As the RV road trip season comes to an end, it is time to store your RV until the next camping season. It is very important to take the correct measures to ensure that your RV is stored properly during off season. Not storing the RV correctly in the winters can lead to unexpected problems the next time you take it out, from damaged pipes due to water freezing, to extended fiberglass and roof damages.
In this blog we will provide you the complete guide to properly winterize and store your RV throughout the off season, so that when you decide to take it out next time, it is ready to go.
Thoroughly Clean the Interior and Exterior
Before stashing your RV away for the winters, it is important to clean the interior and exterior. This will prevent any mold from growing on the fiberglass, and also prevent buildup of any foul odor from garbage or other things that can rot or spoil.
Interior Cleaning
To clean the Interior first of all remove any and all food items, especially if they are perishable and even if they have a long shelf life. Keeping food in the RV can attract pests which can destroy the interior from the cabinets and upholstery throughout the time it is stored and it can become an expensive fix when you finally see it.
Next, vacuum all dust from carpets and curtains and clean all upholstery. Also, wipe all surfaces like countertops and cabinets using an RV safe cleaner.
Finally, clean the washroom thoroughly, and also inspect for any leaking pipes to fix before storage. Inspect the pipes that lead to your kitchen sink and water heater too and make sure there are zero chances of potential water damage during storage.
Since an RV is a huge vehicle it can be very difficult to clean it on your own, which is why we recommend utilizing a RV cleaning Service which will make sure your RV gets a thorough clean and it saves you the hassle of doing it yourself.
Exterior Cleaning
Maintaining the Exterior of your RV is just as important as the interior and you want to make sure to do it in the best way possible. To do that first of all give your RV a thorough inspection to check for any damaged or worn out seals and seams. Make sure to fix it so that your interior does not get flooded during the exterior wash.
Your RV can have fiberglass damage from previous trips and it is important to fix it as soon as possible. Whether it is a minor chip or a major crack, fiberglass damage can provide access to plumbing and wiring of the RV which can face water damage during the exterior wash and also be damaged by pest invasions.
That is why contact a professional RV fiberglass company like AKFiberglassWorks for the repairs to be long lasting and stress free.
Now, finally give your RV a detailed wash with a mild detergent that does not damage paint or the fiberglass panels. Make sure to pay attention to the hard to reach areas like the undercarriage, wheel wells and the roof. They have the most dirt buildup and become the most likely areas for algae growth and damage overtime.
Drain and Winterize the Plumbing System
During winter storage it is very important to drain all water tanks of your RV. Drain the freshwater, greywater and black water tanks completely since that water can become a growing pool for algae which can clog pipes, and also it can freeze which can damage pipes as well.
Once all pipes are drained, run non toxic antifreeze through the pipelines to ensure that even if there is some water laying around, it does not damage the pipes by freezing. Water heaters do not need antifreeze. So,install a bypass kit in your water heater if it does not have one already, to prevent antifreeze from entering it.
Maintain the Battery and Electrical System
Off season storage can kill your battery if you do not store it correctly. Before stashing away your Home on wheels, make sure to charge the battery completely and then remove it from the RV and store in a cool dry place in your house, or in the garage. These measures will allow the battery to survive the off season without dying out. You can also decide to leave it in, if you want to start the RV regularly throughout the off season which is not a bad practice by any means.
Also make sure to turn off the generators and any other heavy appliances that may suck power if you leave the battery in the RV. And, a final pro tip would be to inspect any easily accessible wires for rodent damage. They can chew down wires which can cause short circuits and can be very expensive to repair.
Store Your RV Properly
The biggest question any RV-er asks is if they should store their RV indoors or outdoors? The answer is very simple. It is an adventuring vehicle after all. Indoor storage can help avoid all weather related damage and limit access to pests. If you store your RV outdoors, get a cover for the RV that helps prevent damage from rain and UV rays.
If you are storing the RV outdoors make sure to lock it, and consider adding additional locks for more safety. Make sure to take out all expensive items and personal belongings to be on the safer side incase of theft. Finally make sure to regularly check up on your RV to see how it is holding up.
Conclusion
Preparing your RV for the off season can help avoid some of the most common problems that RV owners face, even during the traveling season. It can also ensure that your RV is always ready for the next trip since all the basic elements will be safe, clean and repaired. Spend the winters in your cozy home and do not worry about your RV after following this guide, and the next time you decide to hit the road, just fill the water tanks, reattach the battery and don’t forget the snacks. Happy travels.