After months in storage — or just a winter of lighter use — your RV needs a thorough once-over before you hit the road. Even if it "looked fine" when you parked it, a lot can change. Seals dry out. Batteries discharge. Critters move in. And Florida's humidity can work against you in surprising ways.

Our RVIA-certified technicians have performed thousands of pre-season inspections over the past 20 years. Here's the exact process we use — and what we find most often.

1. Roof & Seams

This is the most critical check you can do. Roof membrane damage and failed sealant around vents, AC units, and seams are the #1 cause of water intrusion — and water damage is expensive. Get up there with a flashlight and look for:

  • Cracks, bubbles, or tears in the membrane (EPDM or TPO)
  • Sealant that's cracked, pulled away, or discolored
  • Any soft spots when walking on the roof
  • Rust around vent bases or AC units
"We estimate that 60% of the serious interior damage we repair traces back to a roof issue that was visible — and preventable — 6–12 months earlier." — Mike Torres, Master Tech
Roof inspection

2. Battery System

Both chassis and house batteries can lose significant charge or degrade over winter. You'll want to:

  • Test battery voltage with a multimeter (house batteries should read 12.6V+ fully charged)
  • Check terminal connections for corrosion (white/green buildup)
  • Clean terminals with baking soda solution if needed
  • Test the charge cycle — does it hold charge for 24 hours under load?

Batteries over 3–4 years old often need replacement. We see a lot of customers surprised by this, but it's far cheaper to replace a battery proactively than to get stranded.

3. Tires & Wheels

RV tires degrade from UV exposure and sitting, not just from use. Even if the tread looks fine, check:

  • Sidewall cracking (spiderweb patterns indicate UV degradation)
  • Inflation pressure — should match the manufacturer's spec on the door placard
  • Lug nut torque — vibration can loosen them over winter
  • Age — tires older than 6 years should be professionally inspected; 10+ years should be replaced regardless of appearance

4. Propane System

Propane leaks are no joke. Before lighting anything, check:

  • Tank valve and regulator for corrosion
  • All visible propane lines for cracks or damage
  • Use soapy water on connections — bubbles indicate a leak
  • Confirm your CO/propane detector is functional (test it)

5. Water System

Flush fresh water tank completely. Run water through all faucets and check for:

  • Discoloration or odor in fresh water
  • Water pump operation (you should hear it prime and hold pressure)
  • Any dripping from valves, fittings, or under sinks
  • Toilet seal function — does it hold water in the bowl?
Pro Tip: If your RV sat for more than 2 months, sanitize the fresh water system with a bleach solution (1/4 cup per 15 gallons) before drinking from it or using it for cooking.

6–12: The Full Checklist

The remaining 7 points cover electrical systems, AC and furnace operation, slide-out mechanism and seals, awning fabric and motor, exterior lights and turn signals, engine and chassis fluids (for motorhomes), and interior appliances.

For the complete 50-point inspection form we use at RoadReady, or to schedule a professional pre-season inspection, contact us below. Most inspections can be completed same-day.