![]() ![]() ![]() First, it gets off dirt and other contaminants that might damage the vehicle over time, and second, it helps with your inspection.Īlso, if you’re going to cover your RV (which we recommend), make sure everything is dry before putting the cover on, so as not to trap moisture that could lead to mold, mildew or even rust. Washing the exterior of your RV will serve a couple of purposes. If you’re storing at home or in a storage facility offering power, use a trickle charger to keep the battery fresh during the off-season. Disconnect the batteryĭisconnecting the battery will help it last longer. This is especially important if storing on a self-storage property or RV lot, as it poses a safety hazard and violates lease agreements. If you find any bursting or cracking seams or holes, get them professionally repaired, or at least patch and fill until you can schedule a visit to the body shop. That includes windows, doors and hatches. Inspect the inside and outside of the camper/RV completely to ensure everything is sealed up. propylene glycol, available in auto parts stores and RV shops) to prevent freezing and protect seals throughout the system. Once the water system is drained, fill with RV antifreeze (a.k.a. Leaving water in the system could lead to many issues, such as busted pipes, broken faucets, mold issues or similar problems. Drain water/add antifreezeĭrain all the water from the RV’s system, including water lines, holding tanks, hot water heaters, toilets and so on. When you’re done defrosting, towel-dry the interior and leave the door open just in case there were any moisture or other odor-causing agents left inside. Food spills or condensation can attract pests, mold and mildew. Empty, clean and defrost the refrigerator. OK, we already mentioned this one, but we’ll reiterate it. Read more about mold and mildew in this blog from the University of Missouri. They are not harmful to fabrics and in addition to working great in a storage unit, can help stave off moisture issues in RVs, too. Mold can leave odors, discolor fabrics, leather and paper, and destroy some items.Īs an additional safeguard, moisture absorbency packets are available for purchase at many storage facilities. They thrive in dark and damp situations, especially where there’s little air circulation-sounds a lot like a parked camper to us. Mold and mildew are fungi, which can grow on a damp surface in 24 to 48 hours. This is a critical step in making sure your camper stays mold- and mildew-free during storage. Either way, don’t keep any food in your RV while it’s in storage.Įnsure everything is dry before closing up Non-perishables (canned tuna, pasta, beans, rice and nut butter) can be stored in your pantry until next season, or if you suddenly come to the realization you’re never going to use four cases of ramen, consider donating those to a local food drive (or needy college student). What do to with these items: Anything that has an expiration date, you should try to use as soon as possible. Don’t forget about spices and other cooking supplies. ![]() This includes canned items that could rupture from a freeze (such as soda cans) or dried pasta/cereal/grains that might attract animals or insects. But it’s also important to remove other food items from your camper. ![]() Since you’ll be emptying and defrosting the refrigerator and freezer, it makes sense to remove all food and water from those spaces. Pro tip:label your camper totes and store them together so you can easily find and deploy them when RV season comes around again. Add cedar chips or dryer sheets to keep items fresh while stored. What do to with these items:The items that are camper-specific, such as towels, sheets and so on should be washed and completely dried before being stored in an airtight container, think bins, totes, Sterilites or Action-Packers, until you’re ready to use them. This is important because even the smallest stains or crumbs can attract insects or rodents. This includes washing and sanitizing all the surfaces, such as walls, tables, floors, and doors of your RV or camper. Make sure you take the time to thoroughly clean your camper’s interior. In addition to the handy tips below, YouTube is a great resource to find guided winterization tips, sometimes even for your specific model. Many manufacturers also have downloadable owner’s manuals for back models online. Your owner’s manual should have a complete winterization checklist specific to your model. ![]()
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