12 Things to Check After Winterizing Your RV for Storage
Protect your RV from moisture, pests, tire trouble, and security surprises while it waits for the next camping season.
Winterizing protects your RV’s plumbing from freezing, but it does not mean the rig is ready to be ignored until spring. A little preparation and a regular check-in can help protect the interior, exterior, tires, batteries, and belongings while the RV is stored.
Use this list alongside your RV’s owner’s manual and the instructions for its appliances and batteries. RV layouts and systems vary, and a qualified RV technician is the right person to consult if you are unsure how to winterize or maintain a particular system.
1. Confirm the winterization is complete
Before storage, make sure the plumbing winterization was completed according to your RV manufacturer’s procedure. Keep a written record of what was drained, bypassed, or protected, and attach a visible reminder near the controls not to use the water pump or water heater until the RV is de-winterized. If you used RV plumbing antifreeze, confirm it is the non-toxic product intended for RV potable-water systems, and never confuse it with automotive antifreeze.
2. Choose a secure, suitable parking spot
Store the RV on firm, stable ground in a location with good drainage. Follow the owner’s manual for parking, leveling, wheel chocks, and stabilizers. Stabilizer jacks are not designed to lift the RV. If you use a storage facility, check its access controls, lighting, rules, and insurance requirements. Keep the RV clear of branches or objects that could fall or scrape it.
3. Protect the tires
Check the tires for visible damage and set cold tire pressure according to the RV or vehicle manufacturer’s guidance and the tire maker’s recommendations for your load. Do not assume the maximum pressure printed on the sidewall is the right setting for every RV. If the RV will sit for a long time, use suitable tire covers and follow the manual’s advice about moving the vehicle or using tire supports. Avoid letting a tire rest in standing water, oil, or other damaging substances.
4. Store and maintain batteries correctly
Battery care depends on whether your RV has lead-acid, AGM, or lithium batteries. Follow the battery manufacturer’s instructions for charging, disconnecting, temperature, and storage. If you use a maintainer, choose one designed for your battery type and install it in an appropriate, ventilated location. Disconnecting power may disable alarms, clocks, or monitoring equipment, so check the owner’s manual and make a note of anything that needs attention before travel.
5. Remove food and make the RV unappealing to pests
Take out all food, crumbs, pet food, and scented items that might attract rodents or insects. Clean the refrigerator, cupboards, and drawers, and leave them dry. Inspect likely entry points and use RV-appropriate screens or covers where recommended. If you set traps, place and check them safely and regularly. Avoid using products that could damage wiring, upholstery, or plumbing, and follow all label directions.
6. Control moisture without creating new problems
Store the interior clean and dry. Use moisture absorbers or a dehumidifier only as directed and suitable for the conditions. Check that vents are clear and follow the RV manufacturer’s ventilation guidance. Do not leave windows open where rain or snow can enter, and do not use an open-flame heater to warm a stored RV. Inspect periodically for condensation, musty odors, or signs of water intrusion.
7. Inspect the roof, seams, and exterior seals
Before putting the RV away, look for cracked sealant, loose trim, damaged roof material, or gaps around windows and vents. Address problems with products approved for your RV’s roof and exterior materials. A small leak can become a much larger repair during months of storage. If you are not comfortable inspecting the roof safely, have an RV professional check it.
8. Use a cover that fits the RV
If you cover the RV, choose a breathable cover made for its size and shape. Secure it according to the manufacturer’s instructions so wind cannot make it rub against the finish. Protect sharp corners and confirm that vents, antennas, and other projections are handled as the cover maker recommends. Avoid a loose plastic tarp directly against the RV, which can trap moisture and abrade the surface.
9. Remove valuables and protect your records
Take home cash, medications, electronics, important documents, and anything irreplaceable. Photograph the RV’s condition and record its contents, serial numbers, and maintenance items for your own records and insurance documentation. Keep a copy of the storage location’s contact information and your insurance details somewhere secure.
10. Turn off propane and manage shore power carefully
Turn off propane appliances and close the cylinder or tank valve as directed in your manual. Unplug the RV unless you are intentionally using shore power for a system that requires it, such as an approved battery maintainer. Use only a properly rated connection and follow the equipment and facility instructions. Never run an engine or generator inside an enclosed storage area. If you smell propane or suspect a leak, do not use a flame or operate electrical switches nearby; leave the area and contact a qualified professional.
11. Add sensible theft and fire precautions
Lock entry doors and storage compartments, secure the hitch or fifth-wheel connection with an appropriate lock, and keep keys out of the RV. Consider facility-approved motion lighting or monitored security. Do not rely on an alarm or detector if its power source has been disconnected or its battery is depleted. Check smoke, carbon-monoxide, and propane-detector instructions, and make sure they will be properly tested before the RV is occupied again.
12. Schedule regular walk-around checks
Put storage inspections on your calendar instead of relying on memory. At each visit, look for leaks, standing water, storm damage, a shifted cover, pest activity, tire problems, and signs of tampering. Check battery condition using the approved procedure, and keep a simple log of dates and anything you noticed. After severe weather, inspect the storage site and RV when it is safe to do so.
Before you put the RV back on the road
Use a written de-winterization checklist before reconnecting water or operating the plumbing and appliances. Flush and sanitize the fresh-water system as your manufacturer recommends, restore any bypasses or connections, and check carefully for leaks. Test detectors and safety equipment, check tires and brakes, and arrange professional service if something does not look right. Do not assume that a system is ready just because the RV looks fine from the outside.
A few minutes of preparation now and periodic checks through the off-season can help you avoid preventable damage and make spring setup easier. Keep the manuals handy, follow the instructions for your particular RV, and ask an RV technician when a system or safety question is outside your experience.