With the days getting longer and warmer, you are probably itching to head out in your RV. But first, you’ll want to do a proper de-winterization to ensure it’s ready for the road.

Since your rig has been sitting in storage all these winter months, it will need a quick spring pick-me-up to get it ready to roll. Once you’re sure that the last of the early spring snowstorms have passed (depending on where you are, mid to late April is probably safe), it’s time to get started.

1. Perform an exterior inspection

First things first: start with an inspection of the outside. If you stored your RV outside, heavy snow and rain might have caused damage like cracks and leaks over the winter. Pay special attention to the weatherstripping and sealant around windows and doors and replace them if necessary. Inspect the roof as well, and check the hitch for rust if you have a towable camper.

2. Reinflate the tires

The tires in your RV can lose 2 to 3 psi during winter storage — even more if stored outside — and underinflated tires are not safe for driving. Use a tire pressure gauge to check every tire, including your spare, and reinflate them as necessary according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

3. Charge the batteries

While in storage, RV batteries are also likely to lose some charge. A fully charged battery is important for powering up your appliances and other electronics when on the go, so make sure you check it with a voltmeter. Charge your battery as needed, reinstall it, make sure it is securely connected, and you are good to go.

4. Flush and sanitize the water system

One of the most convenient parts of RV travel is having access to fresh and clean drinking water wherever you go. However, this requires the water system to be prepped before you drive off. Since you likely added antifreeze to the system last fall, start by flushing out the plumbing. Before adding the fresh water to the tank, sanitize the system.

5. Inspect the pipes

Once you’ve filled up the fresh water tank, turn on the electric pump to pressurize the system. After the system is fully pressurized and the pump shuts off, give it a few minutes to see if it turns back on, which probably denotes a leak. Locate the leak (try looking under the counters or around the toilet) and repair it.

6. Inspect the propane system

After reinstalling your propane tanks, check for leaks by testing each propane appliance in your RV. If any of your appliances are not working properly, schedule an inspection before driving off. Ignition issues will not only cause you inconvenience, but they can also be dangerous.

Since your RV will serve as your second home, it’s important to properly prepare it. Once your de-winterization jobs are done, you’re all set to head out on the road for the long May weekend and the beautiful summer ahead.