Top 10 RV Issues that Can Ruin Spring Travel (and How to Prevent Them)

As winter thaws and RV season kicks back into gear, many of us RV owners are itching to hit the road. But hold up—if you don’t properly dewinterize your rig, you could be rolling straight into a financial disaster. Regular preventative maintenance is key to adventures without issues!

Damage from no or improper dewinterization is one of the top service calls each spring. Plumbing issues, battery failures, propane leaks, and water damage are common—and totally preventable.

Here are the 10 non-negotiable tasks every RV owner must complete to safely dewinterize, plus what happens if you skip them.

• 1. Flush and Sanitize the Water System
  Why it matters: Antifreeze needs to be flushed fully and the freshwater system sanitized. Leftover antifreeze can cause a horrible taste, bacteria growth, or even toxic residue.
  What happens if you don’t: Mold and bacteria in tanks can become a health hazard within just days of warm weather.
  
  
  
  2. Inspect for Leaks—All Over
  Why it matters: Small cracks from freezing can cause plumbing and roof leaks, leading to major water damage.
  What happens if you don’t: Water leaks can cost $3,000–$10,000 to repair once they reach flooring and walls
  
  
  
  3. Test the Battery and Electrical System
  Why it matters: Batteries often lose charge or get damaged in cold storage.
  What happens if you don’t: You risk getting stranded with a dead rig—or frying sensitive electronics with a power surge. Always check charge levels, terminals, and fuses.
  
  
  
  4. Check Tire Pressure and Sidewalls
  Why it matters: Cold temps cause tires to deflate and sidewalls to crack.
  What happens if you don’t: Blowouts while driving an RV can be catastrophic. RV Magazine reports that improperly inflated tires are the #1 cause of springtime roadside emergencies.
  
  
  
  5. Run and Test the Propane System
  Why it matters: Propane leaks are deadly. Test lines, valves, and detectors.
  What happens if you don’t: Leaks can go unnoticed until it’s too late.  Failure to test LP systems annually is one of the biggest safety risks.
  
  

• 6. Clean and Inspect the Roof and Seals
  Why it matters: Your roof takes a beating all winter—UV damage, snow load, and shrinking seals.
  What happens if you don’t: A tiny crack can lead to months of hidden rot and mold before you even see it. Re-sealing takes 15 minutes. Roof rebuilds take $5,000+.
  
  
  
  7. Examine the Exterior (Siding, Awning, Windows)
  Why it matters: Water intrusion often starts small—window seals, awning brackets, etc.
  What happens if you don’t: By mid-summer, your RV could be harboring black mold, warping, or insect infestations. Prevention is cheap. Repairs are brutal.
  
  
  
  8. Test All Appliances (AC, Furnace, Water Heater)
  Why it matters: Appliances often fail after sitting dormant.
  What happens if you don’t: You’ll find out your AC is dead after you park at your summer campsite in 90° heat. RV owners often pay premium rates for last-minute repairs.
  
  
  
  9. Inspect Safety Gear (Fire Extinguisher, CO/LP Detectors)
  Why it matters: These life-saving systems expire or die in cold storage.
  What happens if you don’t: Carbon monoxide and propane poisoning kill RVers every year. AARP recommends testing alarms before every trip, not just annually.
  
  
  
  10. Do a Full Walk-Around and Road Test
  Why it matters: Many small problems—like brake light failures, loose lug nuts, or suspension issues—only show up on a full systems check and test drive.
  What happens if you don’t: First trip of the season could be your last if something fails at highway speeds.
  
  

Don’t Gamble With Your RV—Book “Road Ready” Dewinterizion Service Now

Doing it right takes knowledge, time, and the right tools. And if you’re unsure—or want to avoid surprise breakdowns mid-trip—book a professional dewinterizing service with RV Repair Anywhere.

We come to your home, storage lot, or RV park, equipped to:

• Inspect and clean your air conditioner so your unit will cool better
  
• Grease wheel bearings for smoother and better towing
  
• Test propane pressure and appliances for optimum safety
  
• Check roof seals, electrical, and more

 Don’t roll the dice. Schedule your Road Ready Package (dewinterization) Today! Schedule Service Now

On a budget? Our Road Ready package offers Pick 4 services for $200 so you can choose what’s best for you!

Adventures are waiting. Make sure your RV, Travel Trailer, Fifth Wheel or Camper is ready for it.

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