The arrival of cooler nights and shorter days signals the approaching end of the RV travel season. If you’re planning to store your travel trailer for the winter, it’s a process that requires more than just parking it in your driveway. As fall transitions into winter, it’s important to consider issues like food spoilage, rodent infestations, severe weather, and other unforeseen factors that can negatively impact your RV while it’s in storage. Learning How To Store A Travel Trailer In Winter properly can save you from headaches and costly repairs when you’re ready to travel again in the spring. Here are some crucial tips to keep your rig in top condition during the off-season.
1. Thoroughly Clean and Inspect the Interior
Preparing the interior of your travel trailer is essential for preventing pest infestations and ensuring it’s ready for your next adventure. Begin by removing all food, trash, linens, and other items that might attract rodents and insects. Once everything is removed, thoroughly clean the cabinets, refrigerator, freezer, shelves, tabletops, and appliances using disinfectants and all-purpose cleaners. After cleaning, leave the doors of the cabinets, fridge, and freezer slightly open for ventilation. Be sure to vacuum and mop the floors as well.
If your RV has slide-outs, make sure the floors are clean so the slide-outs can move in easily when you close them. For winter storage, it’s best to keep the slide-outs retracted. Depending on the amount of gear you store, consider using the RV’s tables for storage, packing boxes or camping supplies on top so you know where everything is located.
Alt: RV owner inspecting the clean interior of his travel trailer for winter storage.
2. Implement Pest Control Measures
When storing your travel trailer for the winter, you likely won’t be visiting it frequently until you start preparing for the next camping season. However, pests can easily take up residence if you don’t properly prepare.
Check the roof and appliance vents, and cover them after shutting off the gas. It’s also a good idea to cover the air conditioner filters after changing them.
Another critical step is to thoroughly inspect the underside of your travel trailer. Ensure there are no gaps or loose panels where rodents or bugs can enter. Seal any potential entry points.
3. Invest in a High-Quality RV Cover
An RV cover, whether standard or custom-fitted, is crucial for winterizing your travel trailer. Most covers are water-repellent and protect against bird droppings, falling tree limbs (if stored outside), scratches, and the buildup of dirt and dust. Many covers also provide UV protection to prevent fading and damage to the paint.
Avoid using basic, polyethylene-coated tarps. While they may offer short-term protection, their lack of rigidity can cause them to fly away or create gaps, allowing moisture to accumulate and damage your RV.
4. Drain the Water System and Winterize the Plumbing
Frozen pipes are a common winter problem for homes and RVs alike. To protect your travel trailer’s plumbing, start by emptying all fresh and wastewater at a designated dumping station. This prevents frozen pipes and avoids stagnant water, which can contaminate the pipes and cause unpleasant odors.
Next, pump RV-specific, non-toxic antifreeze into the plumbing system to prevent freezing. Complex plumbing systems may require additional steps or professional assistance, so consult your owner’s manual. For example, draining the water heater may require special equipment or procedures best handled by a professional.
After winterizing the water system, make sure the water pump and drain lines are turned off.
5. Thoroughly Clean the Kitchen
Cleaning the kitchen is an essential, though often disliked, task that pays off during winter storage. Start by removing all food from the refrigerator, freezer, pantry, and other storage areas. This deters rodents and prevents mold and unpleasant odors from rotting food.
Remove all canned goods and glass bottles from your travel trailer. Temperature fluctuations can cause these containers to explode or become unsealed. Finally, for safety, turn off your liquid propane tank and all propane-powered appliances.
Alt: Man cleaning the kitchen counter in his RV as part of winter storage preparation.
6. Safeguard Your Batteries and Engine
Protect your travel trailer’s energy source and engine for your first trip next season by disconnecting the batteries and stabilizing the fuel. Remove the batteries and store them in a cool, dry place. Cool temperatures slow down the discharge rate of batteries in storage. Check the batteries monthly to ensure they remain adequately charged, reducing the risk of freezing or damage.
