How To Winterize Your RV: 8 Simple Tips
With the fall season in full swing here in Salmon Arm, BC, many RV owners are embarking on their last RV adventures of the year before packing up their rigs and storing them away for the off-season. But before you throw a tarp over your travel trailer or fifth wheel and call it a day, it’s important to think about the long-term effects that brisk Canadian winters can have on your RV while it's stowed away. Sub-zero temperatures can cause serious damage to your RV’s water lines, holding tanks, the water heater, and other water systems. That’s why winterizing your RV is essential to do before storing it away. In this blog, we’ll get into what exactly RV winterizing entails, why it’s important, and how it's done – whether you choose to do it yourself or leave it to the professionals!
What is RV Winterizing?
RV winterizing refers to the process of preparing your RV for safe storage during the winter months, especially in regions like Canada, where freezing temperatures and harsh weather conditions are expected. Proper winterization helps protect the RV's plumbing system and various components from damage caused by freezing, expansion, and contraction. Neglecting winterization before storing your RV away can result in serious damage to its water lines. Think of your home during the winter with no heat! No one wants to get the call that their pipes have burst in the middle of January. Much like your home, your RV needs to be properly insulated with anti-freeze to ensure it's safe to use come springtime.
How to Winterize Your RV
There are several methods to consider when preparing to winterize your RV. You have the option to DIY, enlist the services of a mobile RV maintenance company, or entrust your vehicle to an RV service centre, such as the skilled professionals at Country Camping. The approach you choose for winterizing your RV will depend on various factors, including your storage location (indoors, outdoors, or at a storage facility) and your region’s climate during storage. If you opt for a DIY approach, here are some fundamental steps you can take in order to successfully winterize your fifth-wheels, toy haulers or travel trailers.
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Prepare Your Water System - Freezing temperatures can lead to pipe damage. To prevent freezing, fully winterize your water system using antifreeze. Refer to your owner's manual for specific water system winterization instructions tailored to your RV model. For larger RVs equipped with appliances like washing machines, dishwashers, and ice machines, additional water system winterization steps may be necessary.
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Remove All Batteries - Deactivate the RV's disconnect and breaker switches. Store fully charged RV batteries in a warm, dry location.
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Protect the Exterior of Your RV - Thoroughly clean the exterior, addressing any cracks or seams. Apply a high-quality wax or protective coating to the entire surface. Ensure that external vents and other openings are sealed and closed to prevent rodents and other pests from entering your RV during the winter.
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Clean and Dry Your Awning - Prevent mould growth by cleaning and thoroughly drying your RV's awning. This advice applies to trailers with fabric or canvas siding as well.
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Remove, Clean, and Replace A/C Filters - Clean the external components of your air conditioning unit. Remove, clean, and replace air conditioner filters before storing the RV for the winter.
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Service Locks and Hinges - Apply lubrication to locks and hinges to prevent squeaks, jams, and potential breakages when you bring your RV out in the spring.
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Tidy and Clean the Interior - Take out all clothing and blankets and store them at your home. Keep cushions and mattresses propped against a wall to facilitate optimal airflow.
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Cover Your RV Wheels - If storing your RV outdoors, consider covering the wheels to shield them from winter weather conditions.
Winterize Your RV at Country Camping
Don’t have the time or patience to winterize your RV on your own? Save yourself the headache by booking your RV winterization services in Salmon Arm with Country Camping RV! Our service team has the tools and know-how to get the job done quickly and efficiently, helping to protect your trailer for the long haul. Give us a call, or come visit us at our BC dealership for more information about how we can help winterize your RV today!
