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Without proper weatherization, cold weather and heavy snow could damage your RVPhoto Gallery
It’s September, and the weather has changed back to the constant rain we are so used to up here in the Pacific Northwest. Now that the weather is changing, many RV owners have parked their rigs in their driveway until the weather gets better next Spring. You have invested a lot in your RV, so you should make sure to take the proper steps to insure it’s stored properly. Most people don’t think much about the long term care of their recreational vehicles or trailers. You inspect and service your home and motor vehicle frequently to ensure they are working properly, an RV is no different. If you leave your home away from home out in the cold winter without taking a few precautions, your weekend getaway could require some expensive repairs before your next vacation.
I’m Tom Lewis, the General Sales Manager at Vancouver RV. I have over 40 years of experience working with recreational vehicles and I’ve seen many RV owners come through our shop with completely preventable damages that were just the result of poor or no winter precautions. I’ve compiled a short checklist to help you ensure your RV is ready for whatever Mother Nature brings us this year:
Remove and service batteries
If you use a water battery, make sure to keep it topped off with distilled water. Batteries don’t do well in very cold temperatures, so make sure to store your battery in a warm, dry place, like your garage during the cold winter months.
Test safety equipment and lights
Make sure your fire extinguisher is charged and your family is familiar with its use. Make sure that your smoke detector still beeps.
Check for Leaks
At Vancouver RV we use a Sealtech machine to pressurize your cabin to be completely sure all leaks have been patched. You can’t always see a leak, or know exactly where it is coming from, pressurizing the cabin takes out the guesswork. Roof leaks are a common issue in RVs and trailers and if they aren’t caught early, they can cost a significant amount in repairs. A leak can quickly lead to dry rot which requires replacing entire wall panels and removing much of the internals to repair. A routine inspection could save you thousands down the line.
Clean out the refrigerator
If you aren’t planning to use your trailer for the next few months, make sure you haven’t left any food items to rot. Even empty refrigerators can grow mold, so make sure to wipe down the inside surfaces with a cleaning product and leave the door propped open when not in use.
Check the humidity levels
Running your LP heater will not reduce the amount of condensation that forms, in fact it will make the problem worse. If you have winter moisture concerns about your RV you need a dehumidifier or a product like Dry-Z-Air to remove the water. Purchasing a cover is also a good idea, though make sure to avoid covers that enclose the entire unit, as they tend to hold in a lot of moisture.
Please bring Tom your questions! This article is part of an on-going series, so tune in next month for more tips and tricks for caring for your RV. Tom can be reached at:
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