There’s something magical about that first warm(ish) weekend in April in Ohio—when the birds are chirping, the snow is finally gone (probably), and you start to feel that itch to get the camper out of storage and ready for the season.
This post is a walk-through of how we de-winterize and prep our travel trailer for spring based on our experience in Northeast Ohio. Whether you’re brand new or just need a refresher, here’s what we do when the cover comes off and camping season begins.
🎥 Watch the full video of our camper setup on YouTube
🧽 Step 1: Exterior Walk-Around and Inspection
First, we take a slow lap around the camper and check for:
- Tire condition (cracks, bulges, air pressure)
- Roof seals and seams
- Window caulking
- Signs of rodents or weather damage
- Awning and slideouts (check for debris or water pooling)
We give everything a good wash—starting with the roof, then working down. It’s a messy but satisfying step that reveals any winter wear and tear.
💧 Step 2: De-Winterize the Water System
Once we’re sure all systems are good to go outside, it’s time to flush out the RV antifreeze:
- Hook up to city water
- Turn on all faucets (hot and cold) one at a time
- Flush the toilet and shower until water runs clear
- Don’t forget the outside shower and low-point drains
Then we fill the fresh water tank and sanitize with a mild bleach mix (usually ¼ cup bleach per 15 gallons of water). Let it sit a few hours, then flush the system again.
🔌 Step 3: Reconnect and Test Systems
Time to wake everything up:
- Reconnect the battery and test 12V power
- Plug in shore power and confirm your converter is working
- Test appliances: fridge (propane and electric), water heater, furnace, and air conditioning (weather permitting)
- Check LP gas levels, lines, and leak detectors
- Top off propane tanks if needed
This is also when we recheck fire extinguishers, smoke/CO detectors, and restock essentials like batteries, fuses, and tools.
🧺 Step 4: Restock and Refresh
With systems ready, we move inside and start unpacking for the season:
- Wash all linens, towels, and dishware that stayed inside
- Restock cleaning supplies, paper goods, and dry food basics
- Load up the toolbox, leveling blocks, chocks, and grilling gear
The goal here is to be trip-ready with minimal effort. If we’re pulling out the camper, we want to be able to hitch up and go.
👀 Bonus: What We Always Check Before the First Trip
- Tires torqued and aired up
- Spare tire is accessible and inflated
- Brakes are functioning properly
- Slide seals are lubricated
- Sway bars and hitch setup are reattached
- Campsite reservation is confirmed 😅
🌞 That “First Trip” Feeling
There’s nothing like that first night back at the campground—zipping open the awning, hearing the frogs at night, and cooking dinner under the stars. Prepping in April helps us hit the ground running (or rolling) the moment camping season starts.
The de-winterization and setup process might take a day or two, but it sets the tone for the whole season. And with Ohio weather being what it is, we’re always glad we did the work early.
