Avoid These Mistakes When Opening Your RV for the Season
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
What to Know Before Opening Your RV for the Season!
Every year when RV owners open up their camper for the season, I see the same problems pop up again and again. Water heater elements burn out. Batteries are toast. Leaks sneak in. Mice move in. The good news? These issues are almost always preventable. If you’re getting your RV ready for spring, these quick tips and videos will walk you through the most common mistakes to avoid. That way, you can start the season without unexpected repairs ruining your camping trips.
1. Don’t Fry Your Water Heater
One flip of a switch is all it takes to destroy your electric heating element if the tank isn’t full. Every spring, I get calls about water heaters that stopped working because someone forgot to take the RV out of bypass mode.
Quick tips:
Always fill the tank before turning it on.
Label your bypass valves so you never forget which is which.
Use a multimeter to check if your element is still good—or already fried.
Turn off circuit breakers during dewinterizing to avoid electrical damage.
2. Save Your RV Batteries
Dead, corroded, and failing batteries are another springtime classic. Whether it’s improper storage or neglected maintenance, most of the battery issues I see are avoidable.
What to do:
Clean corroded terminals and check water levels in lead-acid batteries.
Store batteries on a maintainer (plugged in or off-grid) to extend life.
Watch for parasitic draws and learn how to use a battery disconnect.
Consider upgrading to better battery options if yours keep dying.
Recommended products: Battery Tender Anti-Corrosion Spray
3. Spot Leaks Before They Wreck Your RV
Leaks are sneaky—and expensive. Even if you winterized correctly, freeze damage can show up in fittings, valves, and seals. Catch it early, and you’ll save a ton of time and money.
What to check:
Slide seals, skylights, vents, and roof corners for cracking or gaps.
Toilets, faucets, and under-sink plumbing for signs of water damage.
Click here for more videos on RV water damage.
4. Keep Rodents Out for Good
Opening your RV and finding pest damage is never fun. Every spring I see droppings, shredded insulation, and worse. The key is knowing where pests sneak in—and what actually keeps them out.
Pest-proofing tips:
Remove All Food, Even Crumbs Mice have a strong sense of smell and will find even the tiniest leftovers. Clean out your pantry, wipe down surfaces, and vacuum the floors before storage.
Avoid Nesting Materials and Sweet Scents Store paper products in sealed bins and skip heavily scented air fresheners or cleaners that might attract curious rodents.
Seal Entry Points Use spray foam and mesh screens to block common access areas like plumbing openings, wiring holes, and gaps near slideouts or vents.
Recommended products: Grandpa Gus Pouches
Take Action Before It's Too Late
With a little prep and the right tools, you can avoid major damage and keep your RV in great shape all season long.
Want more RV tips like this?
Join our private Facebook group to ask questions and connect with other RV owners and RV Techs.
Sign up for weekly tips by email so you never miss an update.
Visit the RV Education page on our website for more tips, step-by-step guides, and videos.
About Us
Mobile RV Tech Services specializes in onsite RV repair, maintenance, and inspections. We service your RV at your home, campground, or storage unit in Iosco county in Michigan from April 15 - December 15, and Houston, Texas, from January 1 - April 1.
Comments