Spring is an exciting time, especially when you’ve been waiting all winter to dust the cobwebs off your RV and hit the open road. But how do you know when it’s the right time to safely open your RV for the season? Today on the blog, we’re chatting about when to open your RV, a few de-winterization steps you won’t want to miss, and what camping in BC will look like this season as we continue to battle the COVID-19 pandemic.
Your Spring-Opening Checklist
The main reason for waiting to open your RV has to do with cold and moisture. If you flush the plumbing lines of antifreeze too early, and then we’re hit with one last blast of icy weather, you risk damaging the plumbing system throughout your unit. Fortunately for Abbotsford and Lower Mainland residents, we can typically depend on consistently mild weather by April, giving you the green light to safely open your RV, well, now!
Opening your RV in the spring is referred to as “de-winterization,” and includes a series of steps you’ll need to take to make sure your unit is in perfect working order before you head for the nearest campground. A few of the major items on your de-winterization checklist should include:
- Plumbing. You’ll need to flush your plumbing system of pink antifreeze until fresh water runs clear throughout your trailer. This is also the time to check for leaks. Don’t forget about often overlooked appliances that use water, like the dishwasher and ice maker. Once your plumbing system is all clear, simply fill your fresh water tanks!
- Electrical and Gas. Your RV needs power! All gas lines should be carefully inspected, and you’ll need to test that adequate electricity is supplying all outlets and appliances. You can also test your generator at this time, plus heating, cooling and ventilation systems.
- Seams and Shell. A lot can happen during the off-season. Carefully inspect seams along the body, roof and floor, patching and sealing as you go. Pay particular attention to the roof, where cracks and damage are likely to occur.
- Tires. Check tire pressure, inspect for damage and replace any tires that don’t make the cut. Don’t forget to stash a spare onboard! We like to check brakes and exterior lights (brakes, running lights and turn signals) during this step.
- Safety. Test your smoke detector, carbon monoxide alarm and batteries. This is a great time to take a look through your emergency supplies as well, and make sure you’re stocked with a fire extinguisher, fresh first aid supplies, shovel, flares and extra provisions.
Check out our latest blog post about how to get your RV ready for spring for a more thorough explanation of the de-winterization process. Short on time? Book a de-winterization appointment with Get-Away RV and leave the tough stuff to us!
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COVID and Camping in BC
As we continue to grapple with our global pandemic, camping in BC will be affected in the spring of 2021. Our current Emergency Program Act restrictions are in place until May 25th, and will likely be extended through the early summer. So what does this mean for BC campers?
- Inter-provincial travel has been limited. If you have a reservation at a BC campground that is outside your local Health Authority Region, you’ll need to cancel your booking. Dependent on rolling restrictions, non-BC residents will be able to make reservations at BC campgrounds starting July 8, 2021.
- Most communal spaces remain closed at BC campgrounds, and you’ll need to plan accordingly. This can include packing extra food, locating fresh water sources, and planning for limited access to showers, laundry and social spaces. Disruptions to the availability of supplies are also to be expected.
- Social distancing measures must be observed at all times, and there are limits on the number of campers allowed per site.
- Some beaches, parks and trails will remain closed. We strongly recommend that you check with local sources about what’s open/closed before you hit the road.
- For our list of campgrounds we expect to remain open to BC residents during the spring and summer of 2021, head to our blog post here.
We strongly recommend that you thoroughly read the 2021 camping policies and the FAQ available on the BC Parks website, and check back frequently for updates.
Enjoy a Safe Camping Season With Help From Get-Away RV
Opening your RV, de-winterization, camping during the COVID-19 pandemic – oh my! There certainly is a lot going on right now, and we understand your concerns and frustrations. That’s why the Get-Away RV team is here to help however we can. Whether you need advice on where/how to camp safely in BC this year, need to learn a few extra maintenance skills to care for your RV while you’re on the road, or simply want to sit back while we open your RV for you, we’re here for you.
Never hesitate to reach out to us here at Get-Away RV and tell us how we can help you get the most out of your trailer, camper or motorhome this season!
