 The
2008 camping season is winding down for lots of us, and
it’s time to think about storing our RV for the winter
months ahead.
The 2008 camping season is winding down for lots of us,
and it’s time to think about storing our RV for the winter
months ahead. The most important aspect of storing your RV
is that it is ready to use next spring when you take it out
of storage. For many of us this includes winterizing the RV,
to protect the water system from any damage due to freezing
temperatures. But, winterizing the RV is only part of the
preparation required to protect the RV while it is being
stored. This is a checklist from my Checklist’s
for RVers e-book to help you prepare your RV
for storage. Follow the steps that apply to your RV:
Coach Storage
_ Winterize your RV (see checklist #17)
_ Store your unit under a covered area if possible. If not,
avoid parking under trees or in areas where grass and weeds
will grow.
_ If you choose to buy a cover for the RV, make sure it is
made of a breathable material. This will help in preventing
mold and mildew.
_ Chock the wheels front and rear. Leave the parking brake
off. If you’re storing a pop-up angle the tongue downward
to assist in snow and water runoff.
_ Inflate the tires to the manufacturer’s recommended max
cold pressure. Cover the tires to protect them from the
harmful ultraviolet rays. Place something between the tires
and the ground.
_ Close all window blinds to avoid sun exposure to the
carpet, drapes and upholstery.
_ Wash the exterior of the unit and clean the interior
thoroughly.
_ Make sure the awning fabric is clean and dry before
storing.
_ On a pop-up make absolutely sure the fabric is clean and
dry before storing. This is a good time to check for tears,
and repair the fabric.
_ Inspect all roof seams, body seams and window sealant for
cracks and openings. Consult your dealer for sealants
compatible with these materials.
_ Service all locks with a graphite spray lubricant.
Lubricate all hinges and moving parts with WD 40.
_ Turn all LP gas appliances off. Turn the LP gas supply
valve off. If you’re storing a pop-up or travel trailer
make sure the LP gas regulator is covered.
_ Insects are attracted to the odorant that is added to LP
gas. To prevent mud dabbers and wasps from building nests in
and around your gas appliances, cover the refrigerator vent,
the furnace vent and the water heater vent.
_ Inspect the underside of the unit thoroughly. Look for
anywhere that mice or other rodents can get it, and seal as
necessary.
_ Strategically place mouse and ant traps in and around the
unit. Avoid using mouse poison inside the RV.
_ Remove all perishables and anything that can freeze.
_ Leave doors, drawers and cabinets open.
_ Remove all consumables that would attract mice and other
rodents.
_ Defrost the freezer compartment and clean the
refrigerator. Leave the refrigerator doors open and place
some baking soda inside to absorb odors.
_ Clean the air conditioner filters, and cover the air
conditioner.
_ Turn off the main breaker and unplug all appliances.
_ Remove dry cell batteries in clocks, flashlights and other
items.
_ The use of Maxx Air products will provide the airflow and
ventilation required during storage while keeping the
elements out.
Chassis Storage
_ Check and fill the water levels in all batteries that are
not maintenance free.
_ Charge all batteries to a full charge. A discharged
battery will freeze much quicker than a fully charged
battery.
_ If you plan to start the unit while in storage, and to
periodically plug the unit into shore power leave the
batteries in the unit. Plugging it into shore power once a
month for about eight hours will help keep the coach
batteries topped off.
_ If you put the unit in long-term storage remove and store
the batteries where they will not freeze. In either case
keep the batteries charged.
_ During short-term storage, start the unit monthly and run
it with the dash air on for at least 30 minutes.
_ Fill the fuel tank prior to storage and add a fuel
stabilizer. Run the engine and the generator (if applicable)
long enough for the stabilizer to get through the system.
Follow the manufacturer’s directions.
_ If the unit is not in long-term storage, exercise the
generator at least two hours each month. Run the generator
with a minimum of a ½ rated load. Consult your generator
set owner’s manual for rated loads.
_ Change the oil and oil filter on the engine and the
generator prior to storage. Acids accumulate in used oil and
can corrode engine bearings.
_ Check the engine radiator for the proper concentration of
antifreeze. Consult your owner’s manual for the correct
type of engine antifreeze. Drain, flush and refill the
system every two to three years.
_ Drain the windshield washer reservoir or add the
appropriate antifreeze solution to prevent it from freezing.
Following this checklist should ensure that your RV will
be ready to go for the 2009 camping season.
Happy Camping,
Mark Polk
Copyright 2008 by Mark J. Polk owner of RV Education 101
RV Expert Mark Polk, seen on TV, is the producer &
host of America's most highly regarded series of DVD's,
videos, books, and e-books. http://www.rveducation101.com/
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