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Preparing Your RV for Winter StorageIf you have always enjoyed taking road trips, owning an RV can provide the most delightful adventures. Owning an RV motor home can enhance these travel experiences by providing you with a safe, convenient, and comfortable living space while on this trips. One of the most recognized problems with RV ownership is the fact that most people use them for only a small part of the year, which is usually seasonal and in good weather. During the remainder of the year, usually a period of poor weather, the RV is stored, to protect it from the weather during the rainy, extremely hot, or extremely cold weather.
If you store your RV during winter months in the North, it is critical that you have it winterized to prevent damage during times of long-term low temperature conditions. The process can take a little time, a little effort, and probably a few dollars. Nonetheless, when done properly, it can save money on future repairs. Don’t forget to drain your water heater before placing the unit in storage. The water heater tank can be dangerous if it is hot or under pressure. Make sure it has cooled down before working on it. It’s best to wait for an appropriate period of time, after last using the RV, to let the water cool down. After you have drained all the water, hook up a water heater bypass kit, which redirects your RV’s anti-freeze around the tank and through the water pipes only. You can buy one of these kits for less than $50.00. Remember to use pink anti-freeze in your RV so you can recognize when it is completely drained in the Spring. The next task is not one that is usually looked forward to with relish, but it must be done. Flush out and clean out the RVs holding tank to remove all grease and other effluviums that have built up during the last camping season. After the initial cleaning, wash out the tank with a dish liquid that will dissolve the grease. Repeat the washing and degreasing process a couple of times to ensure that the tank is thoroughly cleaned. Failure to properly clean the holding tank can result in hard to remove and extremely noxious odor when you return in the Spring to use your RV. If you do not have a diesel engine, purchase some fogging oil. Check your RV maintenance manual, or ask your dealer to suggest a good fogging oil. Spray this oil into the engine intake and the generator. This protects the engine’s cylinder walls. If you’re not sure what you’re doing, seek help from your dealer. Finally, thoroughly clean the inside of the RV. Remove all foods including canned goods and other non-perishables. Clean all work surfaces, walls, and cabinets. Wash the floors. Make sure that all surfaces, nooks, and crannies are thoroughly dry to prevent the possibility of mildew and mold. Cover all air vents with suitable covers to reduce musty odors in the Spring. Covering these vents can sometimes be tricky. If you are unsure of how to do this properly, check with your dealer for information. Once you have finished with all the inside winterization tasks, it’s time to winterize the outside of the RV. Give it a thorough washing and cleaning. Apply a good wax to the finish. Clean and grease the tires to prevent drying and cracking of the rubber. Where possible, place a large piece of wood under each tire to protect it from the freezing ground. This whole process might seem tedious at first, but don’t despair. It will become routine after you have done it a few times. Make it a family affair. All the effort will be well worth it. It will protect your RV, extend its life, and reduce the necessity for expensive maintenance and repair, giving you and your family more time to enjoy the RV in the Spring.
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