celebrity writers

RV Storage and Winterizing Tips

Basic Steps To Prepare a Recreational Vehicle for Seasonal Storage

Oct 16, 2007

For many travelers, RVs can be used year round, but for those in colder climes, now is the time to start getting the rig ready to be put up for the winter.

Schedule & Plan for Type of Storage:

Options for stowing an RV include: renting space at a public storage unit, parking the vehicle outdoors at a private residence or field (with permission from land owner), or creating space within a garage or barn. When parking outdoors in a city's residential neighborhood, make sure to check with local codes to guarantee the RV fits city standards for time allowed and size.

Empty Out Personal Items and Sewage:

Before taking an RV to storage, it is necessary to empty out all holding tanks in an appropriate manner, especially the black water tank. It is not acceptable to empty tanks in a city drain; always use a designated RV dump station. Besides cleaning out the mechanics of the rig, the indoor living space should also be thoroughly inspected. Food, bedding, towels (kitchen, bathroom, swim), leisure activities (books, board games, coloring books & crayons, crafting supplies) and essentials that may be needed while the motorhome or trailer is stowed away for the winter, should be relocated or packed in an organized manner until the following season.

Inventory Items Remaining in the Vehicle:

Anything that will be left in the camper, such as kitchen tools and utensils, or bathroom toiletries, should be added to a list and filed with important RV paperwork. If at any time there is a question or concern about what has remained within the unit, this list will serve as a source of referral the off-season.

Deep Clean the Rig and Set Traps:

Nobody wants to head into the first trip of the new season with a dirty and infested RV. Deep clean the bathroom, kitchen, refrigerator, washer & dryer (if applies), and air out the mattresses. Make certain to sweep out any debris and set ant and mouse traps depending on the type of holding space the vehicle will be stored in.

Perform End-of-Season RV Repairs:

As with any vehicle that will be sitting for a period of time, it is necessary to take care of any minor or major problems that would be worsened by inactivity and weather. Motorhomes require additional inspection due to engine wear which is not necessary in trailer style campers. Depending on the length of time the RV will be sitting, it might be beneficial to remove the battery to extend its life. Travel trailers, fifth wheels, and folding campers also have technical needs to inspect such as air conditioning, gas lines and tires. If leaving the camper outdoors is the only option available, consider purchasing a cover at outdoor retailers, such as Cabela’s, to protect the exterior of the RV.

Continued Rig Maintenance:

It is imperative to monitor the condition of the rig during the off-season storage period, which in some parts of the country can be up to 5 months. Occasionally checking on the status of the tires and engine will ensure a smooth start when it’s time to take the RV back out on the road.

The copyright of the article RV Storage and Winterizing Tips in RV Dealers & Maintenance is owned by Elizabeth Borer. Permission to republish RV Storage and Winterizing Tips in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.