by The Great Outdoors RV | Dec 27, 2021 | Blog | 0 comments
Preparing your RV for winter storage entails more than just draining the water system. Winterizing your RV requires some careful effort. RV winter storage is critical, as it helps in preventing the RV from damage. These damages could end up costing a significant amount and go unnoticed until your first trip of the summer. These RV winter storage tips can help save you valuable time and money.
MAKE SURE THAT EXTERIOR IS PROPERLY CLEANED
Thoroughly clean your RV. By spring, any mildew that has begun to develop will be out of control. Clean awnings, wheel wells, and tires (both street and underbelly sides), and inspect all seals (windows, doors, and anywhere else there are seals.) Before storing your RV inside or covering it, ensure that it is totally dry.
DRAIN & WINTERIZE PIPES
Drain your plumbing pipes! This is the most critical step when it comes to winterizing your RV. As you are probably aware, water expands when frozen. If water is allowed to accumulate in certain pipes, they will crack. This results in significant damage and needs considerable effort and money to repair. Simply empty your pipes to prevent this issue.
To be extra cautious, you may even put antifreeze into your plumbing system. To be clear, this is NOT the same as the antifreeze used in automobiles, and RV antifreeze is a non-toxic product that is prominently labeled as “RV Antifreeze.”
HOT WATER TANK BYPASS
Antifreeze should be pumped through the bypass for the hot water tank.
Antifreeze should be added to the hot water tank bypass before RV antifreeze is added to the whole system. This is a small length of tubing that connects to the water heater’s intake line (cold pipe). Additionally, it links to the water heater’s output (the hot pipe). If your RV doesn’t already have one, you may simply add one.
Bypassing the hot water tank provides a way for antifreeze to escape, which helps reduce the quantity of antifreeze required by your RV plumbing system. With the bypass in place, the hot water heater is drained independently from the rest of the system. Draining techniques differ according to RV type. However, in general, all required is to open that valve and allow the water to drain.
Additionally, drain wastewater pipes, valves, and tanks. You do not want that system to fail.
FRESHWATER INTAKE
Drain as much water as possible from your freshwater tank. If possible, park your RV on a sloped location that faces the same way as your water tank plug. Then the RV antifreeze is added. Utilize just enough water to allow the water pump to push it into the RV’s plumbing system.
Following that, run the water pump to pressurize the system. One by one, run water through your sink, shower, and toilet. When the pink liquid begins flowing from the taps, the antifreeze has drained all the freshwater from the system. Now flush each drain with antifreeze.
TIRES, BEARINGS, AND MECHANICAL COMPONENTS
If you can block your tires or jack them up, you may assist in preventing the development of flat spots. Your RV contains several moving components, such as bearings that might benefit from lubrication prior to RV winter storage. Consider tire coverings if you park your RV outdoors. Lighter-colored covers keep the tires cooler, extending their life.
TARPS, RV COVERS, AND WATERPROOFING
Your tarp or cover should be “breathable” in order to avoid condensation underneath it. Moisture has the potential to rust or damage RV components. Additionally, it promotes mold growth, some of which, such as black mold, may be dangerous if breathed.
Moisture may build up inside your RV after months of being locked up. Mold, once again, may be dangerous, but even when it is not, it can wreak havoc on the inside of your RV. Moisture may do significant harm on its own. Alternatively, you may run a dehumidifier, but this requires operating an electric device unattended for many months save for frequent inspections.
STORING BATTERIES
Disconnect the battery and store it in a dry, cool — but not freezing. Batteries may lose some charge during storage; the cold temperature helps to mitigate this loss. Charge the batteries every four to six weeks using a voltmeter or multimeter, and charge them as needed to maintain a full charge. This is critical because a partly charged battery will freeze more quickly than one that is completely charged. Freezing may cause permanent damage to or destruction of the batteries.
MAINTAIN A PEST-FREE ENVIRONMENT
Although those fuzzy little animals running around may seem harmless, wait till they burrow their way inside your RV. Small animals may wreak havoc on your RV by eating through almost any material. Not to mention the pleasant small surprises they leave behind.
You can defend your RV from these furry intruders by blocking all available entrances. Cover exposed pipes, windows, vents, and any other area where sunlight may infiltrate through crevices. Dryer sheets with a light aroma are an excellent bug repellent, so use them liberally around your home. By doing pest treatment in advance, you’ll save hours of time and hundreds of dollars.
GET READY FOR RV WINTER STORAGE AT THE GREAT OUTDOORS RV CO.
At The Great Outdoors RV Co, our RV and motorhome specialists are educated and eager to assist you in winterizing your RV. Along with RV sales, we provide complete motorhome parts and maintenance services to keep your RV in good working order. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
