Camping season can sure be a blast, but when it comes to an end, it’s critical that you take proper steps in winterizing your RV. Unless you’re a full-time RVer who lives life on the road, you’re probably not too keen on camping during the winter season. Many RV owners choose to place their campers in storage during the colder months. It’s important to know that you can’t simply park your RV somewhere and be done with it. In fact, that’s a good way to guarantee yourself some expensive repairs before camping season comes around again. You’ll want to follow the right steps to ensure you’ve prepared your RV for storage, which is referred to as winterization.
There are many different ways to handle the winterization process, but Airstream of Montana has highlighted the main points of concern below. We know that this can be a challenging process so if you need some assistance, stop by our dealership in Missoula, Montana! We also proudly serve Bozeman and Kalispell.
Interior
The inside of your RV is a good place to begin your winterization. Your first big task will be to remove everything that can’t stay in the camper during the winter months, which includes food, supplies you need access to, and so on. This is particularly important if you are planning to put your rig in a storage unit with limited access.
Be sure to check for holes or any other signs of damage inside the RV. Moisture can leak in through the cracks, which is problematic on its own, but it’s also a great way for pests to get inside. You might need a professional to handle some repairs if you do find damage. Small cracks can be filled rather easily with a silicone sealant or expandable foam product.
Plumbing
Depending on where you live, you might face the possibility of freezing temperatures. In addition to being cold outside, this also means things are going to start freezing once the temperature drops below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, including the water in your pipes. When water freezes, it expands, and this can cause some major damage to your plumbing system. You can avoid this by putting antifreeze into the system. The process is fairly simple but if you’re an RV rookie worried about damage, you can reach out to a qualified technician for help.
Exterior
Now that you’ve taken care of the interior, it’s time to take care of your RV’s exterior. Before you store your RV for the winter, you should give it a good wash from top to bottom. You’ll want to use gentle brushes and detergents to avoid damaging the frame. Use extra caution when you need to access the RV roof. You’ll probably need a ladder, so be sure to have a spotter on the ground to help. When walking on the roof, always wear shoes with a solid grip.
Tires
You should keep in mind that when you leave the tires to support your heavy vehicle for an extended period of time without any movement, it can greatly affect their function and appearance. As time goes on, your RV tires will begin to wear down in one spot. If you don’t work to prevent this, you’ll probably find yourself having to replace all your tires come springtime. There are two ways to handle this: you can either elevate your camper so the tires are completely off the ground, or you can rotate the tire half a revolution every month or so. If you do not elevate your rig, then you should chock your wheels so the whole camper is nice and secure.
When you’re preparing your RV for winter storage, you might run into an issue that you don’t want to neglect for several months. If you’re worried it’ll become worse with time or just want peace of mind, you should make it a point to get it serviced prior to storage. If you have more questions about RV winterization or need the help of our service department, be sure to visit us at Airstream of Montana in Missoula, Montana! We also proudly serve Bozeman and Kalispell.
