You have made a significant investment in your RV and want to keep it looking and operating under the best conditions. winter weather – including freezing temperatures, heavy snowfalls and ice accumulation on the roof – can create havoc. Moreover, rodents looking for a place to hibernate may cause considerable damage to an RV interior.
These 10 steps for winterizing your RV – both inside and outside – can help protect the winter harms.
1. Empty any water in your RV and replaced with only non-toxic RV antifreeze.
Most RVs are equipped with a pump. In addition, you can use hand pumps, mechanical pumps and, on some systems, air compressors (as long as you have one tap fully open). In addition, you can install a hot water faucet diverter tank so you do not put antifreeze in hot water tank.
Here is a step by step method to drain water:
* Empty all tanks (fresh water, gray water, sewage, water heater, tub shower and toilet).
* Open low point drains and faucet. As far as creepage possible.
* Close the low point drains.
* Blow air through the lines using an air hose and blow plug.
(The following steps apply to an RV with a bypass of the water heater)
* Turn off RV pump.
* Close valves A, B and D. Open valves E and C. (See diagram on the right.)
* Drain the water heater and fresh water tank.
* Place the pipe E Valve in a gallon of non-toxic RV antifreeze. You’ll need more than one gallon.
* Activate the pump and open each faucet until antifreeze flows through, including any outdoor shower. Do not forget to run the antifreeze in the toilet.
* Add at least one cup of antifreeze in each drain to protect the P-traps.
* Close the valve E.
2. Your RV battery must be fully charged and stored inside.
Here is a step by step method to store your RV battery:
* Remove the batteries from any potential liability by storing it or leave it idle for more than a few weeks.
* Fully charge the battery before storing. acid-filled batteries have less potential for loss when stored in areas of moderate cold. cold, such as freezing conditions will cause extreme damage to the battery.
* Always store batteries away from potential sparks, flames and sources of open heat.
* Batteries stored for more than one month shall be charged at least monthly.
* Clean the surface of the battery between the terminals to avoid any loss due to moisture and dirt.
3. Protect your RV from mice, squirrels, chipmunks and other rodents.
Mothballs can be an effective deterrent when pesticides are placed in closets and drawers. However, they are toxic, and you can choose an organic repellent, such as Shotgun Repels All ® ® ® Critter Ridder or HAVAHART ® granules. If your RV has baseboards, do not forget the repellent under the RV. Place steel wool around the openings to the outside.
4. empty cupboards of all food.
This will help prevent mold, rodents and attract and insects.
5. Remove all liquids and liquid chemicals.
containers of explosive liquids, gel and boxes of rust condensation.
6. Unplug the refrigerator (or turn the circuit breaker) and prop the door open.
Otherwise, mold will develop in the refrigerator.
7. Seal seam roof and / or the roof with a sealer designed for RVs.
When snow and ice accumulated on the roof, water from melting their way into cracks and joints, causing leaks and possible internal damage.
8. Cover with a light well in sturdy plastic and / or hard covering which is weighted around the edges.
This will help prevent water leaks and possible damage if something falls on the skylight over the winter.
9. Wax outside RV.
This helps protect the paint and to discourage the accumulation of ice and letting the water run-off.
10. Properly handle propane tanks.
Make sure propane tanks are turned off and covered. Check to peeling paint and rust, which indicate the need for maintenance or replacement.
Just follow these 10 steps for your RV winter and spring comes, you’ll be ready to camp again!