The leaves are changing colour, an apt sign of autumn. While there’s no snow on the ground – yet – it’s a good time to begin thinking about storing your RV or trailer for the winter. Make sure to prepare your RV for storage once you’ve planned out your final camping trip for the year (here’s a list of ideas if you’re still deciding on a destination!)
Clean Your Space
You’ll thank your future self for this one. Vacuum, wipe down all interior surfaces, clean out your fridge, and clear out your space. You don’t want anything important freezing (and potentially causing a big mess when it warms up again), and you especially don’t want any rodents or animals holing up in your camper during the months it’s in storage.
Give it a Once-over
Do an in-depth scan of your trailer inside and out, looking for cracks or tears that shouldn’t be there. It’s important to properly seal any openings before storing your trailer, because even something as small as a pinhole prick could end up causing a huge problem. From water leaks to the onset of structural problems down the line, nip it in the bud before you store it away.
Tend to Your Tires
Before parking your RV for an extended period of time, pump up your tires to the maximum recommended pressure to avoid the slow but inevitable deflation that could cause some wear and tear (even while sitting) on your wheels. Give them a good wash to get any built-up dirt and grime off, and consider placing blocks under the tires to avoid them sitting directly on the ground; this can weather the tires and cause damage to the rubber.
These tips are especially important if storing your RV or trailer outside. Equally important is covering the tires (and, the rest of the vehicle), as well.
Drain the Fluids
Be sure to drain out all of your fluids: coolant, water, sewer. The last thing you want is to let any of these to sit for months, freeze, and thaw when the warmer weather comes back again. You should also pour antifreeze in your tanks once you empty them. If you’re unfamiliar with your RV’s plumbing system, consult the experts! It’s better to prep your RV for the winter months properly than leave it and hope for the best come spring.
Need a place to store your RV for the cooler months, or prefer to leave your end-of-season inspection in the hands of experts? Contact GNR Camping World today – we’re happy to help you with your RV needs!
