Winterizing Your RV

With the winter fast approaching it is now time to winterize your RV. Whether you are planning on spending your winter living in your rig or putting it in storage. There are steps you can take to make sure you properly prepare your rig for the cold weather. Taking these precautions can help ensure there are no costly repairs come spring.  

Storing your RV  

If you’re planning on storing your rig for the season this section is for you. These quick and easy tips will help you ensure your rig will be safely resting and waiting for your big adventures when the weathers warms up.

• Empty your tanks.                                                                                                                                      This one probably goes without saying but is always a helpful reminder. You want to make sure you completely flush everything. Don’t forget to drain the water lines.
• Check your batteries.                                                                                                                                 Turn off all the switches inside. Make sure everything is off. You can even remove the battery and store in a warm dry area.
• Remove all food.                                                                                                                                         You don’t want any unwanted guests taking up residence during the holidays. So make sure your cabinets are bare. Perhaps even place anti pests devices.
•  Clean! Deep Clean!                                                                                                                              Sweep, mop, wipe, and then do it all again. The last thing you want is to find pests come spring. Check all the cracks and crevices and make sure you won’t be in for any surprises.
• Cover Up!                                                                                                                                                  After a good cleaning you should cover up your rig. To help protect from the elements and further ensure your rig is ready for the spring.

Living in your Rig

While living in your rig you are better able to monitor your system for the winter there are a few more things you can do to make certain it’s a smooth transition from want to cooler weather .

• Heated hose                                                                                                                                                The worst thing about winter is frozen pipes and having a heated water hose will certainly help make sure the water stays flowing.
• Insulate your windows!                                                                                                                                You can get all kinds of kits to make this a easy task and it will help ensure your heat stays inside your rig.
• Have a extra propane tank                                                                                                                    Having a spare tank is always a good idea. Nothing worse than running out of propane in the middle of the night.
• Angle your sewer hose.                                                                                                                            Make sure your sewer hose has no dips or hangs in it. A ice blockage could definitely cause a problem when temperatures reach freezing and you need to empty your tanks.
• Keep closets, pantry, and cabinet doors closed.                                                                                          It’s a small space but having the extra little places closed off can help make sure your heat stays where you want it. Except where there are water pipes best to keep those open to prevent freezing.
• Make sure your carbon monoxide monitor is working.                                                                            Using your propane more in the winter it’s always a good idea to make sure your alarm is working to keep you and your loved ones safe.
• Extra heaters!                                                                                                                                  Depending on where you live some days will be colder than others. Making sure you have a extra electric heater on hand is always a game changer. Trust me you may need it one of those cold nights. Ceramic heaters are always a safe bet they pull less electricity.