De-winterizing your RV is an exciting process, signaling the start of camping season! It involves reversing the winterization steps and ensuring all your RV systems are functioning correctly after being in storage. Here’s a comprehensive guide to what’s involved:  

1. Initial Inspection:

• Exterior Check: Walk around your RV and inspect for any signs of damage that might have occurred during the winter. Look for cracks in the roof, sidewalls, windows, and seals. Check for any peeling sealant around windows, doors, vents, and other openings.
• Tire Inspection: Check tire pressure with a reliable gauge. Inflate tires to the recommended PSI (found on the tire sidewall or in your owner’s manual). Inspect tires for any cracks, bulges, or uneven wear.  
• Battery Check: Examine the battery terminals for corrosion and clean them if necessary. Ensure the battery is securely connected. Check the battery’s charge level and charge it fully if needed. If you removed the battery for storage, reinstall it.  

2. Re-Commissioning the Water System:

• Drain Antifreeze: Open all faucets (hot and cold), showers (inside and outside), and the toilet. Turn on the water pump or connect to city water to flush the non-toxic RV antifreeze from the water lines. Continue until clear water runs from all outlets. Don’t forget to flush the toilet several times.  
• Open Low Point Drains: Open the low point drain valves again to ensure all antifreeze and residual water is expelled. Close them securely afterward.  
• Water Heater:
  • Remove Bypass: If you bypassed your water heater for winterization, turn the bypass valves back to the normal operating position so the tank can fill.
  • Replace Drain Plug/Anode Rod: Reinstall the water heater drain plug or anode rod, ensuring it’s properly sealed (use Teflon tape if needed). If your anode rod is heavily corroded, now is a good time to replace it.
  • Fill and Test: Turn on your water pump or connect to city water and allow the water heater tank to fill completely before turning on the water heater.
• Inspect for Leaks: Once the water system is pressurized, carefully inspect all faucets, connections, and pipes for any leaks. Repair any leaks immediately.  
• Sanitize the Water System: It’s a good practice to sanitize your fresh water system after de-winterizing:
  • Close all drains and replace drain plugs.
  • Mix a solution of 1/4 cup of household bleach for every 15 gallons of your fresh water tank capacity.  
  • Pour the bleach solution into your fresh water tank.
  • Fill the rest of the tank with fresh water.
  • Turn on the water pump and run water through all faucets (hot and cold) and the toilet until you smell bleach at each outlet.
  • Turn off the faucets and let the solution sit in the system for at least 4 hours (ideally overnight).  
  • Drain the entire system.
  • Refill the fresh water tank with clean water and flush the system again by running water through all outlets until the bleach smell is gone. You may need to do this a couple of times.  
• Reinstall Water Filters: If you removed any water filter cartridges for winter storage, reinstall new ones.  

3. Checking Other RV Systems:

• Appliances: Test all your RV appliances, including the refrigerator (check if it cools on both propane and electric), stove, oven, microwave, and air conditioner(s).  
• LP Gas System: If you turned off your propane tanks, turn them back on. Check for any leaks by smelling for the distinct odor of propane. You can also use a soapy water solution on connections; bubbles will indicate a leak. Have any leaks repaired immediately by a qualified technician.  
• Electrical System: Ensure your RV is properly connected to shore power or that your battery is charged. Test all interior and exterior lights, outlets, and your RV’s control panel.
• Waste Holding Tanks: Ensure your black and gray water tank valves are closed. You may want to add a deodorizer or treatment to the black tank.
• Ventilation: Open and inspect all roof vents and ensure they open and close properly. Clean any debris.
• Awning and Slide-Outs: If applicable, extend and retract your awning and slide-outs to check for smooth operation. Clean any debris and lubricate moving parts as recommended by the manufacturer.  
• Safety Equipment: Test your smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors, and replace batteries if needed. Check the expiration date on your fire extinguisher and ensure it’s properly charged.  

4. Exterior Cleaning:

• Wash the exterior of your RV to remove any dirt, dust, or mildew that accumulated during storage.  
• Inspect and clean windows and lights.
• Consider waxing or applying a protective coating to the exterior.

5. Final Checks:

• Review your RV owner’s manual for any specific de-winterization instructions for your model.
• Restock any necessary supplies and equipment.

By following these steps, you’ll ensure your RV is ready for a safe and enjoyable spring and summer camping season! If you’re uncomfortable with any of these steps, consider having your RV professionally de-winterized by a qualified RV service center.