After five years of adventuring in our Grand Design RV, we've experienced our fair share of wear and tear. With fall travel just around the corner, it's time for a little TLC to keep everything in top shape. Here's what I’ve done to ensure our RV is road-ready and comfortable for the next round of adventures.

Camper Clean-Up for Fall: Getting Our RV Ready for the Road

1. Clean Vents

RV vents can get clogged with dust and dirt over time, reducing airflow and efficiency. I make it a point to remove and clean all the vent covers. A good wipe down and vacuum go a long way in improving airflow and keeping the RV fresh.

2. Caulking Around Mirrors and Doors

Over the years, caulk can crack and peel, especially around mirrors and door frames. I’ve re-caulked these areas to ensure everything is sealed tight and to give a fresh, clean look.  I recently reset all of our mirrors that are set into our cabinet doors.  I used a basic mirror adhesive that worked well and was easy to use!

3. RV Lock Keypad Update

We recently upgraded our RV lock to a new silicone keypad. This upgrade not only adds a layer of security but also makes getting in and out of the RV much more convenient.  If you don't have a keyless entry for your RV, this is an excellent upgrade and easy project.  We did this on our RV right after we bought it.  5 years later, it is still in excellent shape and works like a charm!

4. Check Supplies

Now’s the perfect time to check on essential supplies. I went through our cleaning products, toiletries, and paper goods to make sure we're stocked up before our next trip. Having everything prepped saves a last-minute scramble!  I use RV specific products in our RV.  I feel like this keeps things running in tip top shape.  You can check out my full list on my Amazon Store Front.  

5. Wash and Wax

Giving the RV a good wash and wax not only improves its appearance but also protects the exterior from the elements. A clean rig feels like a fresh start to the season, and the wax helps guard against the inevitable dirt and debris from fall travel.

6. New RV Propane Sensor

Safety first! Our RV propane sensor was due for a replacement, and I swapped it out to ensure we’re safe and compliant with recommended sensor lifespans.  If you didn't know, these things last 60 months or 5 years.  Ours started beeping during the night on a recent trip, and it was time to swap it out.  Since this is hard wired to the RV, you will need to rewire it back in.  This was a simple job to do.  I do recommend cutting the power completely and disconnecting the battery before getting started.  This will ensure you don't get electrocuted.

7. Countertop Repair

The kitchen counter had a couple of nicks and scratches from our travels. I tackled a small repair job to make sure it’s in great shape for fall cooking and hosting.

8. Fresh Cab Mice and Rodent Deterrent

With cooler weather approaching, critters might try to make their way into your cozy RV. I’m using Fresh Cab as a natural rodent deterrent to keep unwanted guests at bay during the season.  I've been using this product since our pop up camper days.  I love how this smells so fresh, and it gets the job done.  

By taking care of these maintenance tasks and updates, we're not just preparing our RV for more trips; we’re setting ourselves up for a smoother and more enjoyable fall camping season. Whether it’s checking supplies or doing a deep clean, these little efforts go a long way in preserving your RV and making sure every trip is as fun as the first!

While these are the things that I did in my RV this fall, I have created a more generic but comprehensive list that you can print and use if you would like.  You can click here to get my a PDF of my Fall RV Clean Up Checklist.  You can also see this list below as a preview!    

Happy travels and safe adventures this fall!