Storing Your RV for the Winter? Do It the Right Way

Like my spirit animal, the bear, when the days grow shorter and the air gets cooler, we RV owners know when it’s time to prepare for winter hibernation. But proper RV storage isn’t just about parking your rig and calling it a season. Rather, it means ensuring that when spring rolls around, your RV is ready to hit the road — without surprises. Trust me, as someone who’s learned a few lessons the hard way, I can tell you that prep is essential when storing your RV for the winter.

So, if you want to do it the right way (you do), here are the steps you need to take. It involves a little bit of cleaning, a grasp of RV winterization, and a few common-sense pointers. But together, all of it will help keep your RV safe, sound, and ready for adventure once the frost melts.

 

1. Thoroughly clean your RV — inside and out.

Cleaning your home, whether on wheels or sticks and bricks, is never fun. That said, it’s way easier to do it early than late. Early, in this case, means when you’re storing your RV for the winter. Your future spring-self will thank you.

• Exterior Cleaning. Start by giving your RV a good scrub to remove road grime, dirt, and lingering bugs. Apply a coat of wax to protect the exterior from harsh winter weather. Consider a good coat of wax. It not only shields against moisture but also makes spring cleaning much easier.
• Interior Cleaning. Empty your fridge and pantry of all food. Vacuum the floors. And wipe down every surface. Mold, mildew, and pests are your winter enemies, and a clean RV helps keep them away. Don’t forget often-overlooked areas like storage compartments, under seats, and in the bathroom. You don’t want that road fry that fell under the seat a couple months back to be the reason you come back to ants or mice.

 

Pro Tip: To prevent any unpleasant surprises, leave your refrigerator and freezer doors slightly open. A small box of baking soda can work wonders for absorbing odors during storage. But remember to properly clean, dry, and turn off your fridge beforehand.

 

2. Winterize your plumbing system.

Failing to winterize properly can lead to costly repairs, as I learned the hard way. One year, I didn’t drain and blow out the lines properly, and when I dewinterized, the outdoor shower connector had cracked. The result? Water shot everywhere. And our departure was delayed by a full day as I scrambled to clean up, make a run to the hardware store, and repair the issue. It’s the perfect example of learning from my mistakes.

• Drain and Flush. Start by draining all water from your freshwater, gray, and black tanks. Use your RV’s water pump to remove any lingering water and then flush the system with nontoxic RV antifreeze to protect your pipes from freezing. You should also look for a low-point drain to help you with the process of clearing out your lines.
• Water Heater. Turn off and drain the water heater completely. If your RV has a bypass kit, use it to save antifreeze during the process.
• Protect Every Faucet. Pour a small amount of antifreeze into your sinks, shower drains, and toilet to protect the P-traps and seals.

 

Pro Tip: Use a checklist to ensure no faucet or drain is overlooked. Trust me, one missed step can lead to a mini disaster come spring.

 

3. Inspect and protect your RV exterior.

Your RV’s exterior takes the brunt of the meanest season’s harshest conditions. So, give it some TLC before storing your RV for the winter.

• Check Seals and Roof. Carefully inspect all seals, seams, and the roof for cracks or damage. Apply a weatherproof sealant if needed, to prevent any weak spots from getting worse.
• Tires. Inflate your tires to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure and cover them to protect against UV rays and cold weather. If possible, use leveling blocks or lift the RV slightly to reduce stress on the tires.
• RV Cover. Invest in a breathable, high-quality RV cover to shield your rig from snow, ice, and debris. Ensure the cover is snug to avoid moisture buildup underneath.

 

Pro Tip: Park on a level surface and use wheel chocks to prevent movement during storage. If you’re parking on dirt or gravel, placing plywood or some leveling blocks under the tires can help prevent sinking.

 

4. Handle your power system with care.

Your RV’s power system needs special attention to ensure it’s ready to roar back to life in spring. 

• Remove Batteries. If possible, remove your RV’s batteries and store them in a cool, dry place. Use a battery maintainer to keep them charged and ready.
• If You Can’t Remove Batteries. Disconnect the battery terminals to prevent phantom power draw. Check the batteries periodically to ensure they maintain a charge and aren’t exposed to freezing temperatures.
• Unplug Everything. Disconnect all appliances, electronics, and propane tanks. This not only prevents potential damage but also reduces the risk of fire.

 

Pro Tip: For rigs equipped with solar panels, covering them up when storing your RV for the winter is good practice as well. It’s a quick way to shield them from the elements.

 

5. Keep those pesky pests out.

Nobody likes unwelcome guests, especially rodents and insects that can wreak havoc during storage.

• Seal Entry Points. Inspect your RV for any small gaps, vents, or cracks. Use foam sealant or wire mesh to block these entry points.
• Repellents and Traps. Place peppermint oil-soaked cotton balls, dryer sheets, or safe repellents inside your RV to deter rodents. Set traps in areas where pests might be tempted to nest.
• Food-Free Zone. Remove all food and even crumbs to ensure pests aren’t attracted to your rig.

 

Pro Tip: Regularly check your RV during storage for signs of pests. The earlier you catch an issue, the easier it will be to address.

 

6. Store your RV smartly.

The right storage location can make all the difference in protecting your RV.

• Indoor Storage. Whenever possible, store your RV in a climate-controlled facility to shield it from extreme weather. This will also minimize so much of the prep work, because it won’t be in the elements.
• Outdoor Storage. Choose a secure location away from overhanging trees or potential hazards. A good RV cover is essential in this case.
• Parking Prep. Ensure your RV is on a level surface. For added protection, consider using skirting to block cold air from circulating under the RV.

 

Pro Tip: Visit your RV periodically during the winter to check for any issues, such as leaks or pest damage.

 

Bonus tip: Get a jump on your spring checklist.

As you prepare your RV for winter, create a checklist for spring maintenance. Include tasks like recharging batteries, flushing the water system, inspecting seals, and cleaning both the interior and exterior. Having a plan ready will make your transition back to the road seamless.

 

Please learn from my mistakes.

Winter RV storage can seem daunting, but with a little effort, you can avoid costly repairs and ensure your rig is ready to roll when the snow melts. If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that proper winterization is worth every minute. Trust me, a few hours of preparation now will save you from a lot of frustration later. So, grab your checklist, follow these tips, and give your RV the care it deserves this winter.