After a summer of traveling and exploring the great outdoors, it’s time to make sure you spend some time on RV maintenance. Prepping your RV for the off-season can extend the vehicle’s life and prevent costly repairs in the future. Not to mention, it’ll be in tip-top shape when next year rolls around!
But taking care of an RV is a bit different from your car or off-roading vehicle. In this article, we’ll share a list of all the necessary steps to take to prepare your RV for storage!
RV Maintenance During the Off Season
Give It a Good Clean
Cleaning the interior and exterior of your RV is one of the most important tasks to keep it in good condition. It also prepares it for storage and prevents mold, pests, or any other unwanted visitors that may come in the winter. While you don’t have to remove all your RV décor and personal belongings, you should declutter before storing.
Interior:
- Remove excess food
- Clean surfaces (cabinets, appliances, furniture)
- Vacuum carpets
- Defrost the refrigerator and leave the door open
- Disinfect the bathroom toilet, sink, and shower
Exterior:
- Wash to remove dirt and grime
- Apply protective wax or coating to paint
- Scrub the awning and windows
- Clean the roof of leaves and debris
Winterize the Plumbing System
The harsh winter weather can be extremely damaging to your RV’s plumbing system if the water isn’t drained properly. Every tank needs to be emptied, including your fresh water, grey water, and black water tanks. As an extra precaution, you should also run RV-specific anti-freeze through the faucets and toilets to protect them from freezing.
Protect the Roof
It’s normal for the roof of your RV to get some wear and tear over the years. If there are leaks or cracks, it’s crucial you seal those up before putting your vehicle into storage. Leaving them could result in water or moisture damage.
Check the Tires
During the winter, it’s plausible that the low temperature can impact your tires. If you’re able to, we recommend removing the tires and placing the RV on blocks or tire cradles. This takes the weight off the tires so they don’t lose pressure or create flat spots.
Once the tires are off, you’ll want to store them with fitted tire covers. This protects them from UV rays and other potentially damaging conditions.
Fill the Tank
An empty tank can cause moisture and condensation build up. Before storing your RV, fill up the tank and add a fuel stabilizer to keep the gas from degrading over time.
Provide Proper Ventilation
Moisture is one of the biggest problems that RV owners face during the off-season. Rain, snow, and cold conditions can be extremely damaging to the interior of your vehicle. Therefore, you’ll want to provide proper ventilation to prevent moisture build-up while the RV is not in use.
If stored indoors, keep a window cracked open for airflow. You can also pop open the vent if you have vent covers. Or you may want to invest in a dehumidifier for the inside in order to keep humidity levels in check.
Disconnect the Battery
Since you won’t be driving for the next few months, you’ll need to disconnect and store the battery (ideally somewhere dry). However, make sure its fully charged beforehand. If the battery is low, it can end up freezing in low temperatures.
It’s also a good idea to check up on the battery throughout the winter months. You can use a battery maintainer to make sure it doesn’t fall below 80% during storage.
Protect the Electrical System
If you cannot remove the battery, then you’ll need to turn off or remove other electrical appliances in your RV. This includes lights, water pumps, and exhaust fans. Keeping them connected to your 12-volt system can cause a huge power drain to your battery.
And don’t forget the solar panels! Make sure these are also disconnected to prevent overcharging during the winter.
Store with a Winter Cover
To further protect your RV against the elements, consider buying a winter cover. This will protect the entire vehicle against UV damage and moisture. Look for a cover that is breathable, as this will allow moisture to escape while preventing mold and mildew from growing.
If you are unable to store your RV in your garage, consider another sheltered area. Keeping it under a carport or at a storage facility will protect it from the weather. Otherwise, choose an outdoor spot sheltered from wind or trees (which can fall during the winter and damage your vehicle).
Continue with Regular Check-Ups
Just because your RV is stored for the off-season doesn’t mean you can just set it and forget it. You’ll still want to inspect your vehicle every few weeks or so to make sure there aren’t any leaks or pest infestations. If you’re able to catch these problems early on, you can prevent expensive repairs later.
What’s the Difference Between Maintenance and Winterizing?
Both are important aspects of RV care. But if you live somewhere warm, you can probably get by with off-season maintenance rather than a full winterizing.
In general, you’ll want to winterize your RV if it’s kept somewhere where the temperatures are below 20 degrees Fahrenheit. These seasonal factors can damage your RV’s plumbing system, tires, and exterior if not properly protected.
Owning an RV is a lot of fun – but it’s also a lot of work! But if you want to ensure your vehicle stays in good shape, then you’ll want to follow the above RV maintenance tips. That way, you’ll be ready for an unforgettable adventure with your family once spring and summer arrive!
