Spring Dewinterizing Checklist for the Coleman Lantern 17B/17R

Every spring, getting a Coleman Lantern 17B or 17R ready for camping season is more than just reversing the winterization process. It is your chance to catch small problems before they turn into expensive campsite headaches. On a compact trailer like the 17B or 17R, things can get overlooked fast, especially in the water system, battery setup, and storage areas.

This checklist is built to help you get your trailer clean, safe, and road-ready before your first trip of the season. Whether this is your first spring with the trailer or you have already done this a few times, it helps to go through the same process every year so nothing gets missed.

If you are already planning your first outing, this post also pairs well with our First Trip Checklist for the Coleman Lantern 17B / 17R, Storage for the Coleman Lantern 17B / 17R, and Must Have Coleman Lantern 17B/17R Upgrades pages.

As the snow melts and spring beckons, it’s time to bring your Coleman Lantern 17B or 17R out of hibernation. Dewinterizing your travel trailer is essential for ensuring a smooth and stress-free camping season. Whether you're a seasoned RV enthusiast or a first-time trailer owner, this comprehensive spring dewinterizing checklist will guide you through every step.

Why Dewinterizing Matters

During winterization, your Coleman Lantern 17B or 17R was prepped to withstand freezing temperatures. But once the cold months pass, it's important to flush out antifreeze, check systems, and inspect for winter damage. Skipping these steps can lead to:

• Plumbing issues

• Mold growth

• Battery failure

• Propane leaks

• Brake or tire problems

Proper dewinterizing extends the life of your camper and ensures you’re not stuck with costly repairs on your first trip out.

Spring Dewinterizing Checklist

Here’s the full checklist to get your Coleman Lantern 17B/17R spring-ready:

Inspect the Exterior

• Check roof, seams, and seals for cracks or water damage

• Examine windows and doors for proper sealing

• Open the awning and look for mildew or wear

• Inspect the tires (cracks, bulges, tread depth)

• Re-torque lug nuts to manufacturer specs

✅ Tip: Clean and wax the exterior to protect it from UV rays.

Reinstall the Battery

• Reconnect the battery and fully charge it

• Clean terminals and apply dielectric grease

• Test voltage (12.4V–12.7V is ideal)

Recommended Tool on Amazon: Battery Tester Multimeter

Flush and Sanitize the Water System

This is one of the most important parts of dewinterizing any Coleman Lantern 17B or 17R. It is not enough to just run water through the lines and hope for the best. You want to fully clear the antifreeze, sanitize the fresh water system, and make sure the water heater is actually set back up for normal use.

• Drain the RV antifreeze completely
• Open the low point drains until the water runs clear, then close them
• Run every faucet until the water runs clear and the sputtering stops
• Do not forget the exterior shower if your trailer is equipped with one
• Reinstall the water-heater anode rod or tank plug before filling the system
• Turn the water-heater bypass off so the tank can fill normally
• Run hot water at the kitchen and bathroom faucets to purge air from the hot side
• Add bleach solution at 1/4 cup per 15 gallons of fresh water, let it sit, then flush again with clean water
• If the pressure relief valve weeps after filling, restore the water-heater air gap before moving on
• Once the water system is ready, add water and deodorant to the black and gray tanks and leave a little water in the toilet to protect the seal

Recommended Product on Amazon: Camco RV Water System Flush Kit

Check the Propane System

• Open propane valve and check for leaks (use soapy water method)

• Inspect regulator, hoses, and fittings

• Light stove burners and test furnace and fridge in gas mode

Recommended Product on Amazon: Propane Leak Detector Spray

Test the Electrical System

• Plug into shore power

• Test interior and exterior lights

• Inspect breakers and fuses

• Test microwave, fridge (AC mode), and outlets

De-Winterize the Appliances

• Run the fridge on propane and electric

• Test the furnace and AC unit

• Inspect water heater and remove bypass if previously set

Optional Add-on: RV Surge Protector

Road Ready Spring Checks

A lot of dewinterizing posts focus only on the plumbing side, but if you are actually towing your Coleman 17B or 17R out soon, it helps to treat this like full spring prep.

• Check tire sidewalls for cracking or rot
• Check tire age and inflate to the correct PSI
• Inspect your rims for visible damage
• Re-torque lug nuts to spec
• Make sure your trailer brakes are in good shape
• Look over the suspension and hangers for anything bent or damaged
• Check your hitch and tighten or re-grease components if needed
• Make sure your tongue jack and stabilizers are working properly
• Turn the fridge on early and let it cool for 24 hours before loading food

Check the Plumbing

• Inspect pipes and fittings for cracks or leaks

• Test the water pump and water heater

• Reinstall or clean water filters

 Recommended Product on Amazon: Inline RV Water Filter

Clean the Interior

• Vacuum floors and upholstery

• Wipe down all surfaces

• Inspect for signs of rodents or pests

• Reinstall bedding and linens

Bonus tip: Add baking soda to the fridge to eliminate any off-season odors.

Safety Checks

• Test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors

• Check fire extinguisher pressure

• Replace batteries in detectors

• Inspect trailer brake lights and turn signals

Restock and Repack

• Refill toilet chemicals

• Restock your RV first aid kit

• Check your tool kit and spare parts

 Recommended Item on Amazon: RV Starter Kit with Essentials

Amazon Picks for Spring Dewinterizing:

These product links go to Amazon and are the kind of items that actually make spring prep easier on a Coleman Lantern 17B or 17R.

Common Spring Mistakes to Avoid

• Forgetting the exterior shower when flushing the lines
• Leaving the water heater in bypass mode
• Turning the water heater on before the tank is full
• Forgetting to reinstall the anode rod or drain plug
• Not purging air from the hot-water side
• Ignoring the battery after winter storage
• Skipping tire age, PSI, and hitch checks
• Loading food into the fridge before it has fully cooled
• Treating dewinterizing like plumbing only instead of full trip prep

A small oversight in spring can lead to a major headache in the summer.

When to Dewinterize Your Coleman Lantern

The right time to dewinterize depends on your local climate. In Canada and the northern U.S., it’s safest to wait until nighttime lows consistently stay above freezing — typically mid-April to early May.

If you’re prepping for a spring road trip earlier in the season, just be ready to re-winterize if a cold snap is in the forecast.

Final Thoughts

Spring dewinterizing is one of the most important seasonal jobs you can do on a Coleman Lantern 17B or 17R. It is your chance to make sure the trailer is safe, clean, leak-free, and truly ready for camping before the season gets busy.

The best part is that once you build a routine, it gets a lot easier every year. Go through the same checklist, check the same systems, and deal with small issues before they follow you to the campground.

If you are getting ready for your first trip of the season, you may also want to read our First Trip Checklist for the Coleman Lantern 17B / 17R, Storage for the Coleman Lantern 17B / 17R, and Coleman 17B / 17R Owner Resources pages.

Got your own spring prep tips? Share them with us on our Facebook Group!