Tips for winter maintenance
Take care of your tires
Proper tire maintenance during storage prevents premature wear. Place your RV on blocks to remove the weight from the tires, or choose a firm, clean, well-drained, and level area to distribute pressure evenly. Maintain proper inflation to avoid flat spots, and use tire covers or plywood to shield against UV damage that causes cracking.
Keep your RV’s exterior in top shape with a cover
An RV cover prevents fading of sidewalls, paint, and decals during winter storage. It also protects interior furnishings and simplifies spring cleaning. Avoid plastic tarps, as they don’t breathe and can trap moisture inside.
Tips for winter RVing
Prepare your water system
Winterize your RV to prevent frozen plumbing lines. Pour half a jug of RV antifreeze down the sink drain to the grey tank, and the other half down the toilet to the black tank. Use drain valve lubricant for additional freeze protection. Ask us about your specific model’s winter capabilities.
Watch the weather
Review extended forecasts for your destination and entire route, noting that highway weather at higher elevations differs significantly from valley conditions.
Be prepared for early evenings
Pack headlamps for campsite tasks and string lights for ambiance as daylight hours decrease.
Pack a winterized first aid & emergency kit
Include thermal blankets, candles, non-perishable foods, sand for tire traction, extra windshield wiper fluid, ice scrapers, de-icing crystals, and snow shovels.
Pack off-the-grid necessities
Check ahead regarding available services and bring water, wood, or generators as needed.
Reduce humidity
Open your vents or crack open a window to allow air circulation, and use dehumidifying crystals to soak up excess moisture.
Be prepared with extra supplies
Stock several extra days of food, water, and propane in case weather strands you.
Sleep warmly
Supplement furnace heat with heated mattress pads or electric blankets.
Pack a heated water hose
Upgrade to heated hoses to prevent freezing.
Bring back-up heat
Carry electric space heaters as furnace supplements or emergency backups.
Pack cozy layers
The key to staying warm on a winter camping trip is to stay dry! Bring moisture-wicking wool or thermal layers plus waterproof gloves and hats.