Protect your engine by adding a fuel stabilizer to the gas tank. Over time, gasoline can deteriorate and form sticky resin deposits that can damage the engine. Add the stabilizer according to the product instructions and fill the rest of the tank with gas. Then, start the engine and generator and let them run for several minutes to distribute the stabilizer throughout the fuel system.
7. Prepare the Exterior for Winter
Preparing the exterior of your travel trailer helps it withstand the elements and ensures all components are ready for spring. Inspect the sidewalls, roof, windows, doors, seams, and access panels. Reseal or caulk any cracks or holes to prevent water from entering and causing moisture damage. Use the correct type of caulk for your RV and climate.
As part of your inspection, check your tires for any damage. Inflate them to the manufacturer’s maximum recommended pressure to avoid flat tires in the spring. Consider placing plywood blocks under each tire to protect the rubber from the ground, and use tire chocks to prevent rolling. Tire covers will help prevent UV damage.
If your RV has undercarriage storage, empty and clean it to prevent the growth of bacteria and mold. After completing these steps, your RV is ready for storage. Parking it under a cover, whether in a garage or outdoors, will provide additional protection.
8. Choose a Safe and Secure Storage Location
Selecting the right storage location is one of the most important aspects of storing your RV for the winter. If storing it in your driveway or yard, check local city or county codes and homeowner association bylaws to ensure compliance. Look for a location sheltered from wind, rain, and snow, and away from potentially falling tree limbs. Ideally, the storage space should be as covered as possible to minimize moisture exposure.
Many towns and cities offer secure storage facilities specifically for RVs. These facilities often provide security features such as surveillance cameras, regulated access, and sometimes even temperature control. Knowing your RV is safe for the winter allows you to relax and look forward to your next trip when warmer weather returns.
9. Protect Your Tires with Tire Covers
After cleaning your tires, use covers that effectively protect them from winter elements. Extended exposure to frost and UV rays can damage tires, and animals may seek shelter near them in the cooler months.
Check your tire’s instruction manual for the recommended maximum cold tire pressure. Inflate your tires to this pressure before placing the covers on them. You can also invest in RV skirting, which provides insulation and protection for the entire underside of your RV.
10. Fill Up the Fuel Tank Before Storage
Filling the fuel tank before storing your travel trailer for the winter helps prevent moisture from forming in the fuel system. For added protection, use a fuel stabilizer. Also, change your oil and filter before storing your RV. Old oil sitting in the tank for an extended period can cause corrosive acids to accumulate.
11. Select Your Parking Spot Carefully
Even with an RV cover, avoid parking under trees or on grass, dirt, or sand. Over the winter, dirt can accumulate and freeze on the exterior of your RV, potentially causing damage. Parking on soft surfaces can cause your RV to sink into the ground, making it difficult to move in the spring. Tree branches can also fall and cause damage during winter storms. It’s best to park your RV on a flat, dry surface without any overhead trees to ensure its safety throughout the winter.
Preparing for Winter RV Camping
Following the tips above will help keep your RV safe during winter storage. If you have the urge to go camping, many KOA campgrounds remain open year-round.
Before heading out on a winter camping trip, give your RV the same level of inspection you would for winter storage. This includes:
- Ensuring your holding tanks have an antifreeze treatment.
- Checking for adequate insulation to keep the interior warm.
- Avoiding storing water hoses with water inside, as freezing can cause them to rupture.
- Bringing an electric blanket and hot water to stay warm at night.
- Using shrink wrap to insulate windows and doors and prevent heat loss.
Book Your Winter Camping Adventure
With campgrounds throughout the United States and Canada, KOA provides options for all your winter camping needs. Campers can choose from Back-In, Pull-Thru, and KOA Patio® Sites. Many campgrounds also offer amenities such as laundry facilities, clean bathrooms, pools, hot tubs, and dog parks. Book your stay at a KOA today and enjoy beautiful campgrounds and convenient amenities.
