How to Prep Your RV for the First Trip of the Season

The sun’s back. The evenings are longer. You’re itching to get out on the road.
But before you hitch up or hit the ignition, your RV, campervan, or trailer tent needs a little TLC.

After sitting through winter, your RV might need a few checks and resets. The last thing you want is a dead battery or a leaky tap on day one of your trip.

This guide walks you through the key steps to get your RV clean, safe, and ready for camping season—with no surprises once you’re on-site.

1. Inspect the Outside

Before you even step inside, start with a full exterior check.

✅ Look for cracks, damage, or signs of leaks in the roof, windows, and seams
✅ Check tyre pressure and tread depth (don’t forget the spare)
✅ Test all lights—brake lights, indicators, and reversing lights
✅ Reattach or check your towing mirrors (if needed)
✅ Clean off any mould or algae from the roof and seals

Tip: Give your RV a good wash with a soft brush and mild cleaner—it’s not just for looks. You’ll spot issues more easily on a clean surface.

2. Check the Tyres and Hitch

Tyres often lose pressure in storage, and cracking can occur—especially in cold or damp garages.

✅ Inflate tyres to the correct PSI
✅ Check for signs of wear or dry rot
✅ Inspect the hitch, jockey wheel, and stabiliser
✅ Make sure all locking pins and cables are in place
✅ Test the breakaway cable or safety chain

Trailer tent owners—double-check that the trailer lid opens smoothly and all lifting supports are secure.

3. Charge (or Replace) the Leisure Battery

If your battery’s been disconnected all winter, it might need a full charge—or replacing.

✅ Check the battery voltage (12.6V or higher = healthy)
✅ Clean the terminals and reconnect with care
✅ Test all 12V systems—lights, pump, fridge fan, sockets
✅ Charge fully before your first trip

Tip: Keep a power bank or jumper pack handy just in case!

4. Flush and Refill the Water System

Water sitting in your tank for months? Not the freshest. Time for a flush and clean.

✅ Open all taps and drain down any old water
✅ Clean tanks with food-safe sanitiser or sterilising tablets
✅ Refill the freshwater tank and flush through the system
✅ Check for leaks at every connection point
✅ Test your water pump and heating system

Don’t forget: Run hot water too and test your shower or mixer taps.

5. Test Gas and Appliances

Gas appliances need proper testing—especially if stored in damp or freezing conditions.

✅ Check gas bottle levels and connections
✅ Turn on gas safely and test cooker, hob, and heater
✅ Light the fridge (if gas-powered) and check the flame
✅ Smell gas? Stop immediately and check all joints or get it serviced

Important: Make sure you’ve got a working carbon monoxide detector!

6. Clean and Air Out the Interior

Dust, damp smells, or leftover crumbs? Now’s the time for a fresh start.

✅ Open all windows and roof vents
✅ Clean surfaces with antibacterial spray
✅ Vacuum cushions, beds, and floors
✅ Shake out or replace any soft furnishings
✅ Re-pack bedding, towels, and clothes

Trailer tent owners—double-check the fabric and seams for mould or mildew.

7. Restock the Essentials

Your camping box might be missing a few things. Check everything before you hit the road.

✅ Kitchen gear (cutlery, mugs, pans)
✅ Toilet chemicals and paper
✅ Cleaning supplies (washing-up liquid, cloths, bin bags)
✅ First aid kit and batteries
✅ Torch, matches, charging cables, power bank
✅ Maps or printed directions—just in case!

Bonus tip: Create a checklist and keep it on your phone or in the glovebox for every trip.

8. Recheck Your Documents

You don’t want to arrive at a site with expired paperwork.

✅ MOT and service dates (if required)
✅ Insurance and breakdown cover
✅ Campsite booking confirmation
✅ Driving licence and any towing permit (if needed)
✅ Vehicle tax and registration documents

Tip: Store copies digitally and keep printed ones in your glovebox.

9. Test Your Electric Hookup

Before your first pitch of the season, check your EHU gear.

✅ Inspect cables for cracks or wear
✅ Plug in at home (or safely test with a hookup adapter)
✅ Test inside sockets, fridge, and lighting
✅ Ensure RCDs trip correctly

Don’t forget: Only use proper camping hookup cables—no DIY extensions!

10. Do a Trial Setup at Home

If you’ve made changes or it’s your first trip with new gear, do a mini test run.

✅ Set up your awning or trailer tent fully
✅ Try cooking a meal on the stove
✅ Rehearse the bed setup and takedown
✅ Double-check how everything fits in your storage spots

It’s far easier to troubleshoot at home with tools nearby than at a muddy campsite in the dark.

Why It’s Worth Taking the Time

Prepping your RV, campervan, or trailer tent properly before the first trip sets the tone for your entire camping season.

✅ You’ll avoid costly repairs
✅ You’ll camp more confidently
✅ You’ll spend more time enjoying the trip—and less fixing things

Think of it like spring-cleaning for your mobile holiday home. A couple of hours now saves a lot of stress later.

Want a printable spring RV prep checklist or a trailer tent setup guide?
Visit camplinq.com for smart seasonal tips, gear ideas, and real-life camping know-how to get the most out of your trips.