You certainly don’t want the surprise of burst pipes when you pick up your RV next season. To avoid this risk, make sure to winterize your RV before storing it. Winterizing includes draining the system (black water, grey water, hot water heater, cold and hot water lines), bypassing your hot water heater, connecting antifreeze to the water pump, running all water outlets until you see antifreeze, and filling the check-valve line.

Good ventilation is key to properly storing your RV for the off-season. Opening the vents will help you to avoid that moldy, musty smell when you open your RV next camping season. It’s also a good idea to leave the curtains open and let light in, as a dark and damp environment is a great place for mold and mildew to grow.

No one wants to open up their RV to find pests making themselves at home. You should remove all food, seal access points (like holes around tubes and hoses), and set out moth balls to deter rodents.

To avoid damage to your slide-outs, it’s best to retract them for the winter. This will keep them safe from the elements.

A detailed clean of your RV will help it to enjoy a longer life and keep it in tip-top shape for your next camping trip. Wash and wax your RV before storing it to protect it from sun damage and keep dirt from building up on it. You should also repair any cracks before storing your RV to avoid leaks and access points for pests.