An RV is one vehicle that receives a solid three-season workout. Driven many miles in the heavy summer heat, from National Parks to KOAs, the motor home is a real vacation workhorse. Winter’s approach means thoughts turn to shutting it down for a few months. Make sure your RV is ready for the next recreation season by taking these steps to prepare it for storage.
Elemental Protection
Before getting to work, decide where you will park your RV. Using a secure boat and RV storage facility, such as boat storage Middleburg, means you do not have to worry about local street-parking laws or vandalism. Wherever you leave your unit, if you can, purchase a heavy-duty cover that fits at least the front end. A cover not only keeps grime at bay, but it prevents sun-damage. It is especially important to cover any rubber parts, especially the tires, since they will harden and crack over the winter.
Interior Cleaning
Do not think of your RV as a storage closet. Empty cupboards and bins of items that will gather dust. In particular, take out liquid containers so that they do not freeze. Empty your refrigerator and clean it out. Any foods or spills will produce smells that will be impossible to remove in the spring. Vacuum the interior to remove rodent-attracting crumbs.
Plumbing and Electrical To-Dos
Water left in the RV will freeze. Drain your water tanks, open all faucets and flush the toilet twice to remove any air in the system. Add RV antifreeze, and push through the lines using a hand pump. Remove the batteries to prevent freezing; store them in a dry location where they can be occasionally trickle-charged.
Winterizing a motor home takes some work, but it is worth the effort. Taking these steps late fall will make transitioning to spring vacation-mode a relatively easy process.
