Well, campers it's April, so let’s go camping! But before we go, there are always things to do. If you winterized your camper correctly, now is the time you will find out. Depending on which method you chose; low point drain, air blow out or antifreeze pumping, you will need to replace the hot water drain plug. Be sure to Teflon tape the threads to keep it from leaking.

If you own a suburban hot water heater with a steel glass lined tank, the drain plug is also an anode rod and should properly be replaced. Reconnect the water lines the way they were on the rear of your hot water heater or put your bypass kit in normal operation mode. Make sure your water pump is hooked back to the water tank and put some water in your tank. Turn on the water pump, open all faucets, flush the toilet and run water appliances until all air or winterizing solution has been removed.

Close all faucets (say a little prayer) and the water pump should stop running. If the pump stops, your system has built pressure and has no leaks. If the pump continues to run quickly, try to locate the leak and repair as necessary.

This is the time of year for your first roof inspection as well. Check all calked and sealed areas, the condition of roof vent covers, and if you have a rubber roof, clean and treat to prevent U V damage and premature failure. Other maintenance should include checking your tires for dry rot and proper air pressure, making sure battery connections are clean and tight and battery water levels are topped off with distilled water.

Spray lube stabilizer jacks, hitch couplers, compartment locks, awning knobs - anything that moves that has been exposed to the weather. If your camper is equipped with a slide out room, lubricate all moving parts with a recommended slide out lube. These lubricants are designed to lubricate without wetness so sand and road grime will not stick, causing future problems to your slide out mechanism. Open and close your awning and clean if necessary. Use only an approved awning cleaner to prevent canvas damage.

Plug in your camper and let the converter charge your battery. Turn on the LP gas and leak check the unit. Test-run all appliances to ensure proper working condition.

If you do these things now, at home, your first camping trip of the year should be much more enjoyable. So dust off that fishing rod, make some reservations, and get back out there to your favorite camping spot.