Before storing your RV or trailer for the cold winter season, it’s extremely important that you winterize it to ensure that you come back to a clean, running vehicle come springtime. Follow the steps below to make sure your RV is ready to be stored away for the next few months.
If you’re not comfortable completing any of these steps yourself, please contact your local experts at GNR Camping World. It’s imperative that winterization is completed before a long storage and temperatures dipping below zero, and that it’s done properly.
Scan Your RV for Damages
First thing’s first: do an in-depth scan of your trailer (both inside and out). You’ll want to note any cracks, tears, or any other damages that shouldn’t be there. Be sure to seal these openings before storing your trailer, because even something as small as a pinhole prick could end up causing major problems down the line, from water leaks to future structural problems.
Remove the Battery
Take out and store your RV’s battery in a warm place over the winter to prevent it from freezing, expanding, and ultimately getting destroyed. If you decide to leave your battery in during the winter months, make sure it is fully charged to give it a chance to remain intact. However, your best bet is to take it out and kept somewhere warm and dry.
Treat Your Tires
Pump up your tires to the maximum recommended pressure before keeping your RV or trailer stored away for the winter. This can help prevent potential wear and tear that your wheels may experience as the tires deflate slowly over time (which is inevitable). Use blocks to keep tires off the ground, and a jack to raise the trailer body and relieve some of the pressure placed on your tires. These tips are especially important if storing your RV or trailer outside. Equally important is keeping your tires covered.
Drain the Fluids
Draining your fluids includes your coolant lines, water tank, and sewer. The last thing you want is to let any of these sit for months, freeze, and then thaw when it warms up again. For the water, drain from your low point drains – that is, the drains at the lowest part of your RV (including underneath). Open your taps while doing this to help it drain quickly.
Once you’ve done that, it’s important to pour antifreeze through your lines to prevent them from expanding; your water pump switch can help push the liquid throughout. If you aren’t familiar 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.
While this is a great starting point for winterizing your RV or trailer, it isn’t an exhaustive list. Check out this informative video we’ve put together to show and describe how to winterize your vehicle before putting it into storage. We’re more than happy to help with your winterization needs, as well.
Contact us today to make an appointment!
