How To Winterize Your RV For Storage Before Winter
Posted on: 13 November 2015
You've spent the summer and fall camping and having a great time in your family RV, but now it's time to put your rolling baby to bed for winter. Be sure to winterize your RV properly before storing it to ensure your pipes do not burst during those freezing cold days, and to ensure that you don't have an infestation of mice living in your RV while you're not using it. See below for helpful tips on how to winterize your RV and prepare it for storage.
Winterize The Interior
- Empty It Out. Go through every single cabinet and remove all food (including canned goods), clothing, towels, bedding and other items that may attract mice. You can moth balls to help prevent mice from trying to make their home in your RV's couch cushions or mattresses.
- Clean The Refrigerator/Freezer. Open up the refrigerator and freezer, keeping it open during the winter months. You don't want mold or mildew to build up in these areas while not in use. You can clean the refrigerator/freezer with a damp cloth, then be sure to dry it thoroughly.
- Seal All Openings. Be sure all windows and doors are closed and sealed tightly to ensure rodents and insects cannot get into your RV, and to ensure no other person can get into your RV.
Winterize The Exterior
- Add Antifreeze To The Fresh Water Lines. Empty out your fresh water tank until it is only half full. Then add RV antifreeze to the tank, which will help prevent your pipes from freezing and bursting. Once the tank is full, go to the furthest water faucet in your RV and turn it on until the pink colored antifreeze comes out of the spout. Move to the next faucet, turning the water on both hot and cold until the pink colored antifreeze comes out. Repeat this process for all of your water spigots, including any that are outside.
- Clean Out The Black/Grey Water Tank. The waste tank should also be emptied if it hasn't been already. It should be emptied after your last camping trip, this way you don't have to try and empty it at home. Emptying it at home can mean several trips to the bathroom with a bucket (which can be disgusting). Add antifreeze to this tank as well.
- Cover The Tires. If you don't have RV tire covers for your tires, it can be a good investment. You don't want your tires to dry rot while not in use, as this can be a costly repair. If you are storing your RV in a grassy area at an RV storage facility, ask if you can park on wooden boards to help prevent your tires from sinking in the ground.
- Turn Off Propane Tanks. Be sure all propane tanks are turned completely off. You don't want all your propane leaking out when in storage.
Preparing your RV for storage will help prevent bursting pipes and rodent infestations, and it will also ensure your RV will be in good working order for your next season of camping.
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