It’s time to equip your camper for outdoor adventures

Many families will soon be hitting the road in a recreational vehicle (RV) or with a trailer in tow in search of a fun getaway or some much-needed summer solitude.

Ensure your camper is tuned up and ready to go with these seven tips.

Inspect the exterior

Check the seals around your RV’s windows and doors and reseal them if necessary.

Look for cracks or damage to the roof. For small fixes, use a sealant compatible with your roof material (eg. fiberglass or metal).

Wash the sidewalls and roof to remove any caked-on grime and wax to protect the vehicle from harmful UV rays.

Test the lights

Check that your right and left hand turn signals, tail and brake lights are all working and replace them as needed.

Turn on the engine to see if any warnings are displayed on your dashboard.

Evaluate the brakes and suspension

As RVs tend to be parked during the winter, this lack of movement can lead to performance issues.

The brakes and suspension should be reviewed by a qualified auto technician to ensure the safety of you and your passengers.

Check the tires

The tire pressure should be adjusted based on the manufacturer’s recommendation on the load you’ll be carrying.

It’s also important to consider their age.

The rubber compound of your RV or trailer’s tires will likely deteriorate and break down before the tread wears out. That’s because of the minimal distance it travels each year compared to a vehicle used daily. Generally, tires should be replaced every five years.

Examine the interior

Inspect for typical issues such as water leaks or four-legged pests. The latter can be warded off with cruelty-free sonic emitters.

If you find water damage, locate the source of the leak and seal it immediately to avoid a bigger, more costly structural problem.

Wash and wipe down all the surfaces and launder any blankets and bedding.

Line maintenance

Make sure to thoroughly flush an RV’s water lines and tanks to rid the plumbing system of antifreeze used to winterize the unit.

Flush the tank for a minimum of five minutes. When you turn the water back on, run the taps until the flow is clear and constant.

Proper insurance

Check with your auto insurance provider to see if your RV or trailer has the proper coverage.

It’s important to have peace of mind if something unexpected happens while on the road.

Update your policy

Speak with a licensed CAA Insurance Agent to review and make any necessary changes to your auto insurance policy to cover your RV, trailer or camper. Or visit caasco.com/membership if you need to upgrade your CAA Membership to include roadside assistance for your motorhome, camper and select trailers with a Plus RV or Premier RV membership.

Image credit: Onfokus/iStock

Originally published at caasco.com.