Summer Isn't Over: Get Your Vehicle & RV Ready for Fall Adventures

Summer may be winding down, but that doesn't mean it's time to park the RV, put away the camping gear or stop planning weekend road trips.

In fact, September and early fall can be one of the best times of year to get out and explore. Cooler temperatures, changing leaves and fewer peak-summer crowds make it a great season to load up the truck, Jeep, SUV or RV and hit the road.

Before you head out, a little preparation can help make your next adventure safer, more comfortable and a lot more enjoyable.

Here are seven things worth checking before your fall adventures begin.

1. Give Your Tires a Quick Check

Your tires have already been through the heat and long drives of summer. Before another road trip, take a few minutes to check:

• Tire pressure

• Tread depth

• Uneven wear

• Cracks or visible damage

• Spare tire condition

If you're towing a trailer or RV, don't forget those tires too.

Changing temperatures can affect tire pressure, so checking your tires becomes even more important as summer transitions into fall.

2. Get Ready for Mud, Rain and Everything Fall Brings With It

Fall looks great through the windshield.  On the floor of your truck? Maybe not so much.  Rain, mud, leaves and eventually snow can quickly make a mess of your vehicle's interior.

Floor liners, cargo liners and mud flaps are simple upgrades that can help protect your vehicle and make cleanup easier.  It's also a good time to check your truck bed, cargo area and storage setup before loading up for your next trip.

Shop Eddies Tip: Protecting your vehicle before the messy weather arrives is a lot easier than cleaning it afterward.

3. Check Your Towing Setup Before You Hit the Highway

Pulling a camper, boat or trailer this fall?  Give your towing equipment a quick inspection before heading out.

Check your:

• Trailer hitch

• Ball mount

• Hitch pin

• Safety chains

• Trailer wiring

• Brake controller

• Weight distribution components

Make sure everything is properly secured and suitable for what you're towing.  A few minutes in the driveway can help prevent a much bigger headache on the road.

4. The Days Are Getting Shorter — Make Sure You Can See and Be Seen

One thing happens quickly this time of year: daylight starts disappearing. If you're heading home from the campground, trail or cottage later in the day,you may find yourself driving in the dark more often.

Now is a good time to inspect your:

• Headlights

• Tail lights

• Brake lights

• Turn signals

• Trailer lights

• Wiper blades

For trucks and Jeeps that spend time off the pavement, fall can also be a good time to consider auxiliary lighting for those early mornings and late-night adventures.

5. RV Season Isn't Over Yet

Don't put the RV away just because summer vacation is ending.

Fall camping has a lot going for it.

Cooler evenings, beautiful scenery and the changing seasons can make September and October some of the most memorable camping trips of the year.

Before heading out, inspect some of the basics:

• RV roof and exterior seals

• Awning

• Battery

• Plumbing

• Furnace

• Propane system

• Water connections

• Electrical connections

• Steps and exterior hardware

Finding a small problem at home is usually much easier than discovering it after you've set up camp.

6. Organize Your Gear Before the Next Adventure

If you've spent the summer tossing everything into the back of the truck or RV, now might be the time for an upgrade.

Cargo organizers, truck-bed storage, roof racks, cargo carriers and other storage accessories can help keep your gear organized and accessible.

That means less time searching for things and more time enjoying where you're going.

And if you've been thinking about adding running boards, a tonneau cover, bed protection or other truck accessories, there's still plenty of driving season left to enjoy them.

7. Start Preparing for What's Coming Next

We don't want to say the "W" word quite yet...

But winter will eventually get here.

For our Canadian customers and drivers across the northern United States, fall is the perfect time to start thinking ahead.

Over the next several weeks, start planning for:

• Winter tires

• Snow and ice

• Battery performance

• Vehicle protection

• RV winterization

• Emergency roadside supplies

You don't have to winterize the RV tomorrow.

But you also don't want the first freezing night of the year to be your reminder.

One More Trip? We Say Go for It.

Summer might be winding down, but adventure doesn't have an expiration date.

• Take the truck.
• Load the Jeep.
• Hook up the trailer.
• Pack the RV.

Whether you're chasing fall colours in Canada, heading to the mountains, spending a weekend at the campground or simply taking the long way home, make sure your vehicle is ready to get you there.

Then get out and enjoy it.

Life is Short, Play Hard!

Build It Your Way with Shop Eddies.