Winterizing your RV is important for minimizing damage or problems that can occur during the off-season. With Halloween right around the corner, the cold temperatures of winter are not too far away. Some places have already gotten a taste of wintry weather. You may be planning on taking your RV south for the winter, but if not, now is the time to prepare your RV for long term storage. It should ideally be done before the temperatures go below freezing for a sustained period. Obviously, the biggest step is replacing the water in your plumbing system with anti-freeze to protect the lines, but there is more to the process.

Preparing the RV Interior for Winter Storage

When it comes to your RV’s interior, a lot of it is about making sure the inside is cleaned out and tidy. Clean the whole interior, and clear out anything you do not want to leave inside for several months. This includes food, bed linens, clothes, electronics, and valuables. All food should be removed, whether it is perishable or not. This includes unopened packaged food. The inside of the cabinets and fridge should be clear of food debris and crumbs. For any electronics that cannot easily be moved, make sure they are unplugged. Remove batteries from applicable devices. The fridge should be turned off. Both the fridge and cabinets should have their doors propped open to prevent mildew. Putting non-electric moisture absorbents in various places will also keep mold and mildew from growing inside. It is also a good idea to set out repellant or traps to keep pests from making a home out of your RV.

Getting the RV Exterior Ready for Winter

Focusing on the RV exterior, the number of tasks can vary depending on what type of RV you have. First things first, wash off the outside, including the awning fabric. The RV battery and propane tanks should be disconnected and stored separately, if possible. The batteries should be kept charged and watered, and the propane tanks should be filled. If your RV has an engine, make sure all the fluids are topped off. Check the sides and roof, and along windows, slide-outs, and doors for evidence of potential leaks. Plug the exhaust pipe with steel wool and close roof vents to prevent animals & insects from getting in. If possible, try to keep the tires raised off the ground so they do not get flat spots. Otherwise, rotate them periodically. The RV should be on solid ground, so it does not sink. Lastly, if the RV is not going to be enclosed, cover it with an RV cover. Make sure it is made from breathable fabric so it does not cause mildew to grow underneath. Tires should also be covered to prevent them from drying out due to UV damage.

RV winterizing tasks can be done in the space of a weekend. While there is a lot to keep track of, doing a thorough job will make it easier come spring. Make a list of everything that needs to get done and stick to it. If something about the winterizing process seems out of your reach, you can always take your RV to a service center for help.