Stackerd Team
You've had a lot of camping excursions with your RV during spring, summer, and autumn. When winter arrives, it may be time to store your RV for the season. However, before you store it, you need take certain precautions to guarantee that your RV is ready for the following camping season.
Learn how to prepare your RV or fifth wheel for winter storage.
Why Should You Take Proper Storage Measures?
Following proper storage precautions guarantees that your RV is adequately protected to make it through the winter without incident. Whether you live in a snowy environment or merely have a cold night, appropriate storage techniques will help keep your RV safe from the elements.
5 RV Storage Suggestions
You can keep your RV secure over the winter by having a strong strategy in place before storing it at home or in an outdoor or indoor storage facility. Here are a few pointers to help you safeguard your RV.
When you store your RV for the winter, you will most likely make just a few trips or not venture inside it again until you begin preparing for the new camping season. While you may not spend much time inside your RV over the winter, other critters may if you do not properly prepare it.
Protect your RV against wasps, mice, beetles, and other pests by examining and sealing any entry points. When you turn off the gas, inspect the roof and appliance vents and cover them. It's preferable if you additionally cover the air conditioner filters when you change them.
Another important step in safeguarding your RV against bugs is to properly inspect the underbelly of your vehicle. Check for any cracks or loose panels where rats or bugs may enter.
By prepping the inside, you can keep pests out while also getting your RV ready for spring. Remove any food, garbage, linens, and other objects that mice and insects may enjoy. Once everything has been removed, the following step is to clean everything and unplug all of your gadgets.
Clean your cupboards, refrigerator, freezer, shelves, tabletops, and appliances thoroughly using disinfectant and all-purpose cleaners from the living area to the bathroom and kitchen. When you're through cleaning, leave the doors on your cupboards, refrigerator, and freezer slightly ajar for ventilation. Make sure to vacuum and clean the floors as well.
If your RV includes slide-outs, make sure the flooring are clean so the slide-out can simply glide in after it is closed. When storing your RV, the slide-outs must remain in place throughout the winter. You may utilize your RV's tables for storage depending on how many goods you can store in your RV during the off-season. Place some of your boxes or camping items on top of the table so you can easily find them.
One of the most important procedures in preparing your camper for winter is draining the water system. Making sure no water remains prevents your RV's plumbing system from freezing and breaking due to the cold. Drain the water tanks and toilet in your camper, then close the faucets. You may use your water pump to quickly remove the water.
Once the water has been removed, you may take further cold-weather measures by applying nontoxic antifreeze to your camper's drains, water tanks, and toilets. Antifreeze prevents the pipes from freezing. By utilizing a bypass device, you can keep antifreeze from entering your water heater.
When you're through with the water system, turn off the water pump and drain pipes.
By disconnecting your batteries and stabilizing your fuel, you can keep your energy source secure for your first camping trip of the new season. Remove the batteries and keep them in a cool, dry location. While batteries lose some charge while stored, the lower temperatures decrease the loss. Check the batteries on a regular basis to ensure they are properly charged, reducing the risk of their freezing or being damaged.
By balancing the gas remaining in your camper, you may protect your engine. Over time, gas may deteriorate and form sticky resin deposits, causing engine damage. To prevent deposits from accumulating, apply a gasoline stabilizer. Fill the balance of the tank with gas after adding the stabilizer according to the package guidelines. After that, start the engine and generator and let it run for a few minutes to allow the stabilizer to work its way through the whole fuel system.
Before formally storing your RV, another precautionary action is to change the oil and oil filter for the engine and generator.
Preparing the outside of your camper will help it withstand natural wear and tear and ensuring that every item is ready for the spring. Examine the roof, sidewalls, windows, doors, seams, and access panels. Reseal or caulk any cracks or holes you detect to keep water out and moisture damage at bay. Before caulking and sealing, be sure you're using the right kind for your RV and environment.
Check your tires to verify there are no holes as part of your inspection. Once your tires seem to be in excellent condition, fill them to the manufacturer's maximum pressure to avoid having a deflated tire come spring. Consider putting plywood blocks under each wheel to keep the rubber off the ground wherever you store your RV for the winter. You should also use tire chocks to keep the wheels from moving and tire covers to protect them from UV damage.
To avoid germs and mold development, unload and clean your RV's underbelly storage. When you've finished preparing your RV, it's ready for storage. Whether you park your RV in a garage or leave it outdoors, storing it beneath a cover may help protect it from damage.
Follow the instructions above to winterize your RV before storing it for the season. When you take care of your RV, you extend its lifespan, allowing you to embark on more adventures. Visit our site now to learn more about RV storage in Spanish Springs and camping.
