Get Ready for Spring RV Traveling with the #PEAKSquad’s Steven Olsewski

Spring is the perfect time to trade the routine for the open road.

Whether you're planning a few weekend getaways or a months-long journey across the country, RV travel offers something that a typical vacation simply can't: freedom to explore. Instead of rushing through a destination in a week, RVers can alter their itineraries, linger, discover hidden gems, and experience the country in a way that most travelers never do. 

We sat down with PEAK’s resident RV expert, Steven Olsewski, to talk about his experience as a full-time RVer, get some maintenance tips, and see where he’s headed next! 

The Full-Time RV Experience 

Steven and his wife know a thing or two about RV upkeep because they live in their RV full-time. 

Four years ago, the couple decided they wanted to move out of California, but had no clue where they wanted to end up. “What better way to travel and see where you want to live than RVing?” says Steven. They sold their home and moved into a fifth wheel with their five dogs. 

They lovingly refer to their 45-foot fifth wheel as their “New York City apartment on wheels,” complete with a full-sized kitchen and enough room for a sectional. They’ve cooked a turkey, hosted family, and explored much of the western United States, all from their RV. 

How to De-Winterize an RV

For those who aren’t ready to leap into full-time RV life, spring travel means getting your RV out of storage and into shape for long-haul travels. Make sure to do a thorough de-winterization, including: 

• Flushing all antifreeze out of your water system 
• Reconnect and recharge the battery 
• Test and clean all appliances and change any filters 
• Inspect any awnings or slide-outs for damage, adding lubrication as needed

→ Get our full RV spring cleaning checklist here

Of course, you can also skip the headache of annual de-winterization and join the Olsewskis in full-time RVing. 😉

Steven’s RV Maintenance Tips 

With his background in the automotive industry, Steven’s got a mind for the mechanical. When things break down, he’s prepared to jump in and fix them. 

Even though Steven doesn’t have to de-winterize, he does make a few key checks as the weather turns warmer:
 

• Check all seals for cracks or water damage and caulk anywhere that needs repair 
• Monitor the exterior for weather rotting 
• Top off all fluids in the truck (or in your RV, if it’s motorized)
• Clean and grease the fifth wheel hitch
• Always keep an eye on wheel bearings and tire pressure, like you would on a normal road trip

His biggest tip: be prepared to do your own repairs. “You have to be mechanically inclined,” says Steven. “If you don’t understand how to fix things, it’s going to cause a lot of headaches on the road.”

Build Your Essential RV Kit 

To keep the RV on the move, Steven put together a kit of maintenance must-haves. Coming from the world of racing, his philosophy is more is more when it comes to preparation.

1. Hand tools: Have your electrical implements and sockets ready for any repair. And don’t overlook the jack and tire wedge needed to change a tire on your trailer.
2. PEAK products: Steven always keeps at least two boxes of BlueDEF in the truck, just in case they run into issues while in remote areas.
3. Plumbing fittings: Don’t get stuck without running water. Make sure to have a few plumbing fittings handy, as well as nuts and screws. 

And, of course, you should keep first aid kits, shelf-stable food and drinking water, spare portable chargers, and road flares to ensure your safety throughout your travels. 

Building an RV Travel Itinerary

Steven’s top RV tip: take your time. He and his wife spent nearly five months exploring the Oregon coast, a region neither of them had much interest in prior. Before they knew it, they were heading off the beaten path and discovering hidden waterfalls. 

That’s the beauty of RV travel. With no set check-out date, RVers can spend as much (or as little) time as they want getting to know the character of a city or region. This summer, Steven and his wife’s explorations will take them to the East Coast. In a matter of months, the couple will visit 12 states, stopping everywhere from New Mexico to Pennsylvania and New Orleans, before ending their trip in Florida. 

As you’re dreaming up your spring travels, think about places you want to see beyond the surface. With the freedom to roam, you may stumble upon gorgeous scenery and local haunts that most tourists miss out on. 

“My wife and I always talk about the adventures,” he says. There's always something new to see and experience.”

No matter where the road takes you this spring, being prepared makes all the difference. Stocking your RV with the right maintenance essentials means fewer surprises and more time enjoying the journey. PEAK Auto has everything you need to keep your RV running smoothly.