Tips for Preparing Your RV for Winter

As the days shorten and the weather cools, it's time for RVers to take action on their winter activities. How you prepare your RV for winter depends a lot on what type of RVer you are. Summer campers are busy winterizing their RVs, while snowbirds are focused on maintenance checks and preparing to drive to their winter destinations.

In this post, we're rounding up tips for both. Whether you're storing your RV for the winter or gearing up for a trip, these tips will help you on your way.

Winterizing Your RV After Summer Camping

When summer ends, many RVers must winterize their RV in preparation for winter. Unless you live in a very mild climate or have a heated storage facility, winterization is a must.

We've already covered RV winterization extensively, but here is a quick recap of the basic steps to take in preparing your RV for winter:

• Clean the living areas, kitchen, and bathroom thoroughly.
• Prepare the water and sewage systems with antifreeze.
• Disconnect the battery cable in the RV.
• Seal any cracks and install weather stripping around doors.
• Take care of basic maintenance in preparation for the next season.
• Double check all steps and ensure that your RV is sealed well against bugs and rodents.

Once the weather breaks at the end of winter and you're ready for another camping season, don't forget the steps to de-winterize your RV as well.

Preparing Your RV for Winter Travel

For some guests, the end of summer isn't the end of the season. There are many who continue RVing through autumn and winter, usually shifting to warmer states. But there are also snowbirds, who typically don't begin their RV travels until December and January.

Snowbirds have different steps to take when preparing their RV for winter, as they'll be traveling from colder to warmer climates. The first thing to do is a W.E.S.T. checkup:

• Water: Ensure that the water system is flushed once before leaving. Pack two water hoses, and consider bringing an in-line water filter and water pressure regulator.
• Electric: check the electrical cord connector on your RV to ensure it's working. Bring an extension cord and any power or voltage adapters you may need.
• Sewage: Flush the sewage system once before leaving to ensure everything is working. Pack a full sewage disposal kit including any sewage tank additives you use.
• Tires: Double check all the tires on your RV. The average life span is six years, but this varies based on use and other factors. Ensure that all tires are in good condition, inflated properly, and free of leaks before leaving.

Snowbirds will also want to consider the challenges of driving an RV in winter. Our roundup of safe driving tips in winter weather will ensure you're ready to hit the road in all conditions. And don't forget to assemble an RV winter driving kit before driving through cold climates.  

We hope you've enjoyed these tips for preparing an RV in winter. Whether you're winterizing or gearing up for a snowbird trip to warmer weather, you'll be prepared to get your RV there in good condition.

If these tips helped you, spread the love and share this post with other RVers!

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