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

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.

We'll cover:

• A step-by-step spring dewinterizing process

• Pros and cons of doing it yourself

• Essential tools and products

• A buyer’s guide

• And a call to action so you're fully prepared for the road ahead

Let’s wake up your camper the right way!

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

• Bypass the water heater if still in bypass mode

• Drain RV antifreeze completely

• Fill the fresh water tank and flush all faucets/toilets

• Add bleach solution (1/4 cup per 15 gallons of water), let sit, then flush again with clean water

🛠️ 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

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

Pros and Cons of DIY Dewinterizing

✅ Pros:

• Save money

• Learn your camper inside and out

• Customize care based on your needs

❌ Cons:

• Time-consuming

• Risk of missing key steps if inexperienced

• Requires basic tools and RV knowledge

If you're new to RVing, consider following video walkthroughs or reaching out to a local RV tech for your first dewinterizing season.

Amazon Buyer’s Guide: Must-Have Products for Spring Dewinterizing

Here’s a quick guide to some tools and gear you’ll want in your spring toolkit.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Forgetting to flush antifreeze completely

• Not checking the water heater bypass

• Ignoring battery maintenance

• Skipping roof inspections

• Failing to test all propane appliances

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

Dewinterizing your Coleman Lantern 17B or 17R is more than just reversing the winterization process — it’s your chance to start the season off right. With a careful inspection, thorough cleaning, and some routine maintenance, your camper will be fresh, functional, and road-ready for spring adventures.

Whether you're heading out for weekend getaways or planning a full-season road trip, a properly dewinterized trailer means fewer surprises and more fun.

Take the time now so you’re not stuck troubleshooting in the campground later.

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

See you on the road — and happy camping! 🌲🚐