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Is your RV ready for winter?

Sadly for many of us, it’s time to put the RV away for winter. With another wonderful camp season on the books, you’ll want to take some time to prepare and protect your hard earned investment for the winter months so it’s ready again for when spring arrives. 

Take a look at the checklist below and steps towards preparing your RV for winter storage. Keep in mind, RV components differ as does storage locations and the winterization process. For these reasons, always refer back to your owner’s manual for the proper care and winterization steps.

Also, if you’re stumped on precise storage methods for your unit, reach out to your local RV service center. It doesn’t hurt to ask reputable, trained professionals for some guidance to help keep your valuable home-on-wheels protected and on the road for many years to come!

Remember, if you don’t feel qualified or can’t find the time to properly inspect, winterize, or fix minor issues before winter comes, a trained professional at a RV service center can provide many of these services for you.

 

 

Is Your RV Ready For Winter? | Tips For Winter Storage

Clean and Empty 

Time to do a thorough deep clean– inside and out!

Doing so also allows you to inspect the interior for any leaks, cracks, or seals that need addressed before winter. Although you plan on doing a deep spring cleaning after the dust accumulation over a few months of storage– a good wipe down and vacuum is necessary now. As a matter of fact, don’t leave any crumbs behind creating a sweet vacation spot for rodents! Also, if you’re going to make any minor fixes– resealing, patching, etc. you’ll want all of the surfaces squeaky clean so that your seal job isn’t trying to cling to dirt and grime.

 

RV Spring Cleaning Vacuum

 

Just like we did in Spring Cleaning | Interior Edition, you’ll want to clean every surface with an RV safe cleaner (refer back to your owner’s manual) and vacuum up every crumb. Don’t forget to clean deep inside cabinets, under the sinks, underneath couches and chairs, and in the storage closets. Do the same for the outside cargo area. This is a good time to inspect things as well!

A few RV-friendly cleaning items are:

 

Remember to clean and unpack:

  • Motorhome: driver’s area and dash
  • Kitchen: countertops, sink, under the sink, cabinets, pantry, oven and range, microwave, refrigerator, freezer, dinette or booth, and trash can
  • Living area: seating, under seating, overhead cabinets, wall fixtures, decor, ottomans, and storage
  • Bathroom: countertop, medicine cabinet, sink, under the sink, toilet, shower, and trash
  • Bedroom & Bunkhouse: dresser drawers, overhead storage, closet, under bed storage, washer & dryer, and bedding
  • Exterior: cargo area and outdoor kitchen

Additionally, we are going to open the refrigerator doors, empty everything, empty ice maker, and defrost the freezer. 

 

RV Spring Cleaning

 

Remove the bedding and linens if you wish. If you plan on keeping the bedding and linens in the RV throughout winter storage, it’s wise to fold items and store in latching bins so that rodents are less likely to crash at your place. 

Remove all food items and liquids. Also remove any personal items, electronics, toiletries and camping gear. If you wish to leave some non-freezable and durable items in the camper, store them in heavy duty, airtight, latching containers. 

Moving to the exterior; thoroughly wash the rig and awning. Also, make sure the awning is dry before storing to prevent mold and mildew.

Remember to take out all valuables inside and out in the cargo area! 

With the unfortunate rise in RV break-ins and theft, also consider removing high dollar items (tool kits, surge protectors or EMS, grills, coolers, TVs, generators, batteries, etc.) 

A good rule of thumb is to remove anything that would attract bugs, rodents, or thieves!

 

Inspect, Fix, & Service 

Now’s the time to inspect, seal, and address any potential issues. Before storing, thoroughly inspect the interior and exterior of the rig, paying attention especially to the plumbing under the sinks and seals around the sink, toilet, and shower.

Additionally, check the seals around the doors, windows, vents, and around the slides– both inside and out.

Check the roof for any scuffs, cracks, bad seals or leaks. Pay special attention around the air conditioners, vents, antennas, or dishes. Check and reseal the underbelly of the RV to prevent leaks and rodent intrusion.

 

 

After you’re done cleaning, inspecting, and fixing– it’s time to winterize. Remember, after your unit is winterized you CANNOT use any water. It’s important to do any cleaning before this process!

 

Winterize 

Winterizing, your RV means to prepare it for the cold winter weather. The exterior and interior components must take on harsh winter conditions and, depending where you are, could also entail long periods of freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall. Just like an ice cube, the plumbing, if not protected, could freeze, expand, and even crack and break lines! It’s extremely important that if your rig is in these types of temperatures, it gets winterized. 

First things first, always read your RV owner’s manual for unit-specific winterizing and preparation guidelines for plumbing, engine, generator, battery, and other appliances. Most manuals may instruct similar to the winterization process below for the plumbing, however systems, features, and methods may be different.

