Winterizing Your RV

Getting Your RV Ready to Store for the Winter Season

Nov 18, 2006 Barry Houseknecht

Here are some steps you should take to ready your RV for storing for the winter (or for any long storage for that matter).

Winterizing is just getting your rig ready to store, be it for winter, or just a for a long period of time. You can pay some one to do it, or you can do it yourself. If you choose to do it yourself, this is a good opportunity to look closely at parts of your RV probably haven’t seen in sometime.

Here are 10 steps to getting your rig ready to store and or winterize. Note: I’m going to try to put these steps in an order that I think is logical…for instance turn propane off before draining water from hot water tank. If you see that I have made a blunder in my steps please let me know.

1. Turn off any pilot lights and then turn off propane at the source.

2. Drain all water from rig. That is from; hot water tank, fresh water tank and all lines both hot and cold.

3. Turn the refrigerator off. Defrost same wipe dry and leave with the doors propped open just a bit. This will allow some air circulation and keep down mildew. You might put an open box of baking soda in the fridge to help keep odors at bay.

4. Seal all outside openings to prevent critters from invading your rig and making a home.

5. Leave a window and a roof vent open just a bit. Open a window as far away from the vent as you can. This will allow some air to flow through the entire rig.

6. When you park your rig keep the tires off the ground. Use wood pads or Teflon pads.

7. Disconnect the rigs battery. I say disconnect both terminals and if the weather is going to be extreme take the battery out and store it in a moderate climate.

8. Be sure the air conditioner is clean and cover it. You can use a heavy plastic bag or covers are sold at most RV dealers.

9. Wash and wax your vehicle this will help prevent dirt build up on your paint job.

10. If you can cover your vehicles do so they make covers that will fit most RV’s or perhaps you can store it in the barn or under cover at the RV storage place.

The copyright of the article Winterizing Your RV in RV Recreation is owned by Barry Houseknecht. Permission to republish Winterizing Your RV in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.