RV Winterizing STORAGE Tips

The air is beginning to get crisp, leaves are beginning to change color and thoughts begin to turn to the cold months ahead.  This is the perfect time to think about winterizing and storing your RV for the season.  However, when most people winterize their RV, all they do is think about pouring that good ole’ pink fluid down the drains.  What they don’t realize is that there are a lot of other things they need to think about to prepare your RV for storage. 

 Here are 20 quick tips for proper winter RV storage

1. Under statement: Store your camper under a covered area if possible.  If you don’t have that option available, then avoid parking under trees or in areas where grass and weeds will grow up underneath.
2.  Keep it full: Check the battery.  RV batteries are lead-acid and deep cycle. Unlike car batteries, they aren’t sealed. If fluid levels are low, add distilled water to bring the fluid level to within 1/8^th full.
3.  Keep it covered: An RV cover is a great way to protect your investment.  However, make sure the cover is made of a breathable material to prevent mold and mildew.
4. Don’t get tired: Check the tires.Inflate to the manufacturer’s recommended max pressure for cold weather.  Cover the tires to protect them from harmful ultraviolet rays.  Place something between the tire and the ground that is larger than the tire itself.
5.  No peeping toms here: Close all of the window blinds/shades to avoid the sun fading the drapes, upholstery and the carpet.
6. Rub-a-dub-dub: Wash the exterior of the camper and apply a coat of wax.  Clean the interior thoroughly.
7. The fabric of your life: Make sure the awning fabric is clean and completely dry before storing. For pop-up campers, make sure the fabric is clean and dry before storing.  This is a great time to look for tears or holes and repair them.
8. Inspect. Detect. Protect: Inspect all roof seams, body seams and window seals for cracks and openings.  Water can get into even the smallest of openings, so look close!  Then, make sure you seal them up with a sealant that is compatible with those surfaces.
9. Lock and load: Service all locks with a graphite spray lubricant.  Lubricate all hinges and moving parts with WD- 40.
10.  A real turn off: Turn all LP gas appliances off.  Turn the main LP gas supply valve off. Make sure that the LP gas regulator is covered.
11. Discharged: Remove the fuse for the LP gas leak detector while the camper is being stored.  This will prevent the batteries from discharging.  Just remember to replace it in the spring!
12. Fatal attraction: Insects are attracted to the odorant that is added to LP gas.  To prevent mud daubers and wasps from building nests in and around your gas appliances, cover the furnace vent and water heater vent with specialized covers that are specifically made to keep these nasty nuisances out.
13. Eye Spy:  Look underneath your camper! Check for any spots where mice or rodents can get in and seal them as necessary.
14. Set a trap: Place mouse and ant traps around the camper.  Try to avoid putting mouse poison inside the RV.
15.  No food here: Remove all perishables and anything that could freeze from you RV. Remove any food/consumables that would attract mice or other rodents.
16. Props: Leave drawers and cabinet doors open.
17. Fridge-ed: Defrost the freezer and clean the refrigerator.  Make sure to prop the refrigerator doors open and place some baking soda inside to absorb any odors.
18.  Clean air: Clean the air conditioner filters and cover the air conditioner.
19. Unplugged: Turn off the main breaker and unplug all appliances.
20. Power outage: Remove dry cell batteries from clocks, flashlights and other items. 

          Follow these storage tips and you wont have to see US in the spring!