Frost on the Pumpkin - Time to Winterize

I have already encountered several frosty nights in my trek to Florida so I thought I should remind all you Rvers that it’s time to think about winterizing your rigs. If you’re done trekking for the year than don’t put it off. Winterizing is a fact of RV life you might as well do it while the weather is still good.

Beside the obvious precautions to prevent damage to your RV, (draining ALL the tanks and flushing water lines, your owners manual will walk you through that) there are other considerations.

Exterior:

The proper location for your RV is very important. If possible find a dry location preferably indoors. If it is to remain outdoors follow these tips.

• Make sure your RV is water tight.
• Your RV should be off the ground with plenty of ventilation under it. Tires should not be standing in mud.
• Do not allow and vegetation to come in contact with it.
• Do not park close to any structures.
• Dry rot, mold and mildew are the enemy. Air should be allowed to flow freely around your RV at all times.
• A sunny location is best.
• Roll out the awning and air it out before storing. This should be done after each outing but to be sure you should do it now.
• Check the water levels in your batteries and give them a charge. Mark your calendar to remind you to recharge your batteries in 3 months time.

Interior:

• Any liquid can freeze and burst its container. Go through all storage areas and remove ALL liquids including can goods, cleaning supplies and bottled water.
• Some items may not make a mess if frozen but will no longer be effective or work properly. Check labels for “Keep From Freezing” warnings. When in doubt remove it.
• Use several small boxes (one for each storage area) properly labeled to make restocking faster and easier.
• Rodent proof your RV. Your RV served you well; it kept you warm and dry on cold nights. Rodents look at it in the same manner. If you do store eatable dry goods in your RV keep them tightly sealed and hard to get at. Any and all possible entrance points should be sealed.
• To prevent sun damage close blinds or cover exposed areas with discarded sheets.
• Again ventilation is key to preventing mold, mildew and dry rot. The roof vent should remain open at all times. If you do not have a vent cap on it; now would be a great time to purchase one. Throughout my 38 years RVing I have always had a vent cap on the roof vent and my roof vent is never closed no matter what the weather. To provide cross ventilation at least one window should be cracked open.
• If possible prop up mattresses and cushions to expose to fresh air.
• Open your cabinet doors and interior storage areas to let them breath.
• OPEN THE REFRIGERATOR AND FREEZER DOORS AND LEAVE THEM OPEN!

Here are a few hints:
As you’re unloading your freezable items start a shopping list of missing items. Place the list in the box and next spring; restock your stores from the list.
Now that you RV is empty…clean it! If you take the time to do a through cleaning now you will be ready to go when spring fever hits and you would rather be on the road than in rubber gloves.

Until the next post: Recycle that jack-o-lantern and make a pumpkin pie. That flame charred pumpkin meat was grandma’s secret spice.

OR_Maverick
Skillman Horse Camp, Ca N 39° 19.160 W 120° 47.730 4,400 ft