If you choose not to travel with your RV during the winter months, as many people do, it’s important to clean and store it properly during the off-season. Not only will this improve the longevity of your RV, but it will make your first trip of the season a lot easier!
Give the Interior a Deep Clean
Before you store your RV, gather the family and do a walkthrough to collect all personal items and valuables. As you remove items, take the time to inspect emergency gear to determine if anything needs replaced or updated.
During the deep clean you’ll also want to empty and defrost your fridge, empty all pantry cabinets, and remove any remaining trash. It’s very important to leave no trace of food to reduce the risk of pests invading your space.
Wipe down all surfaces, clean the floors, and deep clean your tanks and hoses.
Wash the Exterior
Find a day with decent weather to give the exterior of your RV a good washing. If you leave the buildup from the travel season unattended, it can lead to corrosion and other problems. Use extendable brushes, power washers, and other equipment to make the job go quickly!
Make sure to use a detergent mix and brushes that won’t damage the exterior coating and consider applying a coat of wax after you’ve washed, rinsed, and dried your rig.
As you wash, check for any maintenance concerns you might want to address before storing your RV. Grease any slide-outs and moving parts that might dry out over the winter.
Service the Engine
This step only applies to motorhomes, but it is crucial for good maintenance!
If you reside in an area that often experiences below-freezing temperatures, remove the battery so it can be stored in a warm, dry area and place it on a trickle charger so it will remain charged throughout the season.
Change your oil, filters, and top of the fuel tank with a stabilizer containing antifreeze. Then, allow the engine to run for several minutes to allow the fluids to circulate throughout the system.
Protect Against Pests
As you finish up your pre-storage tasks, make sure to check for areas where pests might be able to get inside and patch them as needed. Look for signs of damage, such as holes or wood shavings, that indicate previous visitors. This can also be a good time to reinforce seals!
If your RV is a motorhome, use steel wool in your exhaust to block that entrance from unwanted guests.
Prep the Tires
The last thing to do is prepare your tires. Fluctuating temperatures can wreak havoc on tires and they can develop flat spots if they stay in one place for too long. A solution for this is to elevate your RV with jacks and take time to move your RV a few times throughout the season. Try to keep it parked on the pavement as the RV can shift around as the ground freezes and thaws. Also, be sure to use wheel chocks!
Winter storage preparations can drastically improve the life of your RV and make your first trip of the season much easier. Our team at Meridian RV, located in Port Coquitlam and 100 Mile House, BC, would be happy to help you prepare for the winter season! We proudly serve the Vancouver and Kamloops areas and have a great service department for all of your needs.
