Prepping for the Best Season on Wheels
As the days grow longer and temperatures start climbing, RV season is officially on the horizon. This is the time of year we all start dreaming of scenic campgrounds, lakeside evenings, and wide-open highways. But before the fun begins, we always make time to give our rigs some attention. Taking care of routine spring maintenance now means fewer roadside assistance surprises on the road later. As a Hopkinsville RV towing team, we’ve seen firsthand how simple checkups can save a trip—and a wallet.
Let’s walk through the essential steps we take to get our RVs ready to roll into the best season yet.
Clean and Inspect Everything
Winter can do a number on any vehicle, especially one that’s been sitting for months. Our first step? A deep clean inside and out. While we wash, we’re also inspecting everything—seals, windows, roofing, and the undercarriage.
Key inspection points:
- Check roof seams and window seals for cracks or leaks.
- Look under the RV for rodent damage or chewed wiring.
- Test all lights, including brake and clearance lights.
- Clean and lubricate slide-outs and awning mechanisms.
We’ve towed a few RVs that could’ve stayed out of trouble if these quick checks had been done earlier. A surprise leak or electrical failure can really ruin a vacation.
Tires and Brakes: The Foundation of Every Safe Trip
Tires are your first line of defense on the road. If they’re weak, so is your trip.
We always:
- Inspect tire sidewalls for dry rot and cracks.
- Check tread depth—bald tires are a no-go.
- Test tire pressure; it often drops over winter.
- Examine the braking system for wear or rust.
Even if tires look fine, double-check the manufacturing date. If they’re over six years old, consider replacing them. After all, one blown tire on the highway is enough to have to call us for our Hopkinsville RV towing service—and that’s a call we’d rather you not have to make.
Power Systems and Batteries
Batteries lose charge in the cold, and connections corrode over time. We start by fully charging and testing all batteries, cleaning the terminals, and checking fluid levels if it’s a flooded battery.
We also:
- Test the generator and shore power connections.
- Run every appliance briefly to make sure it powers on.
- Check the converter and inverter functions.
If any system seems off, we fix it now. Nothing ruins a campsite faster than a fridge that won’t cool or lights that flicker unpredictably.
Plumbing, Water, and Holding Tanks
RV plumbing systems are vulnerable to freezing temperatures. Even if you drained everything last fall, still give the system a test run in spring.
Our routine includes:
- Flushing the water system and sanitizing the freshwater tank.
- Checking for cracks in water lines and fittings.
- Inspecting the water heater for leaks or rust.
- Verifying all valves open and close easily.
We’ve seen campers sidelined over the smallest leaks. Don’t let a slow drip turn into a full tow.
Interior Comfort and Safety
After all the technical stuff, we turn our attention inside. It’s time to make sure the space is livable, cozy, and ready for miles of memories.
You may wish to:
- Test smoke and CO2 detectors.
- Replace fire extinguisher if needed.
- Clean out any mold or mildew that snuck in during storage.
- Restock essentials: fuses, bulbs, tools, and emergency gear.
And of course, we do a test run of all entertainment systems and heating/cooling units. Our Hopkinsville RV towing team knows all too well: If something doesn’t fire up, it’s easier to fix it in the driveway than at a campsite hours from home.
Don’t Skip These Final Touches
Even after you’ve ticked all the major boxes, there are a few last things to do before hitting the road:
- Top off propane and inspect lines for leaks.
- Check hitch components and safety chains.
- Make sure the RV registration and insurance are current.
- Create a packing checklist so nothing gets left behind.
It might sound like a lot, but each of these steps gives us the confidence to head out without worrying about what might go wrong. And if something unexpected does happen, you bet our Hopkinsville RV towing is ready to step in and get things sorted.
Hopkinsville RV Towing: Ready to Roll with Jones Bros. Towing
Take it from our Hopkinsville RV towing experts: every great RV season starts with prep. We’ve learned that the more thorough we are in spring, the smoother everything goes all summer long. From tire pressure to water pumps to your backup fuse kit, it’s the little things that keep big adventures on track.
Our Hopkinsville RV towing service towing has helped plenty of travelers bounce back from mechanical setbacks—but our favorite calls are the ones we never get, because your trip went off without a hitch. Literally.
So, get out there and enjoy the season. Let’s make it the best one yet.