After Spring RV Maintenance: What to Do Before Hitting the Road

You've finished your spring RV maintenance, checked off the big-ticket items, and your rig is in top shape for the road ahead—now what? Before you throw the keys in the ignition and set off on your first big adventure of the season, there are a few more things you should take care of to ensure a smooth, stress-free trip.

From route planning to stocking up on essentials, here’s a checklist of what to do after your RV maintenance is done but before you officially hit the road, along with a reasonable timeline to get everything ready.

2–4 Weeks Before Departure: Plan & Prepare

📍 Choose Your Destination & Route – Even if you're a go-with-the-flow traveler, it’s a good idea to at least map out your general route and check for any road closures, detours, or low-clearance areas that might affect your RV.

⛺ Make Reservations (If Needed) – Spring is a popular time for travel, and campgrounds fill up fast. If you’re heading to national parks, RV resorts, or other busy destinations, book your spots early.

📋 Update Your Travel Documents – Check that your driver’s license, registration, insurance, and any required permits are up to date. If you're traveling across state lines, review local RV laws.

🔧 Test Drive & Final Systems Check – If your RV has been parked for a while, take it on a short test drive. Pay attention to how it handles, listen for unusual noises, and double-check the brakes.

1–2 Weeks Before Departure: Stock & Organize

🛒 Restock Your RV Supplies – Take inventory of your food, toiletries, cleaning supplies, and emergency kits. Make a grocery run for non-perishable snacks and essentials.

🛏️ Freshen Up the Interior – After all that maintenance, it’s time to get your living space road-trip ready! Swap out seasonal clothes, refresh linens, and add a few spring touches to make your RV feel like home.

💰 Set Your Budget – Fuel prices fluctuate, and travel costs can add up. Make a rough budget for gas, campgrounds, food, and fun so you’re not caught off guard.

📱 Download Travel Apps – Apps like Campendium, iOverlander, GasBuddy, and Google Maps can be lifesavers for finding campgrounds, cheap fuel, and rest stops.

1–3 Days Before Departure: Final Checks

⛽ Top Off Fuel & Propane – Avoid scrambling for gas stations on travel day by filling up your tanks now.

🚽 Dump & Sanitize Your Tanks – If you haven’t already, make sure your black and gray tanks are emptied and cleaned.

🧼 Clean & Secure Your RV – Sweep, wipe down surfaces, and secure loose items so nothing shifts while driving.

🔑 Do a Final Walkaround – Check that slide-outs, steps, and awnings are retracted, storage bays are locked, and hitch connections (if towing) are secure.

💤 Get a Good Night’s Rest – Nothing makes a first travel day smoother than starting well-rested!

By following this timeline, you'll ensure your RV is road-ready and that you’ve handled all the little details before your spring adventure. Where are you headed first this season? Let us know in the comments! 🚐🌸