When temperatures drop, we winterize our RVs so we don’t have problems the following spring. Most RV owners recognize winterizing as protecting their rig’s plumbing system from freezing and getting damaged. That’s true, but that’s just one part of preparing for winter. Lots of folks don’t think about it, but proper RV storage procedures are just as important. Here are five RV preventive maintenance steps I do every fall to protect my RV from the elements.
If you’re not comfortable performing any of them, have the work done by a qualified RV service facility. If you winterize your RV properly, you’ll be in good shape for next year’s camping season.
Inspect for Water Leaks
When preparing my RV for storage, I always wash the exterior and clean the interior thoroughly. Make sure all the awning fabric is clean and dry before stowing it. This is a good time to inspect all the roof seams, body seams and window sealant for any cracks or openings that might let water penetrate the surface. Water can get in the smallest openings, so it’s important to thoroughly inspect all the seams and sealants on the RV. Consult your RV owner’s manual or ask your RV dealer for sealants compatible with any surfaces that need to be resealed.
Cover Your RV
The best storage scenario is to store your RV indoors or under a covered area, but that’s not always possible. If the RV is stored outside, avoid parking it under trees or in tall grass and weeds. The sun and other elements can damage your RV. The best investment you can make for an RV stored outside is a quality RV cover. The cover should be made of a breathable material to help promote air circulation and prevent mold and mildew. Make sure to follow the installation instructions when you cover your RV.
Take Care of Tires
Inflate your RV tires to the manufacturer’s recommended maximum cold pressure. Place some type of blocking between the tires and the ground. Make sure the blocking is larger than the actual footprint of the tire to prevent damage to the tires. Finally, cover the tires to protect them from the sun and harmful UV rays.
Repel Rodents
Inspect the underside of the RV thoroughly. Look for areas mice or other rodents could get inside and seal them using silicone or a spray foam product. You can use mouse and ant traps in and around the unit, or use a product like Sniff ‘n’ Stop or EarthKind Stay Away Rodent to prevent mice from nesting inside the RV. Both are environmentally safe and made with natural ingredients.
Remove all consumables that could attract mice and other rodents. Defrost the freezer compartment and clean the refrigerator. Leave the refrigerator doors open and place some baking soda inside to absorb odors.
Check the Batteries
Make sure your RV batteries are prepared for winter storage, too. Batteries self-discharge when they are in storage. A discharged or partially charged battery will freeze much faster than a fully charged battery. If you don’t remove the batteries for storage, check the battery state-of-charge every month and charge them if they are at or below 12.5 volts for 12-volt batteries or 6.25 volts for 6-volt batteries. Check the electrolyte level in lead-acid batteries and add distilled water as required. You can plug the RV in once a month for about eight hours to keep the coach batteries topped off or use a product like the BatteryMINDer to keep them topped off and maintained.
This article by Mark Polk was originally published in Girl Camper Magazine.
Mark Polk of RV Education 101®, a trusted RV expert and educator, has spent the past 25 plus years educating millions of RV consumers on how to properly and safely use and maintain their motorhomes, travel trailers, 5th wheel trailers, all known as RVs through RV Education 101s vast offerings of RV training material found at rvonlinetraining.com
Enjoying This Article? It’s from the
GIRL CAMPER MAGAZINE
Sign up and receive DIY projects, and more!
Connect with us!
Girl Camper Magazine: Subscribe to Girl Camper Magazine here! Girl Camper Magazine
Events: Check out upcoming Girl Camper Events – you can attend events in any chapter!
Main GC Facebook Group – Join over 420,000 like-minded women in our private Facebook group! Girl Camper FB Group
Facebook Page – This is our public Facebook page, where we will share Girl Camper news. Girl Camper
Follow us on YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram for more!
MARK POLK BYLINE
