The harsh winter weather can damage just about any part of your RV, from the interior to the exterior and the chassis. As such, you need to implement a holistic RV winterization plan to prevent your RV from developing not just water pipe problems owing to frozen water, but also battery issues, damages due to moisture, mold buildup, and pest infestation. Here’s a comprehensive winter care plan you should implement for your RV.
Wintering your RV Interior
While the harsh elements of winter are in themselves a huge threat to the integrity of your RV’s interior, the biggest threat is the invasion of rodents looking for shelter from the cold. Just one mouse or squirrel can wreak havoc throughout your RV’s interior, nibbling through the wires and any plastic or rubber component.
You need to ensure that not a single rodent can sneak inside your RV while in storage during winter. Inspect every inch of your RV’s underside, drawers, and cabinets (especially around points where pipes and wiring are passed through), and seal any openings where rodents can sneak through with silicone or expanding foam. Make sure your RV is always rid of food particles and debris that might attract rodents like mice.
Besides protecting it against rodents, you also need to care for your RV’s interior by defrosting and cleaning the freezer compartment, cleaning the A/C filters, covering overhead vents to prevent rain from seeping in, and closing all window blinds to protect the carpets, upholstery and drapes from harmful UV rays. If the RV will remain in storage for a long time, you should turn off the main power source, turn off all LP gas appliances, and remove dry cell batteries from devices like smoke alarms.
Winterizing Your RV Exterior
When it comes to winterizing your exterior, the major problem to deal with is UV exposure. Constant exposure to UV rays and Ozone makes your RV age quicker, causing the exterior paint to fade and drying out exterior parts made of materials like rubber and vinyl.
If you can, after washing your RV in preparation for storage, try applying a suitable protective wax all over the body. Depending on the lifespan of the coating, you might need to reapply it now and then for optimum protection. Also, check for any cracks and openings on the body and roof from where water can seep inside. When cleaning, don’t just focus on the body only, take time out to clean the roof, awning fabric, tires, and other visible parts of the vehicle.
In storage, inflate the tires to the manufacturer’s stipulated pressure, lift them off the ground with pieces of wood to protect them from getting damaged, and cover them to protect them from harmful UV rays.
Winterizing Under-the-Hood Components
Your RV’s batteries can freeze under the cold weather, especially if it’s been discharged. To keep your RV’s batteries in tip-top shape while in storage, make sure they’re fully charged. If you have a motorized RV, it’s advisable to store it with a fully-filled fuel tank, a fuel stabilizer, and fresh engine oil.
These winterization tips are good investments that’ll pay you back in the long run by saving you the costs of damages and repairs. We’re always eager to share these cost-saving tips with RV owners. Call us today for more effective RV winterization tips.
