The days are getting shorter, there’s a crispness in the air, and summer camping season has come to an end. For most RV owners, it’s time to put the motorhome away for the winter and start planning next year’s excursions.
Putting your RV away for the winter is more than throwing a tarp over it. Your motorhome needs to be winterized to protect against moisture, pest infestation and frozen pipes.
Since no one wants to start their camping season dealing with those problems, many RVers take their rig to a professional storage facility. But storage space can fill up quickly, and not everyone wants to pay storage fees. So some owners winterize their RVs at home. It’s not complicated, but you do need to do a thorough job.
If this is you, we’ve got you covered! Read on for a must-do list of RV winterizing activities.
Note: These instructions are generic and may differ for your particular RV. Consult your owner’s manual for specifics before starting any winterizing procedure.
What Is Winterizing?
At its most basic level, winterizing is getting the water out of your RV’s pipes and tanks so that when it gets cold enough to freeze, your motorhome won’t be damaged from expanding ice.
But complete winterizing involves more than just getting the water out of the pipes. It’s all the activities you do to make sure your motorhome is protected and preserved from the elements, pests, and sitting idle for months.
Your Winterizing Checklist for RVs
Plumbing
The most important thing about winterizing your RV is to drain your plumbing system of water so that your pipes don’t freeze and burst. Here’s a helpful how-to article on draining the water from your RV’s pipes.
Also be sure to drain your washer, ice maker, filtered water faucet, and outdoor shower if you have these accessories. In a nutshell, anything that contains water needs to be emptied.
IMPORTANT!! Never use automotive antifreeze in your RV plumbing system! It is highly toxic and requires proper disposal. Only use non-toxic RV antifreeze.
Engine
To keep your RV running smoothly when you start it up again in the spring, make sure the engine is topped off with fluids. Pay specific attention to:
- Radiator (filled with automotive antifreeze)
- Oil
- Brake fluid
- Windshield washer reservoir (use an antifreeze windshield washer solution)
- Fuel tanks—be sure to add a fuel stabilizer
Batteries and Generator
Your batteries will drain faster if they’re connected to the electrical system. You can extend their life by removing the batteries and topping off their fluids and storing them in a warm and sheltered location. Remove small batteries too—they can leak and corrode over the winter, resulting in a messy cleanup for that TV remote or clock radio.
Also remove the generator and drain the fuel.
Propane
Winter weather and external propane tanks don’t mix well. If you have external propane tanks, remove them and store them in a warm location away from the elements.
Interior
Prevent mildew and infestation by giving the entire interior of the RV a good cleaning. Remove all the food and anything fragrant (animals can even smell deodorant and toothpaste). Prop the refrigerator door open to prevent mildew.
Set traps for rodents and insects. Close all gaps, holes, and vents that might attract birds or other pests.
Tires
If your RV has leveling (not stabilizing) jacks, raise the rig so that the tires are off the ground. This will keep them from getting flat spots from resting in place all winter. Don’t have leveling jacks? Every month or so, move the RV half a tire revolution.
Cover
If you plan on storing your RV outside this winter, be sure to cover the rig to keep out the dirt, rain, and snow. Use an RV cover, not a tarp—RV covers are durable, warrantied, and designed specifically to fit your motorhome snugly and securely.
Before you cover your RV, clean the vehicle thoroughly. Use awning cleaner for the awning, not detergent or soap. Completely dry the exterior—you don’t want a buildup of mold and mildew in the spring.
Speaking of mold and mildew, RV covers can trap moisture inside the RV. Over the course of the winter, water vapor buildup can cause mold, and you’ll have a nasty surprise waiting for you, come spring. Venting is the best way to prevent moisture problems. Air vent covers allow you to keep the vents open on your motorhome while protecting it from foul weather. Water vapor can escape and your RV’s interior stays dry.
Winterizing isn’t difficult, but it does take some time to do properly. However, the investment is worth it—care for your RV and your RV will take good care of you on the road next season. If you’d rather not do the winterizing yourself, talk to us—we’re happy to take care of all your winterizing needs!
Next Steps
- In the market for an RV? Check out our inventory!
