After three decades in the RV world, I can tell you this: the fastest way to ruin your first camping trip of the season is to skip your preseason inspection.
Every spring, I see eager RVers dewinterize their rigs, toss in groceries, and head straight for the campground—only to discover dead air conditioners, cracked hoses, bad tires, and brake issues once they arrive.
The good news? Almost every one of these disasters is preventable.
Here are the 10 critical things you really should check before your RV’s first trip of the year if you want a smooth, stress-free start to camping season.
1. Can You Even Get Inside?
It sounds obvious, but you’d be surprised how many RVers misplace keys during the off-season.
Before you do anything else, make sure you can access your rig without drama.
Consider a Keyless Upgrade
If you’re tired of hiding keys or making spares, maybe this is the year to try a keyless lock.
Modern RV keyless systems usually install in about 10 minutes and eliminate one of the most common preseason headaches.
Just be sure to measure your existing latch before ordering a replacement.
Starting the season without fumbling for keys? Trust me, it sets the tone for a much smoother year.
2. Test the Air Conditioner Immediately
Nothing ruins a spring or summer trip faster than a failed AC unit.
RVs heat up fast—especially when parked in the sun.
Run It Before You Need It
Once you’ve got shore power, turn on the air conditioner and let it run for a few minutes.
Make sure it’s actually blowing cold air. If it feels weak:
- Clean the unit and filters first
- Inspect the rooftop shroud for cracks or damage
- Replace cracked covers before they let in water
If cleaning doesn’t fix it, schedule service before your first trip—not after you arrive sweating at your campsite.
3. Inspect All Water and Sewer Hoses
Winter storage is brutal on rubber stuff.
Freezing temps, dry air, and months of sitting around can cause cracking, brittle fittings, and sneaky leaks.
Look for Cracks, Leaks, and Loose Fittings
Carefully inspect:
- Fresh water drinking hoses
- Sewer hoses
- All connection fittings
If your drinking water hose feels stiff or looks worn, maybe swap it for an expandable one that’s easy to store.
For sewer hoses, durability really matters—thick-walled, abrasion-resistant models will save you a lot of trouble.
Trust me, you do not want to deal with a failed hose at a full campground.
4. Check Tire Age, Not Just Tread
This is where even seasoned RVers mess up.
Tires might look fine but still be unsafe.
The 3-to-7-Year Rule
Most RV tires should be replaced every 3 to 7 years, no matter how much tread is left.
Why? Because:
- UV exposure breaks down rubber
- Temperature swings weaken sidewalls
- Long-term weight causes internal deterioration
Travel trailers and fifth wheels usually fall into the 3 to 5 year range. Motorhomes might stretch closer to 5 to 7 years, depending on how you store and use them.
Also check for:
- Cracking
- Bulges
- Uneven wear
- Proper PSI inflation
Flat spots from sitting are common, and underinflated tires are basically a blowout waiting to happen.
Inflate to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI before you hit the road.
5. Confirm All Exterior Lights Work
Lighting issues are often simple—but dangerous if ignored.
Do a Full Walkaround Test
Before towing or driving anywhere, test:
- Brake lights
- Turn signals
- Running lights
- Clearance lights
Corrosion in wiring connectors after winter storage causes most problems.
Replace bad bulbs and clean connections early. Proper lighting keeps your rig visible and safe, not just legal.
6. Test the Trailer Brakes
Your braking system is not something to gamble with after sitting idle for months.
Perform a Controlled Test Drive
In a safe area, tow at a slow speed and manually activate the brake controller.
You should feel the trailer engage and gently slow the tow vehicle.
Listen for:
- Grinding
- Squealing
- Inconsistent braking response
Check wiring near the trailer tongue and axles to make sure nothing loosened during storage.
Weak braking might mean worn assemblies or controller issues—both way easier to fix at home than on the side of the road.
7. Crawl Under and Inspect Suspension
Suspension parts quietly wear out, and sitting idle doesn’t help.
Look for Sagging or Broken Leaf Springs
Check leaf springs for:
- Cracks
- Broken leaves
- Noticeable sagging
If your trailer sits unevenly on level ground, worn suspension is probably the culprit.
Also inspect shackles, bolts, and equalizers. If your RV felt rough or bouncy last season, upgrading suspension can make towing a lot more pleasant.
8. Make Sure Your Jacks Still Operate Smoothly
Leveling systems get stiff or rusty during storage. It’s just what happens.
Extend and Retract Every Jack
Test both manual and electric jacks. Look for:
- Rust buildup
- Slow or hesitant motors
- Bent components
- Loose mounting bolts
A little lubrication can fix minor issues, but discovering a frozen jack after a long travel day is not fun.
9. Inspect Your Hitch Setup Carefully
Your hitch system is the literal connection between you and your RV.
Don’t just assume it’s fine.
Check Every Component
Inspect:
- Hitch receiver
- Coupler latch
- Safety chains
- Weight distribution bars
- Sway control components
Look for rust, cracks, or loose hardware. Confirm the coupler secures tightly around the hitch ball.
If bolts have loosened, retighten them to spec. A properly dialed-in hitch setup makes towing smoother and less stressful.
10. Upgrade the Things That Annoyed You Last Year
This is the step most RVers skip—and regret.
Fix the Frustrations Now
Think back to last season. What bugged you on every trip?
- Hard-to-lift sway bars?
- Uncomfortable camping chairs?
- Equipment that just felt outdated or clunky?
Spring’s the perfect time to upgrade problem gear before it drives you crazy again.
Small improvements can make your camping experience so much better for the whole season.
Hit the Road With Confidence
A quick but thorough preseason inspection can save you thousands of dollars. It can also spare you endless frustration—or even dangerous situations.
RVs are built to travel. But honestly, letting them sit for months wears them down in ways you might not expect.
If you take a little time to check these 10 critical areas before your first trip, you’ll dodge most breakdowns and campsite headaches. Trust me, after 30 years around RVs, I’ve learned that prevention is almost always cheaper—and way less stressful—than scrambling for emergency fixes.
Do the work now. Then just hook up, roll out, and hit the season knowing your RV’s actually ready for the road.
Happy camping—and here’s hoping your first trip of the year goes smoother than ever.
