RV Storage Tips for Winter & the Off-Season
As the weather gets colder, the days spent cruising around in your recreational vehicle enjoying the great outdoors are unfortunately numbered. In order to keep your RV in the best condition for next year’s camping season, it is essential that it is stored properly during the off-season. Try out these RV storage tips!
Tips for RV and Camper Storage
1. Clean and Examine the Exterior
Before putting your recreational vehicle into storage, spend time examining the exterior for damage. Look for any holes, cracks or overall damage in the seals, roof, windows, doors and sidewalls. If you do notice any damage, contact your RV dealership for information on the recommended sealant. To ensure the sealant will work for you, it is essential to use the right type.
Once you have determined there is no damage, it is time to clean the exterior of your recreational vehicle. If you have questions regarding the best RV cleaner for your model, consider contacting the manufacturer.
2. Clear Out the Remaining Fuel
Depending on how much gas is left in your tank, you can either siphon it out or use up the remaining fuel. To avoid the gas going bad inside of your RV, never leave the gas inside of your vehicle throughout the winter.
3. Clean the RV Interior
To avoid mold, mildew and pests, thoroughly clean the inside of your RV. During camping season, you can likely find food, electronics, clothing, outdoor items and more inside of the vehicle. Before placing your RV into storage, determine what can stay inside and what should be removed. For example, any food or climate sensitive items like electronics should be removed before storage.
4. Drain the RV Water System
Next, drain the water system to remove any water left in the tank and pipes. This step is extremely important, because if there is any water left inside it can freeze and crack the pipes inside of the RV. Once all of the water has been removed, pump non-toxic anti-freeze through the system.
5. Disconnect the RV Battery
If the battery is left in the RV during storage, it can freeze and become unusable. To prevent this from happening, disconnect the battery and store it in a cool and dry place. To prevent the battery from dying over the winter, charge it once it reaches below 80%.
6. Block or Jack Your Tires
To prevent flat spots from forming on the tires during the winter, block or jack the tires. If you are able to drive your RV around periodically during the winter to rotate the tires, this step may not be necessary.
7. Cover the RV and Tires
Winter elements and UV rays can damage the exterior of the RV as well as the tires. In order to prevent this from happening, always keep your recreational vehicle covered during the winter.
Frequently Asked Questions about RV Winterization
Should you leave your RV roof vents open when stored for winter?
No. RV roof vents typically stay closed during winterization, especially in very cold climates. Keeping your RV closed will prevent snow, moisture, pests and debris from getting into your RV. If you want to leave your vent open, crack it slightly and place a vent cover over the top and be sure to store your RV in a climate controlled space.
Should I leave water in my RV toilet when storing?
It depends. If you’re storing your RV in freezing conditions, it is best to ensure the water is removed from the toilet and that it’s winterized. You can use RV antifreeze instead. Leaving water in the bowl and letting it freeze can cause potential damage.
Do you leave faucets open when winterizing RV?
No. Faucets should not be left fully open through the winterization process. They are generally opened temporarily while 1) draining lines or 2) circulating RV antifreeze.
Self Storage Plus Has RV Storage Units!
Need a RV storage solution for winter? Self Storage Plus offers RV storage options at our Odenton, MD, Baltimore, MD, Lanham, MD, Rockville, MD, Arlington, VA, Chantilly, VA, and Walkersville, MD, storage locations. Our New Market, MD storage facility even has premium RV storage options, with spaces up to 60’, including covered parking and individual garages with electrical hook up. Reserve your unit today!