How To Winterize and Maintain Your RV
Whether you’re parking your rig for the season or heading out to find the snow, winter requires a specific maintenance strategy. Here is our guide to keeping your motorhome or fifth-wheel in top shape until Spring.
Essential Winterization for Storage
- Plumbing Protection: Blow out the water lines and drain the water heater. Use RV-specific antifreeze to ensure lines don’t freeze and crack.
- Seal the Exterior: Get an annual inspection to catch potential roof leaks before they cause major damage over the wet winter months.
- Protect Your Tires: Pro Tip: Park on wood planks rather than bare concrete. Concrete can chemically react with the petroleum in your tires, causing them to wear out faster.
- Critter-Proofing Safety: Avoid using excessive mothballs. The fumes can be toxic and permeate the entire RV. We’ve seen firsthand how “overdoing it” can lead to tragic health consequences.
- Fuel & Battery: Add fuel stabilizer to your tank and, if possible, store the unit in a climate-controlled building or under a high-quality cover.
If you have questions about any of these tips,
please don’t hesitate to contact us at Henderson’s Line-Up in Grants Pass, Oregon. We are always happy to help.
Tips for Active Winter Travel
Planning to use your RV this winter? Make sure your rig is ready for the road and the cold:
- Electrical & Mechanical: Ensure your batteries, brakes, and fluids are in peak condition. Check the water levels in your batteries and test your generator fluid.
- Tire Safety: Double-check the tread and pressure on your RV, your dinghy vehicle, and even your snowmobile trailers!
- Switch to LED: Pro Tip: Switching to LED lighting helps your batteries last longer, which is vital during cold-weather camping.
- The RPA Advantage: Get a Road Performance Assessment (RPA) to identify handling issues before you hit icy or windy winter roads.
Our team of experts can help you with all of these items, whether you’re winterizing for storage or prepping for a cross-country trip. All you have to do is ask and our team is here to assist you.
If you’re ready for an inspection or a Road Performance Assessment, we invite you to
book an appointment and watch our video on how to prepare your RV for a thorough inspection.
P.S. If you would like to see the first chapter of Robert Henderson’s new book, Living Life One Mile At A Time, click here.
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