It’s that time of year. The time of year all RVers dread. It’s getting too cold for many to go camping, and likely your schedule is starting to get a little busier. So, sadly, it’s time to put your RV in storage. But before you do, make sure you properly prepare your camper to weather the cold months. Extended disuse can wreak havoc if you’re not careful, which is why Airstream of Vermont at Pete’s RV Center in South Burlington, has provided some tips for winterizing your RV. Check them out and contact our dedicated staff with any additional questions or concerns you might have. We’re happy to help you with all your RV-related concerns, so let us know how we can assist you, today! We proudly serve the entire New England area, including Worcester, Massachusetts, and Manchester, New Hampshire.
Inspections
As you prepare your RV for winter, you’ll want to keep your eyes peeled for any signs of excessive wear and tear or damage. It’s a good idea to get any repairs in now, as opposed to letting them fester over the long months.
Review Your Owner’s Manual
Another important step before we get started is to pull out your owner’s manual. The guide we’ve provided should apply to RVs generally, but the only place you’re going to find specific winterization tips is in your owner’s manual, including specifics on how to address appliances. If you don’t have your manual, check the manufacturer’s website for a copy you can download or have sent to you.
Interior
Let’s start on the inside of the RV. You’ll want to pull out everything that you don’t want to leave in the camper over the winter. This should include things like food and items you use on a semi-regular basis. There might be some things you can keep in there that you bought specifically for the RV, like linens or dishware, but everything else should come out.
You’ll also want to clean the interior so there are no dirt and mold issues that can grow while you’re gone. Plus, you’ll appreciate a sparkling camper when you get back.
Preparing for Pests
Rodents and bugs might see your RV as a haven from the cold weather, so make sure they won’t find an opening. Look for holes and tears that might create a problem and plug them up with expandable foam or a silicone sealant. If you’re concerned about a particular type of pest, you can always leave traps to stop the problem from growing.
Exterior
Once you head outside the RV, give it a good washing. This can get rid of the grime from your trips and simply make for a better looking rig.
Tires
While you’re at it, check out your camper’s tires and look wear and tear or damage. If it looks like the tires have lost some of their air, it could be a sign that there’s a leak that you’ll need to take care of before you put it away.
You’ll also need a plan to take care of your wheels. If you leave your RV in storage without one, your tires could start to wear down in that one spot faster than in other places. To avoid this, you can either elevate the entire rig and relieve the pressure altogether, or you can plan to move your vehicle slightly once a month to rotate the tires just a bit.
As you’re inspecting your RV and working through all the winterization steps, you might encounter a maintenance problem that’s too much for you. If that’s the case, contact Airstream of Vermont at Pete’s RV Center. We’ll create an appointment with one of our experienced technicians so we can get your camper right as rain again. We accept appointments from all across New England, including our home of South Burlington, Vermont, in addition to Worcester, Massachusetts, and Manchester, New Hampshire.
