RV Winterization Checklist
So, you're finished traveling the countryside and you're ready to stay home until the spring thaw. But there's not enough space in your driveway for the RV? Self storage is a convenient solution. But if you just drive your RV to the nearest storage facility, put on the brake, lock the doors and call it good for the winter, you may be in for an unpleasant surprise next spring. Our checklist should help you prepare for both indoor and outdoor RV storage:
- Remove items that can be damaged by severe cold, including electronics (portable DVDs and removable TVs).
- Remove items impacted by freezing such as bottles containing liquids (dish soap, hand soaps, etc.).
- Remove items that may encourage mice or squirrels from being attracted to the inside of your RV -- including anything that resembles food. Clean cooking surfaces thoroughly to remove residue, especially cooking grease.
- Take home all bedding to launder.
- Thoroughly vacuum all floors and seat cushions.
- Remove the water heater plug and store in a safe place. Fully drain the water heater tank.
- If the water heater has a bypass kit, turn the valves to bypass the water system away from the water heater tank.
- Drain the gray and black water tanks of all remaining water.
- Pump anti-freeze into the water system; open sink valves until the anti-freeze flows smoothly out of the faucets.
- Run enough RV anti-freeze through the faucets to replace any water in the sink traps and drain plumbing.
- Pull the flush valve in the toilet to ensure that the insides of the toilet get filled with RV anti-freeze.
- Drain all water hoses used for connecting to your city connections.
- Remove the 12V battery and store in your garage unless your RV is self-contained and needs this for operation.
- Fill the propane tanks so they are ready to go if you need to use your RV during the winter. Make sure the main valves on the propane tank(s) are closed at the tank.
- Inspect the exterior of the RV, especially around windows and doors and the roof seams. If you see caulk that is peeling or cracked, recaulk and seal the areas.
- Wash and clean the rubber roof, awning, and sides of the RV. The cleaner the roof is, the less black streaks you will encounter next spring on the sides of your RV.
- If possible, wax the exterior of your fiberglass RV. This will provide a good protective coat.
- Apply tire cleaner and sealer to the exterior sidewalls of all tires. This will help in reducing dry rot. Check the tires for proper air pressure.
- Oil and lube all stabilizer jacks and slide units to reduce the risk of metal parts rusting.
