Camping season is upon us, RV checklist!
by Somia Sadiq
Howdy Campers!
Summer is just around the corner and we’re really excited for the camping season to start. It is time for everyone to start preparing for the season and get ready to move into their campers for the season. We will be welcoming some of you to the BaseCamp 59 campground, which is opening this summer!
In this short blog, we share a series of checks and preparations to ensure that your RV is safe, comfortable, and ready for your adventures!
Here goes:
General Maintenance
Inspect the Exterior: Check for any cracks, leaks, or damage to the exterior. Pay special attention to the roof, windows, and seals. Apply sealant where necessary.
Check Tires: Inspect tires for wear, cracks, and proper inflation. Don't forget to check the spare tire as well.
Battery Check: Ensure that all batteries are charged, clean, and properly connected. Replace any batteries that no longer hold a charge.
Engine and Generator Maintenance: Change the oil and filters if you haven't done so recently. Run the generator for a test and check all fluid levels in the engine.
Check Lights and Electrical Systems: Test all interior and exterior lights, the air conditioning system, the refrigerator, and other electrical appliances. Make sure your RV’s electrical system is fully functional.
Plumbing System Check: Flush the water system to remove any antifreeze used during winterization. Check for leaks in the plumbing and ensure the water pump is working correctly.
Gas and Appliances: Inspect the gas lines for leaks and ensure all appliances are functioning correctly. Check the operation of the stove, oven, heating, and water heater.
Interior Preparation
Clean Interior: Give the interior a thorough cleaning, including floors, surfaces, and upholstery. Check for any signs of pests and clean out any evidence of them.
Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors: Replace batteries and test each detector to ensure they are working properly.
Ventilation: Clean and inspect all vents and consider installing covers to keep debris and pests out.
Update Supplies: Restock essential supplies, including first aid kits, toiletries, cooking supplies, and any perishable items you removed at the end of last season. If you forget something, you can always hit up the Tuck Shop at the campground.
Safety Checks
Fire Extinguishers: Check the expiration date and condition of fire extinguishers. Make sure they are accessible and that everyone knows how to use them.
Emergency Kit: Update or create an emergency kit that includes items like flashlights, batteries, a toolkit, road flares, and a portable battery charger.
Brakes and Suspension: Have the brake system inspected and ensure that the suspension components are in good condition.Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.
Final Steps
Documentation: Ensure that your registration, insurance, and any necessary permits are up to date.
Plan Your Entry: If coming to Base Camp 59, give us a call so we can confirm that the roads and the campground is ready to receive you. Given our long winters, those roads can get slushy and mucky, and we want to make sure we have a smooth welcome! If you are staying elsewhere, make sure to follow their protocol, confirm roads, accessibility, timing to arrive etc.
Last thing - remember to adjust this checklist based on your specific RV type and any issues you’ve encountered in the past.
For information on the campground, visit us at www.basecamp59.ca or follow us on Instagram or Facebook at or you can always give our campground managers a shout at 431-304-6982.
Safe travels, campers! See you soon!
Base Camp 59
