While many people will go RVing during the cold months, it is common for others to park the RV for the winter and spend those months planning for the seasons ahead. However, one cannot simply park an RV at the end of fall and expect it to be ready to roll at the first sign of spring. Winterizing your RV is important.
Winterizing Your RV
When it comes to winterizing your RV, it is wise to give yourself plenty of time, as it can take several hours to do correctly. But when you can load up and roll out with ease next season you will be glad you did the work now.
Prepare your Engine
Take the time to give your rig a seasonal oil change. A fresh oil change to clean out the past season’s particulate in the oil pan is just good preventive maintenance. Maintaining fresh engine oil is “cheap insurance” to keep your engine protected. Additionally, use a fuel additive to preserve the fuel in your gas tank so it remains good for the next season. In the spring when you de-winterize, change all your fluids to start the next season with peak performance. This includes steering fluid, brake fluid, transmission fluid, engine oil, and engine anti-freeze. You can order all of your necessary fluids through MikeFord.shop.
Drain the Water
Be sure that all the water has been emptied from the lines. This includes ensuring you’re your RV’s water heater s empty. Failing to do this can result in cracked lines-especially if you live in an area where freezing temperatures are common. After the lines are emptied, close the low point drains and use an RV antifreeze. This will clean the lines and protect the RV’s plumbing system.
Empty the Cabinets
Be sure to remove soap (especially the liquid varieties!), water bottles/jugs, toiletries, food items, maintenance supplies, etc. from the RV. These items, can freeze, spoil or simply be an attractive product to unwanted guests from the animal kingdom.
Remove the Battery
Take out the battery(ies) to avoid broken connections, bent plates, and damage to the battery itself.
Clean your RV Thoroughly
Take some time to go through your RV and do some deep cleaning. Chances are, you will be surprised at what you discover…. especially if RVing with kids or teens is part of your travel. Also, be sure to wash down the outside of your RV. Road debris, salt, tar, bugs, etc. will build up and de-value your RV. As part of the cleaning, be sure to clean out and defrost the fridge!
Clean the Tanks
Don’t leave water in the tanks. Be sure to clean them in this order – black water, grey water, and then clean water. You don’t want any mold or mildew to develop during your off-season.
Basic Maintenance
Check all seals, hinges, locks, seams, openings, seats, etc., and make any needed repairs. Now is a great time to use a bit of oil to repair squeaky hinges or other moving parts.
Cover it up
Don’t just leave your RV sitting unprotected in the yard! If you don’t have a garage big enough to store your RV, then investing in an RV cover is the way to go. Many RV enthusiasts recommend using an RV cover, even if you will be parking it in a garage as the cover will keep uninvited critters from setting up a winter residence!
Now that your RV is ready for winter, you can spend the next few months planning your upcoming RV trips. And, because you have done your pre-season homework, you will be set for the road trip adventures ahead. After all, planning for the future now is always better than dealing with undesirable surprises later on.