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There is something special about the air in Smithers when the snow finally starts to recede from the valley floor. For many of us, that first hint of spring doesn’t just mean gardening or hiking: it means it’s time to get the motorhome out of storage. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway to Tyhee Lake or a long haul through the Rockies, your RV is your ticket to freedom.

But before you load up the coolers and hit the Yellowhead Highway, there is some groundwork to do. After sitting through a long, cold Northern BC winter, your motorhome needs more than just a quick wash. Neglecting maintenance isn’t just about the risk of a breakdown; it’s about ensuring your home-on-wheels is safe for your family on those winding mountain passes.

At Tatlow Tire 2024, we’ve seen what happens when “small” issues are ignored over the winter. To help you stay on the road and out of the shop during your vacation, we’ve put together this guide to getting your RV ready for the BC camping season.

De-Winterizing the Water System

If you used RV antifreeze to protect your pipes during the Smithers freeze, your first task is a thorough flush. You don’t want your first morning coffee of the season tasting like pink chemicals.

Start by running fresh water through the entire system until the lines run clear and the smell of antifreeze is gone. Once flushed, it’s time to sanitize. Mix a solution of a quarter-cup of household bleach for every 15 gallons of water your fresh tank holds. Fill the tank, run it through all your faucets, and let it sit for a few hours before draining and flushing again.

While you’re at it, play detective. Check under the sinks and around the water heater for any signs of moisture. Small drips from a cracked fitting can quickly turn into a moldy nightmare if left unchecked.

Inspecting the Roof and Exterior Seals

Water is an RV’s worst enemy, and BC’s damp climate is particularly unforgiving. Over the winter, freezing and thawing can cause sealants to crack or pull away from the body of your motorhome.

Grab a ladder and head up top. You’re looking for cracks, gaps, or “chalking” in the sealant around roof vents, skylights, and along the edges. If you spot a gap, don’t reach for a tube of household bathroom caulk from the hardware store. RV roofs require specialized sealants that can handle the constant flexing and UV exposure of the road.

While you’re up there, check the condition of your awning. Unroll it fully to look for tears or mold. A quick cleaning with an RV-safe solution now will prevent a sticky, smelly mess when you’re trying to set up camp later.

Tire Health: Your Only Connection to the Road

As a dedicated tire shop, we can’t stress this enough: your tires are the most critical safety component of your RV. Unlike a car that you drive every day, an RV often sits for months at a time. This leads to “flat-spotting” and, more dangerously, dry rot.

Even if your tread looks deep, tires can age out. Rubber breaks down over time, especially when exposed to the elements. Check the sidewalls for tiny cracks (weather checking). If your tires are more than five to six years old, they may need replacing, regardless of how much tread is left.

Before your first trip, check your tire pressure when they are “cold” (meaning the RV hasn’t been driven for at least three hours). Use the manufacturer’s recommended PSI, not the “max pressure” listed on the tire sidewall. Don’t forget to check the spare! Finding out your spare is flat while you’re parked on the shoulder of a mountain road is a situation nobody wants to be in. If you’re unsure about the condition of your rubber, come see us for tire services in Smithers.

Brakes and Wheel Bearings

Stopping a 15,000-pound motorhome on a steep BC grade is no small feat. If you haven’t had your brakes inspected in a while, now is the time. We check for pad wear, rotor condition, and any signs of fluid leaks.

For those towing trailers or driving older motorhomes, wheel bearing maintenance is equally vital. Bearings should be inspected and repacked with fresh grease annually. If they run dry, they can overheat and cause the wheel to seize: or even come off: while you’re driving. It’s a messy job, but it’s essential for a worry-free trip.

Under the Hood: Engine and Chassis Prep

If you drive a Class A, B, or C motorhome, the “truck” part of your vehicle needs just as much love as the “house” part. Think of it like a heavy-duty service for a truck.

• Fluids: Check your engine oil, coolant, transmission fluid, and brake fluid. If it’s been more than a year since your last oil change, get it done before the trip. Fresh oil handles the heat of mountain climbing much better than old, broken-down oil.
• Batteries: Smithers winters are brutal on batteries. Check the terminals for corrosion and ensure they are holding a full charge. If you have “flooded” batteries, check the electrolyte levels and top them up with distilled water.
• Belts and Hoses: Look for cracks in the serpentine belt or soft spots in the radiator hoses. A $50 belt is a lot cheaper to replace now than a $500 tow later.

We handle all types of automotive repair in Smithers, including the mechanical side of your motorhome. Getting a professional eyes-on inspection can catch those “hidden” issues like a leaking water pump or a worn-out alternator before they leave you stranded.

Propane and Safety Systems

Propane is what keeps your beer cold and your shower hot, but it needs to be handled with respect. Check your propane tanks for any signs of rust or damage and ensure they are still within their certification date (usually 10 years from the manufacture date).

Test your appliances: fridge, furnace, and stove: on propane to make sure the pilot lights and burners are functioning correctly. If you smell gas or hear a strange hissing, turn off the main valve immediately and have it inspected by a professional.

Finally, do a safety sweep of the interior:

• Replace the batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
• Check the expiry date on your fire extinguisher.
• Test all your exterior lights (brakes, signals, and markers). It’s much easier to fix a bulb in your driveway than at a rest stop in the dark.

Dealing with Unwanted Guests

RVs are cozy, and unfortunately, local mice and squirrels think so too. During your spring cleaning, look for droppings, chewed wiring, or nesting material in the back of cupboards and around the engine bay. Rodents can do thousands of dollars in damage to an electrical system in a single winter. If you find signs of an infestation, a deep clean and some strategically placed deterrents are in order before you move your clothes and food inside.

Enjoy the BC Backroads

The effort you put into RV maintenance in Smithers now will pay off tenfold when you’re sitting by a campfire instead of waiting for a tow truck. BC offers some of the most beautiful driving routes in the world, and having a reliable vehicle is the key to enjoying them.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the checklist or just want the peace of mind that comes with a professional inspection, the team at Tatlow Tire 2024 is here to help. From mounting and balancing new tires to full mechanical diagnostics, we’ll make sure your motorhome is road-ready.

Safe travels, and we’ll see you out there on the highway!

Ready to Get Road-Trip Ready?

Don’t wait until the day before your trip to find an issue. Give us a call or stop by Tatlow Tire 2024 in Smithers today to schedule your RV tire inspection or mechanical service. We’ll help you hit the road with confidence.