Waste Management Checklist

• Black Tank Gate Valve: Keep closed while connected to campsite sewer hookups to prevent liquid run-off and solid build-up.
• Dumping Sequence: Always dump the black tank first and ensure it is at least two-thirds full before dumping (add water to reach two-thirds if necessary to maintain adequate flow).
• Gray Tank Rinse: Dump the gray water tank last to help rinse out the valves and sewer hose.
• Resources: Find more info on RV holding tanks at RVers Corner Holding Tanks Guide.

Battery Care Checklist

• Matching Batteries: Install multi-battery banks using units with matching age, brand, and capacity for optimum performance.
• Series vs. Parallel Wiring:
  • Connect two 12V batteries in parallel (positive-to-positive, negative-to-negative).
  • Connect two 6V batteries in series (trailer positive to Battery 1 positive, Battery 1 negative to Battery 2 positive, Battery 2 negative to trailer negative).
• Wire Labeling: Tape and mark wires before disconnecting to maintain proper polarity (trailer positive is typically black; negative is typically white).
• Parasitic Drain Prevention: Turn off LP detectors, antenna power boosters, and 12V clocks when stored, or flip a battery terminal disconnect switch.
• Resources: Read the full guide at RVers Corner Battery FAQ or watch video guides at RV Education 101.

Winterizing & De-Winterizing Checklist

• Winterization Avoidance: Never pour RV antifreeze into the fresh water tank.
• Winterizing Procedure: Use a pump winterizing kit attached directly to the pump inlet alongside a water heater bypass kit. Learn more in the RV Winterizing Mini-Manual.
• De-Winterizing Procedure:
  1. Add fresh water to the holding tank and pump water through a cold tap for several minutes.
  2. Connect to city water supply and run all taps individually until clear.
  3. Flush toilet multiple times.
  4. Open water heater bypass valve, flush out sediment using a garden hose, reinstall drain plug, and fill with fresh water.
  5. Run water through all hot water faucets until line stops sputtering.
• Sanitizing: Review instructions to Sanitize Your RV Water System.

Pre-Trip & Seasonal Checklist

• Roof Inspection: Check roof sealant around all fixtures twice a year. Scrape flaking sealant using a firm scraper (metal scraper for metal roofs, plastic scraper for rubber membranes) heated with a heat gun, then re-seal.
• Propane Purge: Two weeks before departure, open the gas bottle valve and light a stove burner to purge air from lines and confirm gas flow before testing remaining appliances.
• Electrical Safety: Test campsite receptacles with a polarity checker before plugging in your shore power cord.
• Compartment Security: Review security risks regarding standard compartment keys at the Storage Compartment Article.
• Departure Reminders: Place labeled clips or bright ribbons on antenna handles or slide-out lock bars and move them to your steering wheel while set up to remind you to retract items before driving.
• General Maintenance: Visit RVers Corner and RV Repair Manual for comprehensive tips.