How to Prepare Your RV for Winter | Winterizing Your RV
Prep your RV for winter: maintain tires, drain water, block pests, and cover up to avoid costly repairs.
Fall is in full swing, and for many, that means the final weeks of RV season are here. Winter will be here before you know it, so it’s not too early to start thinking about prepping and storing your RV for winter. If you miss any key steps when storing your RV, you may face expensive repairs by the time spring comes around. The time and effort put into winterizing your rig now will save you in the long run. We have compiled a few essential steps to prepare your RV for storage. Follow these tips so that your RV is ready to tackle the harsh weather of winter.
- Maintain Your Tires
- Drain the Plumbing
- Don't Host Unwanted 'Guests'
- Keep Your RV Covered
Maintain your tires
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If you’re not planning on driving your RV during the off-season, it is still important to protect and maintain your RV’s tires. You want to make sure that the weight of your RV is evenly distributed between all four tires. If there is an uneven distribution of weight, then ensure that the RV is being stored on flat, level ground and that any heavy objects inside the RV are not all on one side. Lastly, check that all four tires are filled up to the recommended PSI. The tires may lose pressure during the storage period, especially in the cold. Re-inflate the tires if needed before taking your RV out on the road again.
Even though winter is not known for being sunny, UV light from the sun is just as damaging during the winter. UV rays reflect off of the snow and can be redirected toward your tires, causing them to dry out and crack. You can get RV tire covers to ensure that your wheels are fully protected from the elements.
Drain the Plumbing
The most important step in winterizing your RV is to drain the water from the plumbing. Water left in the pipes or tanks will freeze during the winter, leading to cracks that are costly to repair. The main sources of water you need to drain are listed below, but depending on your RV, more water lines and tanks may also need to be cleared.