10/11/2019
Winter is coming. Typically, when the foliage of fall begins to turn brown and fall to the ground, it often means it’s time to put your recreational vehicle (RV) away until the warmer weather returns in the spring. Taking the time to prepare your RV before you store it for the winter may help the long-term protection of your investment.
Water freezes at 32 degrees Fahrenheit, so, when you’re finished using your RV for the season, and when the temperature is expected to stay below freezing for 24 hours or more, performing these pre-storage tasks to help ensure your RV is road-ready when spring arrives.
1. Drain the Water System
This might be the most critical step for winterizing your RV. Any water left in the plumbing system can freeze and break fittings and lines — damage that may be costly to repair.
Depending on the complexity of your RV’s plumbing system, winterizing it may be a do-it-yourself process. It’s a matter of draining the fresh water and waste tanks, draining all water out of the pipes and pumping nontoxic RV antifreeze through the entire water system. Nontoxic RV antifreeze pushes water out of your plumbing system. Your owner’s manual should also include a checklist for draining the water system.
However, if you don’t feel qualified to do it yourself — or don’t want to invest the time — a trained professional at a reputable service center can provide this service for a fee.
2. Prep the Exterior
A service center can also do a thorough inspection of the roof, sidewalls, seams, windows, exterior doors and access panels — and reseal or re-caulk any holes or cracks. That will help prevent water getting in where it shouldn’t — and help protect you from potentially costly repairs come spring.
Before resealing any holes or cracks, consult with your RV dealer. It’s important to select the right sealant for your RV and your climate. The wrong sealant might not set properly, leaving your RV susceptible to water damage. You may feel more comfortable having a trained professional reseal your RV — possibly in conjunction with draining the water system.
3. Choose a Safe Storage Location
The Crowell Industries RV and Boat Storage Facility is located within the Crowell Industries Industrial Park in Poulsbo WA. Our storage facility has multi layers of security which includes fencing, key code gates with 24 hour video surveillance. All of our R.V. & Boat storage slots are equipped with 110 volt power to keep your equipment in sound condition. We are a local family owned and operated facility with great customer service. We are NOW RENTING! We look forward to assisting you with your R.V. & Boat storage needs.
4. Cover Up Your RV
It is recommended in investing in a cover made especially for an RV. The cover will protect against extended exposure to ultraviolet (UV) rays that can damage the paint finish. It will also protect your vehicle from wind damage, tree sap and bird droppings.
“Don’t use a plastic tarp because plastic will trap moisture between the RV and the tarp,” he says. A tarp is also likely to flap around in the wind and may damage exterior surfaces. Instead, get a cover specifically designed for your RV and your climate. Universal or custom-designed covers have a system of straps to keep your RV wrapped up tight. Plus, they have zippered openings to allow you into the RV, if necessary.
Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for putting the cover on. You want to be sure it’s cinched tight so that it keeps moisture and wind out.
5. Protect the Tires
Tires may be susceptible to damage due to UV rays from the sun. Protect your tires with covers that are often available at your RV dealership. Not all covers designed for the body of the RV also cover the tires. Tire covers that fit properly will likely protect the tires all winter.
In addition, inflating all of the tires to the pressure indicated on the sidewalls before storage. Tires may lose pressure during storage; so be sure to check the tires and inflate them again before taking your RV out on the road again.
6. Save Your Batteries
All of our R.V. & Boat storage slots are equipped with 110 volt power to keep your equipment in sound condition.
7. Add Fuel Stabilizer
Gas can go bad over time, resulting in sticky resin deposits. Those gummy deposits are caused by oxidation — and they can damage an engine. So be sure to use a fuel stabilizer, which prevents the deposits from forming.
First add the stabilizer according to the product’s package instructions and then fill the rest of the tank with gas. Start both the engine and generator, and let them run for a few minutes, following the directions on the bottle (usually 5 to 10 minutes) to allow the stabilizer to work its way through the entire fuel system. In addition, changing the oil and oil filter in the engine and in the generator before storage, because acids in used oil can cause corrosion.
8. Make It Critter-Resistant
Mice and squirrels enjoy making their winter home in an RV, where they may chew through wiring, plastic and rubber components. To discourage the rodents, remove temptation: Be sure to remove all food from the RV, then thoroughly clean the refrigerator, freezer, cupboards, countertops and floors.
Consider placing mouse and ant traps in and around your RV. And, pay special attention to where rodents can get in. Your RV dealer or service provider can inspect the underside of your RV and seal any holes or cracks. Rodents love to run up the RV’s auxiliary electrical power cable and climb in where the cord goes through the wall,” he explains. “So unplug the cord, disconnect from the RV and make sure the cable hatch is closed tight.”
9. Check Up on Your Stored RV
If possible, do a quick inspection of your stored RV every few weeks while it’s in storage. Check for any exterior damage, water pe*******on or odors inside. If you find any problems, get your RV to a service center for repairs right away — the damage may only get worse by spring.
