Travel Trailer Maintenance: How to Prepare Your Towable RV for Camping Season

Travel Trailer Maintenance: How to Prepare Your Towable RV for Camping Season
Plus, helpful tips for keeping your travel trailer maintained all year.

By: Austin & Kirsten Lawrence (@adv4two)

Spring is the perfect time to get your Winnebago travel trailer ready for new adventures. After months in storage, it’s essential to inspect and maintain your towable RV to ensure a smooth and safe camping season. Whether you own a Winnebago HIKE 100 (like us!), a larger towable like the Winnebago Micro Minnie, or another model, this maintenance list will help you prepare for a worry-free camping season.

10 Steps for Preparing Your Winnebago Travel Trailer for Camping Season

While not as fun as hitting the open road, keeping up with your RV maintenance is key to staying safe and making sure your RV works properly. This guide has tips specifically for travel trailer owners, but you can read more about motorhome maintenance in this article. 

Note: This list has been compiled by fellow Winnebago owners based on their experience with travel trailer maintenance. This is not a complete list of every task related to RV care, and it is important to thoroughly review your operator’s manual to make sure you maintain your travel trailer properly and use its features safely. 

You can review the 2025 Winnebago Towables manual here. Manuals for other Winnebago models and years are available on this page.

1. Inspect, Wash, and Clean the RV (Including Solar Panel!)

Start by giving your Winnebago a thorough wash with mild soap to remove dirt, grime, and winter residue. While cleaning, inspect the exterior for cracks, peeling sealant, or signs of water damage around windows, doors, and seams. Reseal any problem areas using an RV-approved sealant to prevent leaks. You should also check your windows and door seals, the sidewalls, and the underbelly.

It is recommended to wash the exterior of your trailer at least once a month and to wax the exterior ideally twice per year. Inspect the roof and sealants every three months.

If your Winnebago is equipped with a solar panel, be sure to clean it with a soft sponge or microfiber cloth and mild soap to remove dirt and debris. A clean solar panel maximizes efficiency and ensures you get the most power possible while off-grid camping. (Note: Most Winnebago travel trailer roofs should be fully walkable; however, be sure to check first.)

2. Check Tires and Torque Lug Nuts

Tires can lose air pressure and develop flat spots during storage, especially during the winter months. It is important to check the tire pressure and inflate them to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI (don’t forget to check your spare!). Also, inspect the tires for cracks, dry rot, or uneven wear. If the tires are older than five years or show significant wear, consider replacing them. Road safety is very important, so be sure to check your tires before every trip.

Did you know members of Winnebago’s GoLife Perks program receive an exclusive discount on Michelin tires? Learn more.

In addition to checking tire pressure, it’s crucial to torque the lug nuts to the manufacturer’s specifications. Loose lug nuts can lead to dangerous wheel separation, while over-tightening can cause damage. Use a torque wrench to ensure they are properly tightened and follow the detailed instructions in your operator’s manual.

3. Test and Charge the Battery

A properly functioning battery is crucial for your Winnebago’s electrical system. Check the battery voltage using a multimeter—a fully charged 12-volt battery should read around 12.6 volts. If the voltage is low, recharge it or replace it if necessary. You should not travel with an uncharged battery. 

You should also clean the terminals and check for corrosion to maintain a strong connection. Remember, your battery is what makes boondocking possible for those overnight stops!

4. Inspect the Propane System

If your Winnebago travel trailer uses propane for cooking, heating, or refrigeration, perform a leak test. Apply a soapy water solution to the propane connections and look for bubbles that indicate a leak. Also, check that your propane tanks are full and securely mounted. If you suspect an issue, have a professional inspect the system before use. 

It is best to do a pressure check on your propane system at least once a month using a pressure gauge and do a visual inspection before each trip.

5. Flush and Sanitize the Water System

Before using your plumbing system, flush out any antifreeze from winterizing your travel trailer. Connect a hose and run fresh water through the system while checking for leaks. It is also recommended to sanitize the freshwater tank and piping at least once a year or after the trailer has been in storage or winterized. There are detailed instructions for this in your operator’s manual.

We recommend using Camco TastePURE Spring Fresh Water System Cleaner and Deodorizer to sanitize the freshwater tank. This formula is easy to use and safe for all RV systems. We also recommend Camco TastePURE Drinking Water Freshener. This formula helps prevent algae and other buildup in your drinking water tanks. It also helps with odors and bad-tasting water. We have used both of these products for more than three years and have not been disappointed.

Don’t forget about your black tank! Be sure to find a certified dump station to properly remove and dispose of waste after each camping session, especially if your RV won’t be in use for a while. We also suggest you flush the system and add your choice of waste digester and odor eliminators. Pure Power BLUE Waste Digester and Odor Eliminator is our favorite so far.

6. Service Appliances

Before hitting the road for your first trip of the season, be sure to test all essential appliances, including the refrigerator, stove, furnace, water heater, and air conditioner. Turn each one on to ensure proper operation and clean or replace filters as needed. (Cleaning appliance vents monthly is best practice.) If an appliance isn’t functioning correctly, schedule a professional service before your first trip. 

7. Inspect the Electrical System

Check your trailer’s battery connections, shore power cord, and circuit breakers before taking off on your first trip of the season. Test all lights, outlets, and switches, both inside and outside.

Also, inspect the seven-pin trailer connector to ensure proper communication between your tow vehicle and trailer. Be sure to check all running and clearance lights once plugged into your tow vehicle.

8. Examine the Brakes and Bearings

The braking system is essential for safe towing. Inspect the brake pads, rotors, and wheel bearings for wear. Grease the wheel bearings to prevent overheating and failure. If you’re unsure about your trailer’s braking condition, have a professional RV technician inspect and service the system. 

9. Inspect the Hitch and Coupler

Check your hitch, coupler, and safety chains for rust, wear, or damage. Apply grease to the hitch ball and coupler to ensure smooth operation. Applying grease will also help your hitching and unhitching go much more easily. After you disconnect your RV trailer, make sure to place a hitch ball cover or even a plastic bag over it to keep grease from transferring to your pants or skin. It is best to lubricate the coupler latch and socket monthly.

Also, test your trailer’s brake lights and turn signals to confirm they are functioning properly before hitting the road. It is best to check your brake wiring and hitch components before each trip.

10. Restock and Prepare for Adventure

Before your first trip, don’t forget to restock your Winnebago with all the essentials. This includes first aid supplies, tools, spare fuses, fresh bedding, and kitchen essentials. Inspect your emergency roadside kit—if you haven’t added that to your adventure gear yet, here is your sign to have one. Add new batteries, flares, and a tire repair kit if needed. Also, check your fire extinguisher to ensure it is in working condition. 

You should also weigh your loaded travel trailer if you have made substantial changes since the last time you weighed it. Learn more about why staying within the weight limits is so important for your safety in this article.

By taking the time to properly inspect and maintain your Winnebago travel trailer before the camping season and throughout the year, you’ll enjoy safer and more enjoyable trips. Regular maintenance helps prevent unexpected breakdowns, giving you peace of mind as you explore the great outdoors.

For a quick-reference guide of what your regular RV maintenance schedule should look like in the long term, check this article.

Where’s your first spring camping destination? Let us know in the comments! Safe travels!