Preparing Your RV and Trailer for Use This Summer

Summer is a great time to get the family out and enjoy the country we live in. We all enjoy the freedom of the open road. If you are ready to prepare for the summer vacation with your family, then you may find the tips below useful.

First of all, you had probably winterized the vehicle when you were putting it away for the summer season. Therefore, you might need to get the RV cleaned up and make it ready for all of the supplies in that you took out of it for the winter. Depending on where you have stored your RV, you will need some type of pest control, such as a bug bomb.

Now, you will want to make sure it is mechanically ready to hit the road. This means you will preferably need a professional mechanic to check on internal engine components of the RV. Pay close attention for damage from winter weather or side effects of the vehicle simply not being used.

Check for the deterioration of the seals. Check all of the seals, from the engine seals, to the door seals. There is nothing less fun than finding a draft from a window or door seal having deteriorated during the winter season. You can protect against this by resealing the old seals and keeping them oiled during the off-season.

Check the awnings. When you are on the road, you want to stop at night and settle into a campsite, rather than deal with the awning that may be damaged, mildewed, or even be full of insects.

The hitch may also be important depending on the type of RV you have. If you have a trailer that hooks on to a hitch behind your truck then you will need to verify that it is not damaged. Also, make sure that the bolts are still in place and not loose.

Some key things to look at when you are inspecting the engine include the battery, cooling system, fuel system, fluids, fan belts, and other hoses. You also want to check the tire pressure and correct the inflation to the proper amount. Also when checking the tires, make sure that they are not too worn in any one place, and make sure that there aren't any leaks or punctures.

Changing oil filters, fuel filters, air filters, and spark plugs are also important in getting your RV ready for the summer season.

Once you have checked the mechanics of the vehicle and dealt with any problems you have found you, will be ready to load the RV up with supplies. Some supplies you may want to include are extra oil, filters, spark plugs, belts, and of course at least one extra tire. These supplies can help you keep your RV running smoothly during the trip in the event something does occur.

Insurance is also important before you hit the road. Check your policy's expiration date and update it for the travel period if needed. Most individuals tend to change the insurance during winter to lower the rates while it sits in storage and then increase it during the trip for full coverage.

Winter Care for Your RV Trailer

When the summer is coming to an end it is time to prepare your box trailer for the winter until the spring arrives. Improper storage over the winter can turn a perfectly fine trailer into a mouldy trailer so there are many things you need to do, just to ensure everything will work properly for the next season activates.

Certainly, cleaning your box trailer is the first thing to do for winter hibernation. Your trailer receives a lot of exploitation throughout the year, so it is necessary to give it a really thorough cleaning between uses. Check any signs of road debris and green or black mould because leaving it untreated over the winter may result in permanent damage and more serious problems that you will definitely want to avoid.

Ideally, it is always good practice to use a fabric cover to prevent any possible damage from icing and external factors during such long period of time. When it is time for long term storage, a breathable cover can ensure the best possible ventilation and it is a far way more affordable than trailer bodywork. Make sure to completely empty and clean the inside, leaving the door open so the air can circulate in and out. By completely I mean, to clean the entire surface and to sweep out the mess, wash down the floor and put it all back together again once it is dry. After the cleaning inside is done, you may want to prepare the exterior before the following winter. A deeply cleaning is also fundamental and gives you the opportunity to inspect and fix any kind of damage when the workshops are less busy. Be cautious not to use chemicals that are unkind to the trailer construction because they can cause permanent stretches, especially when it comes to cleaning the roof of the enclosed trailer.

If you are not a fan of a cold-weather transporting, it is time to find a place to store your trailer on a site, outside of your home on a special place. Although, trailers are designed for outdoors it is not recommendable for it to be seated around for a very long period of time and to be exposed directly to rain and snow over the winter months. Finding a good storage place is easy- you only need to contact a local agency or some association and pay a security provision for the service. If stored at a property with other trailers, this means, someone will be able to keep an eye on the trailer at most times and this will act as a strong deterrent to would be thieves.

Being stored the entire winter at the same place puts a lot of pressure on the trailer's tyres. Consider turning the wheels periodically every second month to eliminate the pressure on the same side and to prevent flat spotting.

RV rental for self storage in Tacoma WA available in all sizes.