How to Dewinterize Your RV for Spring Travel (Step-by-Step Checklist)

After months in storage, lines, seals, batteries, and appliances need attention before that first campground hookup. Learning how to dewinterize your RV for spring travel ensures safe water, reliable power, and trouble-free driving—so your season starts with adventure, not repairs.

Why Dewinterizing Your RV Matters

Winterization protects against freeze damage, but the antifreeze you added, the batteries you disconnected, and the seals that sat all winter now need reversing and verification. A thorough spring RV checklist catches cracks, leaks, low batteries, expired detectors, dry bearings, and tire issues before they become trip-ending problems. For a professional spring inspection, book with Daisy RV.

Tools and Supplies

  • Potable water hose + pressure regulator
  • Non-toxic RV antifreeze (only for flushing remnants)
  • Water filters (fresh set), basic hand tools, flashlight
  • Bleach for sanitizing fresh system
  • Tire gauge/TPMS, torque wrench, multimeter
  • Lubes: dry-lube for slides, rubber conditioner for seals

Need filters, regulators, or sealant? Order pickup or service at Daisy RV.

Step 1: Reverse the Antifreeze

  1. Close all low-point drains and the water heater drain/relief valve.
  2. Return water heater bypass to “normal” (hot water path enabled).
  3. Connect city water through a regulator; open faucets (COLD then HOT) one at a time until pink fluid runs clear. Don’t forget outside shower and toilet sprayer.

Step 2: Sanitize the Fresh Water System

For safe drinking water, sanitize after storage:

  • Mix ¼ cup unscented bleach per 15 gallons of fresh tank capacity; dilute first in a gallon of water.
  • Fill tank, run each fixture until you smell bleach, and let sit 8–12 hours.
  • Drain and refill with fresh water, flushing until the odor is gone (2–3 cycles). Prefer a pro clean? Schedule at Daisy RV.

Step 3: Plumbing, Pumps, and Leaks

  • Inspect P-traps, pump fittings, and the water heater for drips while pressurized.
  • Replace faucet aerators or AAVs (under sinks) if odors or gurgling persist.
  • Verify toilet seal holds water; lube or replace as needed.

Step 4: Batteries, 12V System, and Detectors

  • Reconnect batteries; check resting voltage (12.6V+ lead-acid; ~13.2V LiFePO4).
  • Clean/lube terminals, confirm converter/charger raises voltage under shore power.
  • Test LP/CO and smoke detectors, replace expired units, and check fire extinguishers.

Step 5: LP Gas Systems and Appliances

  • Open cylinder valves slowly; soapy-water test pigtails and regulator connections.
  • Fire each appliance: stove (even blue flame), furnace (steady hot air), water heater (both electric and LP), and fridge (AC and LP if absorption type).

Step 6: Roof, Seals, Slides, and Awnings

  • Inspect roof seams, skylights, and antenna bases; renew cracked sealant.
  • Clean and condition slide/bulb seals; dry-lube slide mechanisms.
  • Extend awnings fully; clean mildew, inspect fabric/arms, and allow to dry before stowing.

Step 7: Tires, Wheels, and Brakes

  • Check DOT dates; replace tires at 5–7 years regardless of tread.
  • Set cold PSI per load charts, not sidewall max; torque lugs to spec.
  • Test trailer brake function and controller gain; listen for bearing noise on a short drive.

Step 8: Chassis and Safety

  • Top fluids (engine, transmission, coolant) and inspect belts/hoses (motorhomes).
  • Grease suspension wet bolts (towables); check shackles, equalizers, shocks.
  • Verify exterior lights, wipers, and hitch hardware.

Step 9: Final Functional Test

  • Fill fresh tank ⅓; run pump; check for cycling with fixtures closed (leak sign).
  • Connect to shore power; ensure A/C, microwave, outlets (GFCI) operate.
  • Leveling system self-test; extend/retract slides and stabilizers.

A thorough how to dewinterize your RV for spring travel routine protects your season and your investment. Prefer all-in-one spring service? Book a dewinterization package at Daisy RV.

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