How to Get Your RV or Travel Trailer Ready for the Camping Season

Rick here with ROA OFF-ROAD, I am a service advisor and I help people daily get their trailers sorted and ready for big excursions! It’s my favorite time of year, with the days getting longer, weather warming up, which can only mean one thing… it’s time to get your RV trailer ready for adventure. Whether you’re heading into the mountains, the desert, or deep into the forest, prepping your rig properly can make all the difference in comfort and safety.

I work primarily with off-road and off-grid RVs which typically have even more equipment to maintain than a standard RV or travel trailer.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to get your solar-powered, lithium-equipped trailer trail-ready:

1. Inspect the Trailer Exterior

Before anything else, walk around your trailer and check for wear and damage.

• Tires: Look for cracks, bulges, or uneven wear. Check air pressure and torque the lug nuts.
• Suspension & Undercarriage: Off-road travel is tough on gear. Check for loose bolts, damaged shocks, or bent brackets.
• Frame & Body: Inspect welds, joints, and armor plating if equipped. Make sure storage latches and hatches are secure.
• Roof & Seals: Look for signs of cracks or leaks around vents, solar mounts, and edges.

2. Solar Power System Check

Your solar system is key to staying off-grid—make sure it’s ready to go.

• Solar Panels: Clean panels with water and a soft cloth. Inspect for cracks or loose wiring. Pro tip: Don’t use harsh chemicals on solar panels, just water should do!
• Charge Controller: Check settings and verify it’s recognizing your battery correctly.
• Wiring & Fuses: Inspect all solar wiring for damage, wear, or corrosion. Replace blown fuses.
• Output Test: Monitor system performance for a day to ensure it’s charging as expected.

3. Lithium Battery Prep

Lithium batteries are tough, and typically need less “babying” than an AGM or Lead Acid battery, however they still need attention after winter storage.

• State of Charge: Plug in your RV and make sure batteries are charged to 100% before your trip.
• Connections: Tighten terminals and inspect for corrosion.
• BMS Check (Battery Management System): Make sure your BMS is functioning and shows normal operation—many apps or monitors can help.
• Cold Weather Mode: If you’ll be camping in cold conditions, confirm your battery has low-temp protection or heating if needed.

4. Water & Plumbing Systems

Water is a precious resource when camping off-grid, so get your systems in top shape.

• Flush and Sanitize: If you winterized, flush any antifreeze and sanitize your water tank.
• Inspect for Leaks: Pressurize the system and check all fittings, hoses, and filters.
• Water Pump: Test the pump and clean the strainer if needed.
• Hot Water System: Fire it up to make sure it’s heating properly.

5. Propane & Cooking Systems

You’ll want to ensure all your propane systems are working so you can cook on the stove, or warm up on a chilly night!

• Tanks: Make sure propane cylinders are full and inspected for rust or damage.
• Lines & Regulators: Use soapy water to check for leaks.
• Appliances: Test your stove, oven, furnace, and fridge (if propane-powered).

6. Interior & Storage

I like to mix in spring cleaning along with the inspection, I also find it helpful to pack “camping only” gear in the trailer to leave inside for the duration of camping season.

• Clean & Inspect: Wipe down all surfaces, check for moisture or critters, and clean vents.
• Inventory Gear: Make sure your essentials—first-aid, tools, off-road recovery gear, spare parts—are packed and in good condition.
• Update Maps & Navigation: Load GPS maps or offline apps for remote areas.

7. Test Electronics & Backup Power

Off-grid means every system must be working properly so you can stay powered and safe!

• Lights, Fans, and Outlets: Test all DC and AC outlets and switches.
• Inverter: Make sure your inverter powers on and delivers proper voltage.
• Backup Charging: If you use a generator or alternator charger, test that too.

8. Final Shake-Down

We call it a “shake down” here at ROA, but we highly recommend taking a short one-night trip somewhere close to home to work on any issues you may have missed during your inspection:

• Take a short test trip or camp in the driveway overnight to make sure all systems work.
• Listen for rattles, feel for anything odd while towing, and fine-tune your load out.

YOU’RE READY TO ROLL!

Your off-grid RV is your ticket to freedom, no hookups, no crowds, just you and the outdoors. With a little preseason prep, you’ll be ready to ROAM confidently, knowing your rig can handle whatever the backcountry throws at it.

Happy Adventures! – Rick, Service Advisor @ ROA OFF-ROAD