals or windows.
You’ll want to make sure your RV cover is dry before storing it away so you don’t come back to a moldy surprise come Fall. Leave the cover draped over a fence or spread out in the yard to dry. Then, do your absolute best to fold it up and stuff it back in the bag. (I promise you, nobody can ever actually get it folded neatly enough that the bag will close)
2. Deep Clean: Banishing the Storage Funk
Let’s be honest, whether the RV was stored in your yard, driveway, or a separate storage facility it probably hasn’t been cleaned in months. Grab some disinfectant wipes, all-purpose cleaner, and your favorite tunes. Get ready to banish that musty storage funk! Don’t forget the fridge, oven, and any upholstery that might need some extra TLC.
One of the first steps I take in my essential RV Opening Day routine is to open up all the windows. This lets some fresh air in to brighten up the place. It also helps to not overwhelm yourself with cleaning fumes – lol!
3. Top-Up Time: Fluids, Batteries & More!
Now it’s time to make sure your RV’s insides are happy and healthy. If your RV has it’s own motor check all your fluid levels – oil, coolant, etc. – and top them off if needed. This is also a good time to check your propane tanks and make sure you have enough for your first trip of the season.
If you winterized your RV, remember to drain any antifreeze out of your system before turning anything on.
Don’t forget the battery! Ideally, you should have removed your RV’s battery before storing it for the winter. This helps prolong the battery life and make sure it doesn’t get completely drained over the winter. We actually store ours on this trickle charger which helps keeps the battery healthy and prolong it’s lifespan.
4. Dry Run: Wet Run?
If you have the proper set up at home (or wherever your RV is in storage) it’s always a great idea to do a dry run. Assuming you have the correct voltage outlet, plug in your RV to be sure that works in addition to the battery.
Hook up a hose to your city water connection and run your faucets for a bit. This can help flush out the system, and will also alert you to any leaks that may have stemmed from cracked pipes over the winter.
While you’re connected to power, make sure your slides are working (if you have them). Slide outs can always be a little finicky. So hold your breath and cross your fingers that they go out (and come back in) without a problem!
5. Appliance Check: Fire It Up!
Nothing would be worse than getting to your destination only to find your fridge won’t stay cold, or stove won’t turn on. That’s why the next step on our Essential RV Opening Day Routine is to get all the appliances started! Fire up the fridge, stove, furnace and microwave. Listen for any strange noises or malfunctions and make sure everything gets to temperature as it should
Only test your air conditioning if the outdoor temperatures are above 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Running it at cooler temperatures can actually damage the system.
We also want to take this time to turn on all electronics and make sure those are working. If your RV has a sound system, TVs, fireplace and or outdoor fridge make sure they all turn on!
6. Stock Up Essentials: Be Prepared for Anything!
Packing for your RV is different than throwing a suitcase in the car. Make sure you have a well-stocked first-aid kit, a toolkit for minor repairs, a fire extinguisher and kitchen items you’ll need throughout the season. If you need some inspiration for this we have a whole post called “RV Kitchen Essentials: 20 Items That Don’t Fail“.
Don’t forget the outdoor essentials like camp chairs, a hammock, and of course, those campfire marshmallows!
7. Test Drive Time: Hit the Road (Safely!)
Next up on our Essential RV Opening Day Routine is a quick safety test. Before you head straight for the mountains, take your RV for a short spin around the block. This helps you get comfortable with driving it again and allows you to check things like the brakes, steering, and tire pressure. If you have a travel trailer it will also allow you to check your tow set up and be sure no adjustments are needed. (Safety first, friends!)
8. Celebrate Your Conquest: You’re Ready to Roll!
You did it! Your RV is prepped, packed, and ready to conquer the camping season. Now it’s time to reward yourself. Pop open a celebratory beverage (mocktail for the drivers!), crank up your favorite road trip playlist, and get ready for unforgettable adventures!
So there you have it, friend! With this essential RV Opening Day Routine, you’ll be a camping pro in no time. Now get out there, explore the beauty of nature, and make some amazing memories!
Happy Camping!
P.S. Feel free to share your favorite RVing tips and tricks in the comments below!
