It might still be scorching where you are, but winter’s chill is just around the corner, which for RV owners nationwide it means it’s time to start thinking about winterizing your RV. Whether you’re a seasoned enthusiast or new to the RV lifestyle, proper winterization is essential to protect your investment from freeze damage and ensure a smooth start to the spring travel season. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the vital steps to winterize your RV, safeguarding your investment and preventing costly repairs.
Drain and Protect Your Water System
The most critical aspect of winterizing your RV is protecting its water system from freezing temperatures. Water expands when it freezes, potentially causing pipes to burst, fittings to crack, and expensive damage to your RV’s plumbing system. Follow these steps to ensure your water system is properly protected:
a) Empty all water tanks: Drain all water from your RV’s fresh, gray, and black water tanks.
b) Open all faucets and flush the toilet: After emptying the tanks, open all faucets (hot and cold) and flush the toilet to remove any remaining water from the lines.
c) Bypass the water heater: Bypass the water heater to prevent unnecessary antifreeze filling. This is also an opportune time to remove and inspect the anode rod, replacing it if necessary to prevent corrosion in your water heater.
d) Use an air compressor: Connect an air compressor to your RV’s water intake and use it to force any remaining water out of the lines. This step is crucial for removing water from hard-to-reach areas.
e) Add RV antifreeze: Once the system is drained, introduce RV-specific, non-toxic antifreeze to protect against any residual moisture.
Inspect and Clean the Exterior
Before storing your RV for the winter, it’s essential to give it a thorough inspection and cleaning. This not only helps protect your RV’s exterior but also allows you to identify and address any potential issues before they worsen over the winter months.
a) Wash and wax the exterior: Give your RV a good wash to remove dirt, grime, and road debris. Follow up with a coat of wax to protect the finish from winter weather.
b) Check for damage: Inspect the roof, windows, and all seals for signs of wear or damage. Promptly repair any cracks or deteriorating seals to prevent water intrusion during winter storage.
c) Lubricate moving parts: Apply a silicone-based lubricant to all moving parts to prevent rust and ensure smooth operation come spring.
d) Cover exterior vents: Use vent covers or fine steel wool to block potential entry points for pests seeking shelter from the cold.
Prepare the Interior
The inside of your RV needs just as much attention as the exterior when winterizing your RV. A well-prepared interior will be free from mold, mildew, and pest damage when you’re ready to hit the road again.
a) Clean thoroughly: Begin with a thorough deep clean of all interior surfaces, paying special attention to the kitchen area, bathroom, and fabric surfaces.
b) Remove perishables: Clear out the pantry, refrigerator, and any cabinets of items that could spoil or be damaged by freezing temperatures.
c) Promote air circulation: Leave cabinet doors and the refrigerator door slightly ajar to promote air circulation, which helps prevent musty odors and mold growth during storage.
d) Combat humidity: Place desiccant packets or moisture-absorbing products throughout the RV to combat humidity.
Protect the Battery
Your RV’s battery is a crucial component that requires special care during winter storage. Proper battery maintenance will ensure it’s ready to power your adventures when spring arrives.
a) Fully charge: Before storage, ensure your battery is fully charged. This practice helps prevent sulfation, a process that can significantly reduce battery life.
b) Remove and store: If possible, remove the battery and store it in a temperature-controlled environment. This protects it from extreme cold, which can damage the battery cells.
c) Check electrolyte levels: For batteries that allow it, check and top up the electrolyte levels with distilled water.
d) Use a trickle charger: If battery removal isn’t feasible, consider employing a trickle charger to maintain full charge after you’re done winterizing your RV.
Engine and Generator Maintenance
For motorhomes and RVs with onboard generators, proper engine maintenance is crucial for winter storage.
a) Change oil and filter: Change the oil and filter to fresh variants; this helps prevent corrosion and ensures your engine is primed for spring startup.
b) Add fuel stabilizer: Introduce fuel stabilizer to the gas tank to prevent fuel degradation, which can cause starting issues and engine damage.
c) Distribute stabilizer: After adding stabilizer, run both the engine and generator for approximately 10-15 minutes to ensure thorough circulation through the entire fuel system.
d) Check antifreeze: Ensure your engine’s cooling system is protected against freezing temperatures by checking and topping up antifreeze levels if necessary.
RV Tire Care
Your RV’s tires are a significant investment, and proper care during winter storage can extend their life and performance.
a) Inflate properly: Inflate tires to the maximum recommended pressure to help prevent flat spots from forming during long-term storage.
b) Protect from elements: Protect tires from UV damage with covers, or if storing outside, plan to move your RV slightly every few weeks to prevent flat spots and uneven wear.
c) Consider jack stands: For extended storage, using jack stands can help prevent tire damage and suspension stress.
Prevent Pests In Your RV
Nothing ruins the excitement of a new camping season like discovering pests have made your RV their winter home. Take these steps to keep unwanted guests out while winterizing your RV:
a) Seal entry points: Meticulously inspect your RV for any small openings that could serve as entry points for pests, and seal them with appropriate materials such as caulk or expanding foam.
b) Use repellents: Place rodent deterrents strategically around your RV’s exterior and interior.
c) Remove attractants: Ensure all food items, including pet food, are removed or stored in airtight containers.
Choose the Right RV Storage Location
Where you store your RV can significantly impact its condition come spring. Choose the right RV storage location to ensure that your RV is protected once you’re done winterizing your RV.
a) Consider indoor storage: If possible, store your RV indoors to protect it from the elements.
b) Use a quality cover: If outdoor storage is unavoidable, invest in a high-quality, breathable, waterproof cover specifically designed for your RV’s size and shape to provide optimal protection.
c) Select appropriate terrain: Park on a level, dry surface away from trees to help prevent water pooling and damage from falling branches or sap.
Regular Check-ups
You might think that once you’re finished winterizing your RV, your work for the winter if finished, but even in storage, your RV needs attention throughout the winter months.
a) Conduct periodic inspections: Visit your RV at least monthly to check for any issues; regular inspections can catch small problems before they escalate into major headaches.
b) Maintain the generator: Run the generator if equipped, following manufacturer guidelines to keep seals lubricated and prevent fuel system issues.
c) Monitor for intruders: Check for signs of pest activity or water intrusion; early detection of these issues can prevent extensive damage.
By following these winterization steps when winterizing your RV, you’ll ensure your RV is protected during the cold months and ready for your next adventure when spring arrives. Remember, proper maintenance not only extends the life of your RV but also enhances your travel experiences and maintains its value.
Preparing for Spring: A Quick Note on De-Winterizing
When the winter chill subsides and you’re ready to hit the road again, remember to properly de-winterize your RV. This process essentially reverses the winterization steps, flushing antifreeze from the system, reinstalling batteries, and conducting a thorough inspection to ensure everything is in working order. Proper de-winterization is crucial for a smooth start to your camping season.
At RVbyMilitary.com, we understand the importance of preserving your RV investment. As the first peer-to-peer Veteran owned & operated RV marketplace, we’re committed to supporting both RV owners and renters in getting the most out of the RV lifestyle. Our community of veteran owners and operators brings a wealth of experience and dedication to every aspect of RV use and maintenance, from winterizing your RV to prepping for the next adventure season.
Happy camping, and stay warm this winter! We look forward to seeing you on the road when the spring thaw arrives.
When you rent an RV through RVbyMilitary.com, you’re not just getting a great RV experience – you’re supporting veterans and their families, contributing to a community that understands the value of service and the importance of enjoying the freedoms we’ve fought to protect. It’s more than just a transaction; it’s a way to show appreciation and support for those who have served our nation.