Time for Spring Cleaning to get your Teardrop Road Ready

While some Teardrop adventurers don’t let a little winter deter their travel plans, many may have had our Teardrop winterized and under cover during the cold season. Chilly weather isn’t over yet, but in many regions, frosty temps will begin to soften this month, making March a perfect time to prepare your trailer so you’re ready for the upcoming travel season.

Here’s our four-week (weekend) guide for getting reacquainted with your rig and performing annual maintenance:

Week 1: Inspect and Maintain Your Tow Vehicle

A well-maintained trailer won’t do much good sitting on the side of the road, so make tow vehicle maintenance a top priority. Weather you take your vehicle in for service or do it yourself, a reliable tow is key to a hassle free and safe adventure. Schedule annual this first week in March to check engine oil and other fluids such as, transmission, brakes, coolant and power steering.

Make sure lights are working and that cables and connections are in good repair. Examine tires for wear and have them rotated. Check your hitch for rust or damage and look for nicks in the windshield that might need repair. Clean your tow vehicle from top to bottom and make sure registration and insurance documents are current.

Week 2: Getting Reacquainted with Your Rig

This week is for becoming reacquainted with your travel trailer setup. Once it is out of storage or the cover is off, closely examine the exterior of your trailer, checking for any obvious damage or signs of distress that may have occurred over winter. Check all weather stripping, seams and seals and carry out repairs or maintenance accordingly. Our trailers are built to last, but if you see any spots that need attention, now is the time to do it. Inspect tires for cracks and bring air pressure up to the manufacturer’s standard. Lube axle hubs and adjust electric brakes. Clean and polish the exterior of your rig from top to bottom.

Week 3: Love Your Water and Electric Systems

Once any danger of late freezing has passed in your region, clear, flush out, and sanitize water lines and tanks, checking connections for leaks or damage. Install charged batteries and full propane tanks. Run a check on the electrical system to ensure trailer running lights, outlets, charging devices and other electrical components are working. If you have on-board water storage make sure there are no leaks.  Also, check all other propane appliances to make sure they are functional. Install new air and water filters.

Week 4: Shine On

This week is about cleaning your trailer interior and making it sparkle from head to toe. Wash windows and screens so you can best observe spring in bloom. Replace missing staples and supplies. Restock your first aid kit and fill water storage tanks. Refresh bed linens and bath towels. Stock up on current books and other reading materials, hobby supplies and get to work organizing your camping gear. Take your rig for a short test drive and then get busy planning your spring travel!

Obviously if you live in a much colder region you’ll want wait until after the last frost to de-winterize your trailer. But don’t let gorgeous weather sneak up and find you unprepared to go. There’s a lot to do before spring is officially here, so get hopping now to ensure a positively hassle-free journey as early as a few short weeks from now!

If you have any questions about Teardrop maintenance or de-winterization, Contact Us. We’re gearing up for spring and here to help!