RV Season Sneaks Up: 5 Safety Checks Before You Roll In North Idaho
RV season always sneaks up fast. One minute you're digging through storage bins, the next you're backing out of the driveway with the fridge packed and your Spotify road playlist cued up.
But before you go full summer mode, it’s worth slowing down for a few minutes to make sure your RV is as ready as you are — especially when it comes to safety. If you do stumble across anything, there's lots of resources in the Coeur d'Alene area, we'll help you out.
1) Check Your Tires — Not Just the Tread
Most RV owners know to check tire tread, but age and pressure matter just as much. A tire can look fine and still fail if it's over 5–6 years old or was stored underinflated.
👉 Look for cracks, sidewall bulges, or flat spots. Always check pressure when the tires are cold.
If you find something that looks scary don't worry. We love the guys at perfection in CDA. They'll get you back on the road.
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2) Test Your Brakes and Lights (All of Them)
Whether you're driving a Class A or towing a fifth-wheel, brake systems and light wiring deserve a double-check before you hit the highway. This includes:
- Making sure the discs close. Long periods sitting can made them stiff and they may need worked a little. If they squeal after long storage don't panic. But if the squeaking goes on after fifty miles, you probably need to check how much meat is left on the break shoe.
- All running lights, brake lights, and turn signals. People forget they put in a lot of miles on rougher ground than their normal car. Then when it sits any nicks in the cables or cracks in the bulb seals like to oxidize. This one gone wrong results in traffic fines, so save your self the money, and spend it on a cold beer instead.
- Hitch and safety chains. Everyone laughs a little at this one, but you be surprised how many of these are in disrepair at the end of the season. It doesn't hap often that they fail, but when they do its a BIG DEAL. As a storage facility, we've seen it more than we'd like. Don't be the lucky winner this year, take a sec an give it a good look.
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3) Secure Cabinets, Hatches, and Roof Equipment
One of the most common RV issues on the road? Something flapping in the wind or falling off entirely. It might have been a long time since you saw your baby in storage. Are you one of those that leaves the top vent cracked or not? I store a boat personally and its fairly wide open in heated indoor storage with security. TLDR: check it out before you pull out.
- Check that latches are tight and locked
- Inspect roof fans, AC units, and vent covers
- Retract awnings and antennas fully
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4) Fire Safety Isn’t Optional
You who have done this a while will be aware you'll end up in a check every few years. You'll be pulled over for something stupid, or pull into a KOA where their doing inspections. It happens to me on the water in lake Coeur d'Alene every two years. It's the ticket itself that is painful, but the fact its a fixit so you have go through a second inspection to make it go away. To save the hassle you'll need a:
- A working fire extinguisher
- Smoke, CO, and LP gas detectors (with fresh batteries) (RV only)
- A clear understanding of how to shut off propane if needed
- A flare gun (boat only)
- 1 Life jacket for everyone on board (boat only)
Remember, North Idaho may seem like its away from society and authority checking up on you, but they take fire very seriously. Here's more info for boats.
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5) Pack for Roadside Reality
Your troubles aren't over when pull out. It can hit the fan at anytime during your adventure. Make sure you plan ahead.
- A tool kit and tire repair gear
- Reflective triangles or cones
- An up-to-date first aid kit
- A paper map, just in case coverage disappears
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Final Thought: Storage Impacts Safety
We keep our own RV in indoor, climate-controlled storage, and it makes a difference. The tires hold pressure better. The electrical systems stay stable. And we start the season with fewer unknowns.
If you’re local, we’re a short, easy drive from anywhere
near Coeur d’Alene. We serve travelers searching for affordable
indoor heated storage for your boat, RV, or any vehicle you want to keep safe and dry while your not using it. It saves a boat load on winterization and wear from the elements, and its a heck of a lot safer than parking on the street. If you found this article useful feel free to reach out to us. Looking forward to hearing from you.
