How to Prepare Your RV For Winter

Now that winter is on the horizon, it’s time to think about shutting your RV down and storing it for the winter. But if you think all that means is tossing a tarp over it and walking away until spring, hang on a second! Your RV needs some attention and care to ensure that it stays in good shape over the long and cold Colorado winter so that it can serve you well again come springtime.

Not sure where to begin with this process? Western Slope Trailer & RV in Rifle is your western Colorado RV dealer and we’re here to help. Here are the steps you’ll need to take to get your RV ready for winter storage.

1. Clean the Interior

First, you’ll need to gather your traveling party together so that you can thoroughly clean the interior of your RV. Here are the steps to take with that:

• Take out all personal items and valuables and put them in your house.
• Wash curtains, bed linens and towels before returning them to the RV or placing them in storage.
• Wipe down the kitchen and remove all food and liquids. Clean up spills and crumbs to prevent pest infestation.
• Take out all the trash and recycling to help prevent pests.
• Defrost the fridge after clearing out the food and wipe down shelves.
• Sweep, mop and vacuum floors.

2. Wash the Exterior

Now you’ll want to take the time to clean the outside of your RV. This will involve washing and drying it similarly to how you’d clean a car, but start from the top and work your way down. A pressure washer can help to simplify the process. Make sure you use glass cleaner on windows. Take the time to lubricate any slide-outs and make note of any necessary repairs while you’re cleaning the exterior of your RV. You can always contact the Western Slope Trailer & RV service department to schedule an appointment with our mechanics if your RV needs professional maintenance.

3. Maintain the Engine

This step only applies if you’re working with a motorhome and not a towable RV. It’s an important step for any RV with an engine, though, as there are a few essential tasks that need to be completed before storage to protect your engine:

• Pack your exhaust pipe with steel wool to prevent pest infestation.
• Remove engine battery and place it on a tender in a warm and dry place to keep it topped up.
• Change the oil and the oil filter at the same time.
• Drain old fuel from the engine, replace it with fresh fuel and add a fuel stabilizer with antifreeze to the tank. Run your engine for a few minutes to allow the stabilized fuel to circulate and protect the engine’s inner workings.

4. Find Secure RV Storage

Those in warm climates may be able to get away with storing their RVs outside during the winter season. Their driveways or backyards can serve as a space for their RVs to sit until they’re ready to travel again, provided they have a secure waterproof cover.

However, we get a great deal of snow and cold during the winter here in Colorado, so if you can manage it, indoor storage is best. Not only will keeping your RV indoors protect it from the harshness of the elements, but it’ll also help prevent theft and pest infestation.

If you don’t have indoor storage at home, you may wish to rent a storage unit or look into special RV storage spaces to keep your vehicle safe and protected.

In the market for a new RV? Visit our website to take a look at our fine selection of new and used RVs for sale at our dealership in Rifle, CO. Western Slope Trailer & RV proudly serves the city of Grand Junction, CO.