Spring RV road-trip prep for Alberta: the complete shake-down checklist

1. Wake the RV up

Start with How to de-winterize your RV in spring: flush, sanitize and system checks, which covers flushing antifreeze, sanitizing the water system, filling the water heater and checking for leaks and freeze damage. Then work through the items below. Print the pre-trip checklist for each trip.

2. Safety equipment

• Test propane/CO alarm and smoke alarm. Check expiry dates on the labels.
• Check the fire extinguisher gauge and date. Know where it is.
• Restock the first aid kit.
• Check the propane system for leaks at accessible fittings (RV propane problems: smells, weak flames, regulator issues and leak testing).
• Propane cylinders within their requalification date.
• Flashlights, road flares or triangles, and a headlamp.

3. Tires, wheels and brakes

• Tire pressure cold, set for your load (RV tire care: how to prevent blowouts with correct pressure, load and age checks)
• Tire age (DOT date code) and sidewall condition
• Lug nut torque with a torque wrench
• Trailer brakes, controller and breakaway battery (Travel trailer brakes not working: electric brakes, controller and breakaway checks)
• Bearings serviced per the axle maker's schedule
• TPMS sensors working and batteries good

4. Hitch and lights

• Hitch, ball, coupler, spring bars and sway control: inspect and torque per manufacturer (Trailer sway and hitch setup: weight, tongue weight and weight-distribution basics)
• Safety chains and breakaway cable
• 7-way plug clean and greased
• All running, brake, signal and clearance lights working

5. Systems check

• Batteries charged and the converter charging (RV battery not charging: how to troubleshoot the converter and 12V system)
• Furnace, water heater and fridge on all modes
• A/C (filters cleaned)
• Slides, awning, jacks
• Roof and seals inspected after winter (RV roof maintenance and resealing: a practical inspection and resealing routine)
• Motorhome: engine, transmission and generator service per chassis manual

6. Paperwork and passes

• Registration and insurance current for the RV and tow vehicle
• Driver's licence appropriate for your RV (Alberta RV rules basics: licensing, trailer brakes, weights and equipment)
• Parks Canada pass if you're visiting national parks such as Banff, Jasper or Waterton. See Parks Canada admission.
• Kananaskis Conservation Pass if you'll park in Kananaskis Country or the Bow Valley corridor. See alberta.ca.
• Public Lands Camping Pass if you'll random camp on public land along the Eastern Slopes. See Crown land camping in Alberta.

7. Book early

Popular provincial and national park campgrounds near Calgary fill quickly, especially for long weekends and summer. Reservation windows open months ahead. Check:

• Alberta Parks reservations for provincial parks, including Kananaskis
• Parks Canada reservations for national parks

Some campgrounds open later in spring than others, and higher-elevation campgrounds may stay closed until snow melts. Check each campground's opening dates.

8. Plan for spring weather and roads

• Spring snowstorms are common in Calgary and the mountains. Check weather.gc.ca and 511 Alberta road conditions before leaving.
• Some mountain roads close seasonally (for example, sections of Highway 40 in Kananaskis close over winter and spring). Check current status before you go.
• Bring extra propane and warm bedding. Nights in the mountains can be below zero well into June.
• Be ready to travel "dry" if overnight lows are well below freezing. Bring jugs of water and keep antifreeze in the traps.

9. Do a shakedown trip

Spend a night or two close to home before heading into the backcountry. You'll find the leaky fitting, the dead detector or the forgotten anode while you're near parts and help.

10. Pack for Alberta

• Bear spray (and know how to use it). See Alberta BearSmart.
• Offline maps. Cell coverage is limited in much of the mountains and foothills.
• Water for drinking and a filter.
• Levelling blocks and jack pads.
• Check Alberta fire bans before planning campfires.