As winter weather approaches, many RVers are beginning to think about preparing their Winnebago or other brand motorhome for storage. Properly storing your RV is essential to ensure your investment stays in top condition while not in use. Even if your motorhome isn’t exposed to harsh weather, letting it sit for months without taking the right precautions can still lead to damage. Continue reading to follow these steps for a proper RV winter storage checklist:
1. Arrange Storage
While properly preparing your RV for storage is important, it is even more important to choose a good location to store it. Depending on your RVs size, you may have room on your property to store it. Otherwise, you may need to find a storage facility.
- Storage Facility: You’ll want to consider the cost involved in different storage facilities. One major determinant of price is whether you will be using indoor storage or not. Research and compare different facilities and ensure you are provided information regarding details about the facility’s insurance coverage.
- Your Driveway, Street, or Backyard: A big perk to storing your RV at home is the cost savings. First, you’ll need to confirm there is sufficient space and that it is legal to park the RV based on your local or HOA rules. This is especially important if you plan to park it in your driveway or on the road in front of your home.
2. Prepare the Interior
- Thoroughly clean the interior of your RV, removing any garbage, food, and valuables.
- Open the cabinets to help with airflow throughout the coach.
- Defrost and air out the refrigerator and freezer.
- Manage moisture with use of moisture absorbers or a small dehumidifier to help prevent mold and mildew.
- Use natural pest repellents and seal any potential entry points to keep rodents out.
3. Winterize the Plumbing and Water Systems
One of the most critical steps in winter storage is protecting your RV’s plumbing system from freezing temperatures. Follow these steps:
- Drain all water tanks – Empty the fresh water, gray water, and black water tanks completely.
- Flush and clean the tanks – Use a tank cleaner or mild detergent to remove buildup and prevent odors.
- Drain the water heater – Turn it off and allow it to cool before draining.
- Blow out water lines (optional) – Use compressed air to remove any remaining water from the lines.
- Add RV antifreeze – Pour non-toxic RV antifreeze into the plumbing system to protect pipes, valves, and fittings from freezing.
- Pro Tip: Open all faucets and flush the toilet after adding antifreeze to ensure it circulates through the entire system.
*Ensure you follow your RV’s owner’s manual for winterization instructions for your specific motorhome.
4. Engine and Fuel System
Ensure you complete the following steps to ensure your RV is ready for the next RVing season.
- Fill the gas tank to prevent moisture buildup and add a fuel stabilizer.
- Change the oil and filter to prevent dirty oil from sitting in the engine.
- Check coolant and antifreeze levels to ensure proper freeze protection.
- Run the engine for a few minutes every few weeks to keep parts lubricated.
5. Batteries
Leaving your battery/ies connected while in storage can lead to deep discharge, reducing its lifespan.
- Disconnect the battery and store in a cool, dry place.
- Charge the battery fully before storage.
- Check the battery every few weeks and recharge if necessary.
- If storing your RV in a place with power access, consider using a battery maintainer or trickle charger.
*If your RV has lithium batteries, ensure you are following proper lithium battery storage procedure. See Storage Methods for RVs with a Lithionics Battery System.
6. Protect the Exterior
- Wash the exterior.
- Inspect the roof, windows, and all seals and repair as needed.
- Inflate tires to the recommended PSI and store on a dry surface. To avoid flat spots, you should move your RV one-half tire rotation every 1-2 months.
- Place wood planks or rubber mats underneath the tires if storing on concrete or grass.
- Cover any openings for the water heater and refrigerator with RV screens to keep out pests.
- If storing outdoors, you can use a breathable, UV-resistant RV cover to protect your RV from the elements.
7. Security
- Lock all doors, windows, and compartments.
- Close and latch any vents and roof openings.
- Close blinds and curtains.
- Use a hitch lock or wheel locks for added security.
8. Monthly Checks
- Visual inspection for any leaks or pest activity.
- Check tires to ensure they are continue to be properly inflated.
- If batteries remain installed, check and recharge them monthly.
- Run generator for 30 minutes under load.
While Spring may seem a long way off, it will be here before you know it. When it does arrive, you will be glad that you took the proper time to store your Winnebago RV properly for the winter. You’ll be able to de-winterize, power up, restock the essentials, and get back on the road with ease.
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Experience the Best® at Lichtsinn RV, we have been recognized as the #1 Winnebago Dealer in North America each year since 2015 by Winnebago Industries. Lichtsinn RV is located 1 mile north of the Winnebago Motorhome Factory in Forest City, IA and we proudly sell new Winnebago motorhomes and pre-owned RVs from various manufacturers. While at Lichtsinn RV, you can expect no delivery miles on new RVs, a complimentary half-day educational orientation of your RV, excellent guest reviews, an assigned support team from sales, parts, service and the business office, superior accommodations, no-hassle pricing and competitive financing. See our extensive new and used inventory here.
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