Notice: Never use automotive antifreeze in your fresh water system. Automotive antifreeze is toxic and not for use in potable, or drinkable water systems. Always use RV/Marine safe antifreeze.

  • Start by draining and flushing the black and gray water holding tanks. (Start with black then gray.) Do so while you’re at the last campground of the season or locate a campground or gas station near you with an RV dump station. Flush and drain them thoroughly. It’s very important to not leave any waste water sitting in the tanks over the winter.
  • Next you’ll want to drain all other water from the rig. Drain the fresh water tank by opening the tank drain valve. Then, open every faucet (hot and cold), flush the toilet, and the outside shower to get the remaining water out of the plumbing.
  • Turn off the water heater or hydronic heating system and let it cool down. Close the valves to the water heater and open the bypass valve. This is usually at the back side of the water heater. If your RV does not come equipped with a water heater bypass, you or a local RV service can install one. Remove the drain plug at the bottom of the tank on the exterior of the coach. You can open the pressure relief valve so it empties faster.

 

  • You’ll also want to remove or bypass any drinking or refrigerator water filters before introducing antifreeze.  
  • Some RV manufacturers instruct to use the compressed air method as well– blowing all the excess water out of the lines. If instructed to do so, you may need a special adapter known as a Blowout Plug. This plug allows compressed air to be used through the City Water Connection. With the blowout plug threaded to the city water inlet and all faucets open, attach an air compressor to blow the remaining water out of the lines. Be sure to not exceed 50 PSI or stated in your owner’s manual. Then close all the faucets and drains before pumping antifreeze through. 

 

 

  • Next, if your rig has an intake draw tube (often installed on newer motor coaches) place it into a jug of RV antifreeze. For older RVs, a water pump converter kit can be installed.
  • Turn the water pump on. This will start pumping antifreeze throughout the plumbing system.
  • From the closest faucet to furthest, open each valve (both hot and cold) until the pink antifreeze appears. Don’t forget the toilet and shower. Make sure to also open the outdoor shower valve until the water runs pink.

Refer back to your owner’s manual for winterizing any drinking water dispensers, dishwashers, washing machines, and ice makers.

  • Then turn off the water pump and close all faucets. 
  • If you have a macerator, turn it on to empty the black and gray holding tanks allowing it and the hose to fill with antifreeze. If you do not have a macerator, empty the black and gray by the sewer hose to get any excess water out of the tanks. 
  • Pour some additional antifreeze down the sink trap, toilet, and shower drain.

 

Park & Secure for Storage

Park on a dry and level surface. After all, inside a storage building or under a covered area is best, but not all RVers can do so. If not doable, park on a concrete pad or dry and level gravel area. Avoid parking under tree limbs or tall grassy areas where the unit is more susceptible to falling branches and critters.

Inflate the tires to the manufacturer max cold pressure. Chock the tires and level. Make sure any leveling blocks under the tires are larger than the surface footprint of the tire. For example, the entire bottom of the tire should be contacting the blocks– with no overhang or sides hanging over the edge of the block. Consider covering them from UV rays and brutal weather. 

 

In preparation for storage, if you have portable propane tanks, remove them. If fixed, locate the shutoff valve to the tank and turn it off– ensuring it is completely shut off. 

Make sure all electrical switches and appliances are off. Then, flip off the battery cutoff switch. This cuts off the electrical power between your batteries and the RV, preventing it from excessive drain. Again, if you can remove and store the batteries in a warm location, do so.  

 

Close the window shades and curtains to avoid sun exposure and also prevent thieves from scouting out your rig.

Be sure all windows, doors, and vents are locked and securely closed. 

 

 

Cover exterior vents to prevent insects and rodents from entering. Place insect and rodent repellent throughout the unit. 

 

Also, because ventilation is limited during storage, condensation can become an issue. In that case, place moisture absorbers throughout the rig.

If you do plan on putting a storage cover on your RV, make sure that it is well ventilated to help prevent mold and mildew. Also, keep in mind, sometimes covers do more damage than good– especially in windy areas where it smacks against and rubs the exterior. It may be wise to consult your RV manufacturer or check with a RV service center in the location you will be storing the unit. If you do decide on covering your unit, make sure to use a quality, breathable cover, specifically for your type of RV. 

 

Routine Check

If you can, try to routinely check on your rig: 

  • Check the interior of the RV for condensation build up, leaks, signs of rodents, or theft.
  • Check the batteries and charge if needed. 
  • Check the tires and tire pressure. 
  • Replace moisture absorber bags.
  • Keep the roof branch, snow, and ice free–checking it especially after heavy snowfall.

 

 

For you cold-weather travelers out there, check out Cold Weather Accessories You’ll Love for RV Camping!

 

 

 

 

 

RVING IS BEING prepared for the icy road ahead!