Winter is here and for many RVers that means it’s time to winterize their RV. Taking the necessary precautions to winterize your RV during colder months can help you protect your RV and avoid the potential damage that would set back trips planned for 2022. Even if you don’t live in a place that sees freezing temperatures during winter, taking the right steps to close your RV for the season is important.
Do I need to winterize my RV in California?
This really depends on where you’re located. If you are in a place where the temperature doesn’t drop to freezing or below, you generally don’t need to do the full winterization process. However, there are still some measures that you want to take including keeping your eye on the temperature. It’s also important to remember that even if you don’t need to winterize your RV if you’re going to be leaving it in storage for the winter months, you need to go through the correct steps so you don’t have unexpected surprises in the spring.
If you’re a seasonal camper, these are important steps to take.
1. Drain the water including in the water lines
Leaving water in the lines can lead to damage and costly repairs. Take time to drain the tanks in your RV. Then, open the faucets, flush the toilets, and turn on the shower. You want to make sure you get all the water out. When you have completed this step, blow air through the lines to get out any water that is still there. Once the water is out, close all faucets and cap the drains.
RV antifreeze (the color is pink) should go in the gray and black tanks along with sinks and shower drains to protect the pipe traps, valves, and seals. You can also use a pump to move RV antifreeze throughout the system but keep in mind you don’t want to put antifreeze in your clean water tank.
2. Pest and rodent prevention
When the temperature drops, critters like to find places to stay safe and warm. You don’t want them finding your RV for the winter.
Make sure you cover all vents and holes in your RV. This includes roof vents, appliance vents, fan vents, exhaust pipes, and any opening where a small rodent could fit. It’s recommended that you look for any opening the size of a penny, including under your RV, to fill with steel wool.
When it comes to the interior, there are a lot of ideas and controversy over which is the best. Some strategies include mothballs, traps, peppermint oil, dryer sheets, and cedar chips among others. Find an option you’re comfortable with.
3. Do engine maintenance
If you have a Class A, Class B, or Class C RV you’ll be storing, you need to pay attention to the engine. Make sure the radiator is topped off with antifreeze. Check the other fluids in the RV to see what needs to be addressed. Add a fuel stabilizer to the tank and top it off with gas.
4. Take care of battery and electronics
If you’re expecting a harsh winter, remove the RV battery. Make sure you fully charge it first and then keep it in a dry location such as a shed or garage. Batteries with low charges will freeze easier than ones with a full charge. Take time to unplug electrical appliances, detectors, and alarms. Check the manuals of anything you’re unsure what steps to take to winterize it.
5. Clean everything inside
This is your chance to give your RV a good cleaning from the top to the bottom before it goes into storage. You don’t want to come back in the spring and realize you forgot to remove food from the fridge and now have a stinky moldy mess to deal with. Defrost the freezer properly. Clean out all cabinets of food or anything else you don’t want sitting for months. Wipe counters and walls. Clean the floors thoroughly.
6. Clean everything outside
When you’re getting ready to put your RV in storage, you want to check all the seals and seams. This is a good time to look for areas that are cracked or damaged and need to be repaired. This can help avoid possible water damage during the winter months while also making sure your RV will be in good condition when you’re ready to get back on the road.
7. Make sure the RV is covered
If your RV is going to be sitting for months, you don’t want to leave it exposed to the elements. Consider placing it in storage where it will be protected. If your RV needs to remain outside, purchase a cover for it. You’ll also want to consider covering the tires to help protect them from rot.
Want help winterizing your RV?
The Sky River RV service department can help you winterize your RV. You can also get ahead of the game and schedule your spring maintenance appointment today so you’ll be ready to get back on the road as soon as winter is over.
