What steps do you take to get your Escape ready for the Spring Camping Season

[LarryandLiz]

First thing I did this weekend (after moving the trailer) was to de-winterize, sanitize and test the water system.

Liz and I were at a recent RV trade show (for geezers or at least attended mostly by retired people) and heard a presentation about handling propane. The presenter said to get the propane system checked every year. Does anybody do that? Is there something I can do on my own to ensure safety or at least mitigate disaster?

In no particular order: I'm going to put in a new smoke alarm battery. I think I also need to somehow check to see if it and the carbon monoxide alarm works.

I'll get Liz to start the fridge (cause that is her baby). Check all the burners on the stove. Check all interior exterior lights. Check tires for air and wear. Think about greasing the coupler. Put some silicone grease on the storage lock and get it opening/closing easier.

I'll be cleaning the inside and washing/waxing the outside

I've probably forgotten something I'll be doing. Glenn Bagglo probably has a laminated list to share with us.

I'm going to also pull out all my camping/trailer gear. Check the Fire bowl etc.

Larry

[tdf-texas]

Originally Posted by LarryandLiz

The presenter said to get the propane system checked every year. Does anybody do that? Is there something I can do on my own to ensure safety or at least mitigate disaster?
Larry

It's a good idea to test for gas leaks. Put some leak detector on all the fittings and watch - any leaks, however small, will show up as bubbles. This should be done periodically as well as any time the propane system fittings have been opened.

Oatey 8 oz. Leak Detector-45801 - The Home Depot

[gbaglo]

I just had my fridge and propane serviced for first time since I got the trailer. Would have cost me less if I hadn't had them come to me.
They tested propane and replaced the regulator ( part was $70 ). They cleaned the fridge burner. When all was said and done ( $286 ), the fridge wouldn't ignite, so I had to take the trailer in and they pulled the fridge and cleaned contacts that couldn't be reached otherwise. They bench tested it and tested again after reinstalling it ( another $200 ). I took it home and fridge wouldn't ignite.
Dragged it back down to the shop and they replaced the igniter ( no charge ) with one out of their parts bin ( no charge ).
I'm afraid to try it now that I have it home.

I had viewed YouTube videos but decided I was better at watching videos than doing the actual work.

[gbaglo]

You need to vacuum the face plate on the propane gas detector. Instructions say to do it once a week ( my recollection ), but I'd do it at least once or twice a year.

[Ron in BC]

Originally Posted by gbaglo

They cleaned the fridge burner. When all was said and done ( $286 ),

I had viewed YouTube videos but decided I was better at watching videos than doing the actual work.

You should have brought it to Quartzsite. Myron would have shown you how easy it is to remove and clean.

I do some of those things on the check lists, not that I have a check list, sometimes, when I think of it.

Ron

[gbaglo]

Well, $100 was for the house call and $70 for the regulator, so it was about $115 for propane and fridge service.
I'd have had to build one of those water-column devices and I'd absolutely have dropped a screw into the innards.

The video I watched showed mostly the back of the guy's hands as he did something, and he dropped a screw at least three times..

[MyronL]

Ron for $200 beans I'll be glad to clean burners anytime. Heck, how about $195.99? Haven't played checkers in years.

Oh, by the way, Go DUCKS!

[padlin]

I check any caulking, touch up any rust, this year I'll check the brakes and bearings (2 years). Spray Teflon on the stabilizers, silicone on the awning arms and the power jack tubes (2 on the 5.0TA). Lube the dump gates, key locks, and hinges. Air up the tires, but then I do that fairly often. Check/fill the batteries. Wash, wax, clean the awning, weather permitting. Try to clean the carpets.

A few other things will be done before the 1st trip of the year, sanitizing and such.

I've never checked the propane for leaks as part of yearly maintenance.

I vac the propane alarm when I think of it. It went off twice last year, vacuuming it took care of it both times.

Need to check/tighten all the screws in the cabinets. Found a number loose while traveling this winter.

[Ron in BC]

Originally Posted by MyronL

Ron for $200 beans I'll be glad to clean burners anytime. Heck, how about $195.99? Haven't played checkers in years.

Oh, by the way, Go DUCKS!

Well be sure to leave enough in your fee for my cut for showing you where the secret screw is that lets you remove the whole assembly and clean the orifice as well.

Ron

[alanmalk]

Originally Posted by MyronL

Ron for $200 beans I'll be glad to clean burners anytime. Heck, how about $195.99? Haven't played checkers in years.

Oh, by the way, Go DUCKS!

Myron, I'll be in Albuquerque in June. How much do you charge for lessons?

Oh, and who are the "Ducks"?

--
Alan

[MyronL]

For you, free, Alan, but that's only because Ron's probably too busy to help us. (He's got the hat.)

[alanmalk]

Originally Posted by MyronL

For you, free, Alan, but that's only because Ron's probably too busy to help us. (He's got the hat.)

I've got a few loose screws, so I probably qualify for a hat.

--
Alan