When the first snowfall signals the end of another adventurous RV season, that means it’s time to start winterizing your RV for storage. While the snow can be a beautiful sight, it’s also a reminder that your RV needs proper care to withstand the colder months ahead. Don’t let winter catch you off guard—taking the right precautions now will protect your investment and ensure it’s ready to hit the road when spring arrives once again.
Ensuring your RV is safely tucked away and protected from the harsh winter elements, is crucial to prevent damage and costly repairs. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about preparing your RV for its winter hibernation, from essential maintenance tasks to effective winterization tips that will keep your RV in top shape all season long.
Winterizing Your RV for Storage
When fall comes to an end, and you’re done exploring for the season, winterizing your RV for storage is essential for those who want to ensure their vehicle remains in top condition. While winter travel offers its own unique challenges, preparing your RV for hibernation involves an important set of tasks to protect it from the elements. From safeguarding your RV’s plumbing to tire care and engine maintenance, making sure all essential steps are taken will help to maintain the condition of your vehicle.
To make this process easier, we’ve put together the ultimate downloadable winterization checklist just for you! Let’s dive into all you need to know about winterizing your RV for storage:
Storage Location
If you have access to a garage, shelter, RV storage facility, or carport roof you can park your RV udner, this would be the optimal storage solution. However, if your RV will be parked in your driveway, or outside in your yard, consider a location that would be most sheltered from the wind, and in far enough distance from trees or branches that could fall and cause damage in a storm. If you are considering street parking, make sure to look into your local parking regulations and city codes.
Interior Cleaning
In order to ensure your RV remains fresh, dry, and clean throughout winter months, you need to clean the vehicle thoroughly prior to storage. This includes removing any food and liquids from your cupboards, fridge, and freezer. Wipe down all surfaces with a disinfectant, vacuum floors, and in-between cushions to ensure no crumb is left behind, and clean out your AC filters and vents. Placing baking soda or charcoal pads around the vehicle can help to absorb any lingering odors. Make sure to properly store all linens and clothing, close all windows, blinds, and shades, and leave cupboards and drawers slightly open to ensure ventilation.
Pest Prevention
While thorough cleaning is an essential step in keeping pests away, there are several other preventative measures you can take to ensure your RV does not have any unwanted guests. Make sure to seal any possible entry points, and fill any openings or cracks with sealant prior to locking up for the season. If you choose to do so, you can leave moth balls, traps, or essential oils (like peppermint) around your RV to repel or eliminate pests. Ensure all food-related products are removed from the RV, and eliminate any possible nesting materials like paper towels, toilet paper, linens, and paper.
Take Care of your Tank
Gas can break down over time, so leaving your tank empty throughout the winter can allow leftover gas to turn stale and create condensation damage. Ensuring there is ample gas left in your tank, and adding a stabilizer can help to avoid this. Add a fuel or diesel stabilizer (depending on your fuel system) to an almost full tank and allow the engine to run for a while to disperse the stabilizer throughout the fuel system. Top up your antifreeze, brake, windshield, and power steering fluids, and consider getting an oil change before putting your vehicle in storage.
Removing and Draining Leftover Water
Frozen pipes can lead to expensive and timely repairs, so it’s important to properly drain all water lines and tanks before storage. Make sure to inspect any sinks, toilets, showers, and drains for any excess water accumulation, and pump out any remaining liquid using an RV blowout plug with a low psi. Use an RV-specific antifreeze in sinks and drains, and consider using a bypass kit to keep antifreeze out of your freshwater tank and water heater.
Tire Care
Tires can be susceptible to very low temperatures and tend to last longer with regular movement. If your RV will be parked outdoors or in storage for an extended period of time, there are methods that can be used to prevent flat spots and tire damage. Using a jack on each axle to lift the tires off the ground is a great option, and slightly raising or lowering the jacks on the front or back of the vehicle can help to allow for water runoff. However, if you don’t have a jack, use wooden blocks underneath tires to prevent freezing, ensure they are inflated to the recommended psi, and rotate the tires periodically throughout the season. Don’t forget to check your tires, and use tire covers to help protect them from the sun and winter elements.
Battery Care
Cold temperatures and long periods without charging can negatively affect the longevity of your battery. Make sure to remove your battery from your RV, charge it up, and store it in a warm indoor location with a mat underneath to account for any possible leakage or corrosion. Carefully inspect water levels, and top them up if needed. Ensuring your battery is charged throughout the season and remains at around an 80% charge can help to sustain battery life. Remember to remove all dry-cell batteries from all other devices (ie. remotes) to prevent corrosion.
Appliance Care
In addition to emptying, thawing, and cleaning out your refrigerator and freezer, it’s a good idea to leave appliance doors propped open to prevent any moisture buildup or unwanted smell. Remember to switch off all gas appliances, and turn off propane and butane at the tank.
Exterior Cleaning
Just like the interior, it is important to clean and inspect the exterior of your vehicle before storage in order to prevent the buildup of dirt and grime, which can damage your exterior paint, seals, and finishes. Clean the tires and RV exterior with mild soap and water, and consider using a spray-on wax as an additional layer of protection. Use a UV-protecting spray on seals and gaskets to prevent them from drying out, and optimally, use a fitted winter RV cover to protect the exterior from the elements.
If your RV will be parked in an area that gets a lot of snow, consider visiting the RV every once in a while to brush off any built-up snow that may put heavy weight or strain on the vehicle over time.
Snow Problem: Get your RV Winter Ready!
Winterizing an RV can take some time and effort, but it’s important to care for your RV like you would any other vehicle, with safety and proper maintenance in mind. Preparation, diligence, and care are key to ensuring your RV remains in optimal condition all year round. By following these essential steps, you’ll be ready to hit the open road as soon as the snow melts. Happy travels, and we’ll see you on the road next season!
