Winterizing your RV is so much more than plumbing and roofs. These two items are, by far, the most important things to do, but I have a few tips for you to help you winterize your RV from the inside out because good preparation now means you step back into a fresh RV when you’re ready to hit the road in the spring.
Taking care of the inside of your RV.
- Remove all wash all linens and store them until Spring.
- Clean the inside like your mom is coming to visit. Dust, vacuum, scrub, scour, wax and shine. This will make life so much easier when you get back into RVing in the spring.
- Remove all perishable items from your pantry. One time I accidentally left a loaf of bread in the cabinet and 3 months later it looked like a science project.
- I also check dates on cans and pantry items. Those that are about to expire are taken into the house to be used quickly. Don’t forget to make a list of the items you need to replace when you are ready to camp again.
- Check the medicine cabinet and get rid of that expired medicine, the last squeeze in the toothpaste tube and the last ounce of shampoo.
- Keep your RV fresh using a dehumidifier. I also place Bounce fabric softener sheets throughout the cabinets, around the windows and in the cushions of the furniture to keep that fresh smell. I have heard this keeps bugs away and maybe it does. I haven’t had any bugs in my RV.
- Leave your refrigerator/freezer doors open to prevent mildew. (don’t forget the refrigerator in your outside kitchen, too!
Now the outside needs some attention, too.
- Wash and wax with a good product that is designed to protect the surface of your RV.
- Protect your tires with a sealant that does not contain petroleum distillate.
- Many people park their RV on blocks or pads to prevent moisture from wicking up into the rubber from the ground.
- If your RV is stored outside, you may want to invest in some tire covers. They really help.
- Living near the gulf coast, I know many RVers spray a protective rust inhibitor on the underside of the RV and all exposed metal to prevent moisture from causing rust.
I hope some of these hints will help you prevent some of the surprises that happen when we don’t take care of our RVs. Do you have a special hint on your winterizing list? Please share it with me. The more we know, the more we grow!