Cold weather can descend with shocking pace, and if your RV isn’t
prepared, it could incur some serious damage. From the damage caused by ice and
snow to pests to cold temperatures, there’s no shortage of sources for serious
problems. Winterization is the best way to prevent these problems.
hibernating RV owners want to keep their vehicles in working order, and if you’re planning to store your camper for winter, there are a few things you can add to your RV regular maintenance schedule, including using antifreeze on the water systems. Excess water can freeze and expand, messing up all kinds of internal components and systems. You can’t just park it and walk away for three months. There are steps to take to make sure the cold doesn’t do real damage to your RV.
Central Maine RV Storage wants to help RV owners who are waiting for sun and
warmth to return, so we made this quick guide for anyone looking to winterize
their camper with antifreeze. If you have additional winterizing questions, or
just want to check out our Corinna, Maine Facility. Give us a call @ 207 278
2789
Below we’ve listed tips for winter storage. Read on to learn more about the best strategies for keeping your RV safe through cold winter conditions. For some elements of winterization, you might feel like you need the help of a professional. . When you are ready to store your RV, check out Central Maine RV Storage,
Winter storage can at times be tricky and potentially misleading. Consider your investment. Protect your investment. Some things to consider for your winter storage:
· What is your most important consideration? Price or security?
· Do you want your RV/camper exposed to the harsh Maine winter elements? Snow, ice, freezing rain?
· Is the storage facility secure? Does it have 24/7 camera security.
· Can just anyone access the storage facility once your vehicle is parked?
· Are there rodent control procedures in place?
· What is the reputation of the facility?
If you’re going to pack your RV away for the winter, there are
several preparations you should make in the interior. Start by removing the
batteries from all of your safety devices such as smoke detectors and gas
alarms. Store these batteries in one secure place. Next, defrost the freezer
and make sure both the fridge and freezer are totally dry and clean. Then, turn
to the cabinetry. Even if you plan on leaving some items in your cabinets,
you’ll want to remove everything from inside the cabinets so that you can
perform an inspection. Look for any holes, damage, chew marks, or other signs
that mice, rats, or other small pests have entered. You might want to lay out a
few mouse traps if you notice any signs that animals have entered.
Leave the cabinets open for the winter. You can put a few small
containers of chemical desiccants throughout the trailer if you think moisture
might be a problem. This is especially handy for wetter environments. Close the
windows and curtains to reduce the amount of UV light that can make it inside.
The tires are a good place to start the outer winterization
process of your RV. Make sure your tires are inflated to the manufacturer’s
recommended level. Put chocks in front and behind each of the wheels. Cover the
wheels with tire covers to prevent ultraviolet light damage. Next, disconnect
the batteries that provide backup power to the RV. You might want to store
these in your garage or some other place with a cool, dry place. If not, you
can simply put them inside your RV. Just don’t leave them connected to the
electrical system.
Filling up any holes that lead to the interior of the RV is
important. Start by covering the vents with the provided covers. Inspect the
underside of the chassis to see if there are any holes that might lead inside.
Use expanding foam to block these holes. Finally, clean and dry any fabric
surfaces such as the awning or the soft sides of a camper.
Winterizing the water tanks is the best way to ensure that no
water lines burst and your appliances don’t become damaged. The process of
winterizing a water system can be somewhat challenging to do correctly, and the
exact process will vary from RV to RV. You can look in your RV’s owner’s manual
for further tips. Some RV owners prefer to have professionals take care of this
step so that there’s no risk of missing an important step.
Now open all faucets for cold and hot water,
including the toilet valve and shower. Then do the same to the drain lines.
Flush the toilet to clear excess water from the line.
Attach a blow out plug to the RV’s city water
inlet. Don’t connect it to the fresh water tank! Adjust an air compressor to no
more than 30 psi (or you’ll bust the water lines) then connect its hose to the
blow out plug.
Turn on the air compressor and let it run until
all the water is out of your faucets and drain valves. When you’re sure all the
water is out, shut off the compressor and disconnect the blow out plug.
Freshwater tanks, as well as gray and black
tanks all, need to be drained and cleaned. Gray and black tanks without
flushing systems can be cleaned with a water wand or specialized products. This
is also a good chance to take a look at lubrication around these tanks!
Pour a quart of special RV antifreeze into the
gray and black tanks, and then do the same for the sink and shower drains. Add
a pint to the toilet as well and then flush it. Your drains, valves, and seals
are now protected! Close up or shut off anything you opened.
Anything of value that a thief can see from the outside of your camper or trailer will essentially be a guaranteed profit, and they’ll be more likely to put in the work to get it. Try to keep things like laptops, tablets, cell phones, wallets, guns, and purses out of view, especially when you leave the camp. If you want to take it a step further, you can invest in a lockbox or safe inside your RV to keep your possessions safe. This will help you to deter thieves from your valuables, even if they find their way inside.
Leaf peeping season is almost over. What are your plans to protect your investment from the harsh Maine winters?
Consider................
Central Maine RV Storage offers your indoor storage solution. .
Four walls, a locked door, and a secure facility will protect your RV from theft and vandalism. Most self storage facilities have security features that you simply can’t replicate at home. Indoor storage keeps your RV safe from the damaging effects of the sun, severe cold, rain, damaging ice and snow.
Central Maine RV Storage only staff can enter the facility. Other renters do not/can not just come and go. Rest assured your RV investment is safe & secure. 24/7 camera security. Including those pesky winter critters in search of free housing. We treat for winter rodents.
Our mission is to provide a safe, worry free facility to protect your investment. To protect your lifestyle!!
Go to Central Maine RV Storage for additional information.
