A Complete Guide To RV Winter Storage: Protect Your Investment

Complete Guide to RV Winter Storage: Protect Your Investment

Let's face it: your RV is not just a fun toy; it's your home away from home and probably holds some of your favorite memories. Whether you are a weekend warrior or a seasonal traveler, properly storing your RV during winter is the most important step in keeping it ready for the next adventure. Fear, not we will walk through everything you need to know, step by step.

Understand Your RV Storage Needs

Now, before I get into the specifics of winterization, take a minute to reflect upon what you're dealing with: How long will you be storing your RV? Consider your local weather too- the prep is different in Texas than say, Minnesota! Check your RV's manual (we know, not the most exciting read) for any specific requirements for your model.

Picking the Right Storage Spot

Think of this as picking a winter home for your RV. Here are your options:

Indoor Storage

This is the Rolls Royce of the storage options: climate-controlled and protected from the elements. Sure, it's pricier, but if you can swing it, your RV will thank you. It's like booking that fancy hotel for your rig! Just remember these spots can be harder to find than a parking spot at a national park on Memorial Day weekend, so book early.

Covered Storage

Think of this as the happy middle: it puts a roof over your RV's head without opting for the whole suite. This puts you at reasonably decent protection against sun and rain, though eventually, the cold will seep in. That's all fine and dandy for anyone on a super-tight budget or who doesn't have other choices like indoor storage.

Outdoor Storage

This is the most budget-friendly, but it's sort of like going camping for your RV! And just like you wouldn't go camping without the proper provisions, your RV requires protection. A cover is a necessity - think of it as your RV wearing a winter coat.

Steps to Winterize Your RV: The Must Haves

Protecting Your Water System

Yep, here comes the big one, folks! Frozen pipes in the house were bad enough; frozen in an RV? A headache that absolutely doesn't need to find you. Now, what should be done is that all water drops available, and my dear, there your RV had it somewhere hiding! Treat your water heater like it's getting its very own special spa day: bypass it, drain it, and give it the TLC it deserves. Then comes the antifreeze. Make sure it's the pink RV stuff, not the green car antifreeze! Pour it through your whole system like you're following a treasure map: every drain, every toilet, every nook and cranny where water might hide.

Interior Preparation

Time to let that neat freak in you come out! Get the food out, yes, even the "emergency" candy bar that you tucked away. Give it a good cleaning like mom-in-law was coming. Leave cabinet doors open for some ventilation- your RV needs oxygen, too! Remove those batteries in all your remotes and gizmos-they have attitudes, and leaving them in over winter is going to make them grumpy.

Throw a few moisture absorbers around the place-think of them as tiny dehumidifier ninjas and prop up your cushions so they can get some air. Nobody wants to come back to a musty-smelling RV in spring!

Maintenance During Storage

I know the temptation is big, to just stash your RV somewhere and not think about it until spring, but a little love now will save you a load of headaches. Here's how you do it: Monthly Checks Think of these as wellness checks for your RV. Once a month, swing by and run through this quick checklist:

• Play detective and look for any sneaky water leaks – they can cause serious damage if left unchecked

• Check on your batteries' charge levels- they get lonely too!

• Look for signs of unwanted guests-you know, the furry kind

• Make sure your RV cover hasn't decided to go on an adventure of its own

• Give those tires a pressure check-they'll slowly lose air in cold weather

• Allow your RV to receive adequate amounts of fresh air through proper ventilation. Prevention of Pests No one likes to discover they have been operating a mouse motel all winter! Here's how you keep the critters out: • Seal up every small hole you can find – mice can squeeze through holes smaller than a dime. • Try using natural deterrents such as blocks of cedar or peppermint oil. They smell nice to us but send pests running.

• Don't use harsh chemicals-you don't want your RV to smell like a science experiment come spring.

• Regularly inspect for any unwanted visitors

• Take out all food items. Yes, all food items. Don't forget that one cracker that fell under the couch.

Spring Reactivation

Now it's the time to wake the baby and get her ready for another great year of camping! But not so fast let's do this correctly.

System Checks

Think of this as your RV's spring physical:

1. Get those batteries back in action and make sure they're still ready to roll

2. Give the freshwater system a good flush – nobody wants to taste last year's water

3. Fire up each appliance to make sure they're all still happy campers

4. Give those tires a thorough once-over – look for cracks, wear, or any winter damage

5. Operate your awning-test it and make sure it still extends and retracts without a tantrum 6. Operate all of your seals-they can be a bit testy following winter storage Safety Checks

Okay, this is the not-so-fun stuff- don't skimp on this part:

1. Have those brakes inspected-they are pretty vital, after all. 2. Have a professional inspect your propane system. Better safe than sorry!

3. All your smoke and CO detectors- they are your invisible watchmen

4. Your fire extinguisher should still be ready for action

5. All your emergency systems- they should be on when you need them

Cost Considerations

Let us talk money, for proper storage does come with some costs, but think of it as an investment in your RV's future.

One-Time Costs

These are your upfront investments:

• Winterization supplies, antifreeze, cleaning materials, etc.

• A quality RV cover: don't be cheap here; a good one is worth its weight in gold.

• Tire covers to protect your rubber from UV damage

Look, we know prepping your RV for winter might not be the most exciting way to spend a weekend, but trust us: That future you will be so grateful that when spring comes around, your RV's ready to roll without any disgusting surprises. Think about it like you're taking care of a buddy who has given you amazing memories and a whole lot of adventures yet to come.

Remember, a little pain now saves a whole lot of headaches and money later. Now go out and give that RV some well-deserved winter prep. Happy camping, and we'll see you on the road next season!