Opening Day Is Here: A Few Things to Check When Opening Your Camper for the Season
Happy Opening Day from all of us at Whispering Surf! It’s finally here — May 1 and the start of another great camping season.
As you settle in for your first weekend, it’s a good time to take a few minutes for a quick spring systems and safety check on your camper.
Spring Camper Opening Checklist
1. Bring your water system back online and sanitize
Flush water lines, check fittings, and confirm your hot water heater bypass is set correctly before turning everything on. Before using your fresh water system for drinking, cooking, or showering, it’s a good idea to sanitize the lines and fresh water tank. This keeps everything fresh for the season ahead.
2. Check the anode rod in your hot water heater
The anode rod helps protect your water heater tank from corrosion. If it’s heavily worn or mostly dissolved, replacing it now can help extend the life of your water heater.
3. Inspect your fire extinguisher
Check the expiration date and make sure the gauge shows it is fully charged. Most importantly, make sure it is easily accessible near your RV entry door in case of emergency.
4. Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors
Please test all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries if needed.
5. Check tire pressure and tire condition
After sitting over the winter, tires can lose pressure and may develop cracking or dry rot. Be sure to inspect sidewalls and inflate to manufacturer specifications.
6. Inspect roof seals, windows, and slide seals
Michigan winters can be tough on seals. A quick walkaround now can help catch small cracks or gaps before spring rains become a leak inside.
7. Test propane and appliances
Check propane levels and test your stove, refrigerator, furnace, and hot water heater to make sure everything is functioning properly.
For Seasonal & Long-Term Campers
8. Only dump when tanks are full
Please avoid leaving your dump tanks open all the time. Dumping when tanks are fuller helps liquids carry solids through properly and prevents buildup.
9. Save electricity when you head home
When leaving for the week, consider turning off your air conditioner and hot water heater to save electricity and reduce wear on your systems.
As always, please refer to your owner’s manual for model-specific startup procedures, maintenance schedules, and manufacturer recommendations. If you’re not comfortable performing any of these checks yourself, local RV service providers such as JTS RV Inc. offer on-site service visits for many common spring startup items.
