285 Industrial Circle – Mifflintown, PA 17059

Toll Free: (877) 714-0415 | Local: 717-436-8883

Welcome to the Juniata Valley RV Blog

Guide to Seasonal RV Maintenance

As the weather warms, the time comes to uncover your camper and get ready for camping season! After long, cold months in storage, a spring RV inspection is often necessary. Before you head to the first campground of the season, you’ll want to make sure your RV is clean and ready to go. Avoid RV breakdowns and campground headaches: check out these tips for taking your RV out of winter storage before you get back on the road!

General Inspection

Before you get to the more detailed steps, it’s a good idea to check that all the basics are covered. This includes your power source, doors, windows, and propane. Confirm that all of these are functional before digging deeper into your spring RV inspection. If you run into issues with any of these, it’s likely time to consult the RV service technicians at Juniata Valley RV’s service department.

A woman seals the RV interior with caulk.

Electrical Checkup

After you’ve confirmed your RV’s power source is functional, it’s time to check individual power outlets. With the right tools, troubleshooting outlet issues can be a pretty simple process. First, check the generator circuit breaker(s) and reset. Next, check outlets and reset after you turn on the generator. We sometimes have to do that to get the outlets to work.

If you’re still having trouble, recheck and reset all your 120 Volt breakers in the main house panel after you turn on the generator. Check for power when you leave the generator. If the outlets still do not have power, the diagnosis may involve a power transfer switch. If so, contact our service department so we can help you get this fixed right away.

Sealing Leaks and Cracks

It may not seem like a big deal, but during a spring RV inspection you’ll want to check for leaks and cracks that may have occurred during the off season. Moisture can seep in over the winter and create an RV owner’s nightmare: mold! Make sure to check all windows for old caulk. If needed, remove and repair the area with new caulk after. If it’s going to rain, wait until you know you’re going to have clear weather for at least 24 hours to ensure a clean, dry repair.

Check the Tires

After months in storage, your RV tires are likely deflated. Before you hit the road, you need to do this essential step in RV dewinterization. Driving an RV, or even towing an RV, on underinflated tires can be dangerous, possibly leading to a blowout or an accident. You should use a tire pressure gauge to check PSI and reinflate your tires to the manufacturer’s recommendations. You can search these recommendations online or consult your owner’s manual.

Aside from reinflating, you should inspect your tires for overall quality. This includes checking for cracks in the sidewall and examining the tread. If your tires look worn down, it’s a good idea to replace them before the camping season starts.

RV mechanic pushes jack under vehicle.

Wash and Inspect the RV Exterior

The last step to a spring RV inspection is a wash and wax. You can use a mild car washing soap, a big sponge for scrubbing and a microfiber towel to wipe down your RV. A thorough wipe-down to dry off the RV can prevent water marks. Make sure you wash the roof, the wheels, windows and panels. Check awnings for mold growth or tears as you may want to replace them before hitting the road. Once you’re done with the wash and dry, apply a generous coat of wax to get that like-new shiny look.

Man opens a camper fridge during a spring RV inspection.

Clean and Inspect the Interior

Your RV is probably stuffy and full of stale air after months closed up in storage. You can start your interior inspection by opening all the doors and windows, which allows your RV to air out. While you do this, you can also clean any dust or dirt that settled on the surfaces, as well as vacuum the floors.

We recommend opening the fridge and cabinets as well to let them air out. You should keep an eye out for any unwanted settlers who may have taken refuge in your RV during the winter, like spiders, mice and squirrels. Finally, check your ceiling for discoloration, which may be a sign of leaks.

Getting Back on the Road

Juanita Valley RV has an array of supplies you may need for repairs including awning accessories, plumbing supplies, a variety of vent covers, light bulbs, drain hoses and so much more. If you’re ready for a new RV this spring, you can contact us for a fair trade in. Browse new RVs for sale on our website, and stop in, give us a call, or contact us online when you’re ready to find out more!

Begin Your Adventure

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Join our mailing list to receive the latest news and updates from our team. You'll get camping tips, featured units, special events, and more...

You have Successfully Subscribed!