Now is the time when many of us put our RVs into hibernation for the winter. Even so, you should resist the urge to simply park the vehicle and walk away. Instead, take the time to ascertain that the RV is protected against the harmful elements of long-term storage to reduce the risk of running into problems when once again it’s time to hit the road.

First Of All

Begin by flushing the onboard water system. Evacuate all the holding tanks (fresh, gray and black) as well as the water heater. If your RV includes low point drain lines under the chassis, open all the hot and cold faucets inside the RV as well as the low point drain lines to allow water to completely discharge. Once the lines are empty, close the low point drain lines and all faucets. If the RV does not contain low point drain lines, blow out the water lines using air pressure. Attach the air compressor adapter to the fresh water inlet and set pressure to 35 psi. Open each faucet, one at a time, to expel water from the lines. Remember to include the shower, toilet, hot water tank drain plug and Temperature-Pressure valve in this procedure.

Next, add non-toxic antifreeze to the water system. This should be the kind specifically designed for RV use. Approximately two gallons should do the job. Place the water inlet line from the suction side of the water pump into the antifreeze. Turn on the water pump. Slowly open each faucet, hot and cold, and when antifreeze appears, close the faucet. Remember to include the shower and toilet. Carefully wipe away antifreeze from interior basins to prevent staining.

The Exterior

Completely fill the fuel tank. Wash and inspect the engine. Bring fluid levels to the required levels, and replace belts and hoses that appear to be worn. Clear the radiator of dirt and debris. Close the LP-tank valves. Fully charge the chassis and house batteries, and if the RV is equipped with battery disconnect switches, shut off power to each battery bank. Batteries will self-discharge over time, requiring that they be charged monthly. During this 30-day maintenance procedure, inspect cells in liquid lead acid batteries and fill as necessary. Use distilled water to cover the plates, leaving approximately 3/8-inch below the vent well to allow for expansion.

Wash the roof and carefully examine roof components. Replace all caulking that shows signs of wear. Repair roof seams as needed. Clean the roof air conditioner and cover the component. Wash the RV exterior, including the awnings and related hardware. Perform a careful inspection of exterior window seals for signs of wear that can create a leak, and repair if necessary. Ensure that the exterior slide room roofs are clear of debris that may prevent the room from closing as designed. Empty and clean all cargo bays, lubricate handle latches, and polish wheel wells. Store tires with full air pressure on a level surface and cover tires that are stored outdoors to protect against damage from the elements.

Inside The RV

Prepare the interior of the RV for winter storage by emptying cupboards and drawers, including under the bed and living room sofa. Don’t forget to remove items from appliances such as the refrigerator, washer/dryer and dishwasher. Thoroughly clean inside all storage compartments, particularly where food particles may remain to attract rodents and insects. Leave all interior doors and drawers open to provide airflow that will help guard against mold and mildew.

Have the pillows and bedspread professionally cleaned and stored in a well-insulated bag. Gently vacuum all window shades using the soft brush attachment and store in the open position to help shades retain their shape. Have fabric furniture professionally shampooed, wipe clean all vinyl surfaces, and cover all furnishings to guard against damage from prolonged exposure to the sun. Wipe down the interior walls, glass surfaces, window wells and floors to remove dust and debris. Leave roof vents cracked to prevent mold and mildew, but use caution to assure this does not create a point of entry for water due to wind and rain.

Check In

Inspect the inside and outside of the RV at least every two weeks during winter storage. Carefully examine the interior for any signs of water leaks, mold and mildew or pest intrusion. Immediately make repairs as needed. Check exterior condition, including air pressure of tires. Lubricate the engine’s moving components by starting the ignition and driving the RV at least 20 miles each month. Run the generator once each month under a load.

Alternately, you can continue to use the RV during the winter months. Successful camping in cold weather requires only a handful of precautionary steps. First and foremost, keep all maintenance items up to date. When camping temperatures hover around freezing, add antifreeze to the gray and black water holding tanks. Keep the LP-gas tank full, and don’t let the fuel tank fall below half. Rely on the generator during dry camping to keep the batteries fully charged. Select campsites that provide more sun exposure than shade, and always practice extreme caution when driving over icy roads.