That last turn of the key to shut down the engine for the season is a quiet moment for any RVer. You’re done with the adventures for now, and it’s time to put your rig to bed for the winter. But a proper shutdown is more than just throwing a cover over it and hoping for the best.
An RV storage checklist isn’t just a list of chores. This is how you protect the machine that carries your family and your memories. Getting it right means a hassle-free start to next season. Getting it wrong? That can mean a spring full of expensive, gut-wrenching repairs.
Let’s Start Inside: Food, Power, and Pests
Before you tackle the big stuff, do a full sweep of the interior. First, the fridge and pantry. Take everything out. Every last condiment, can, and crumb. A single forgotten food item is an open invitation for mice and insects. Once the fridge is empty, give it a good wipe-down and prop the door open. You don’t want to open a sealed, musty fridge in six months.
Next, the power. Even when everything is off, your RV’s CO detector, radio memory, and other electronics create a tiny, constant power drain. Over a winter, this parasitic draw will leave you with a completely dead battery. The best solution is to get a smart battery tender to keep it topped off. The simpler solution? Just disconnect the negative battery cable.
Finally, think like a mouse. Look for any tiny gaps where a critter could sneak in—especially where plumbing or wiring comes through the floor. A bit of steel wool stuffed into a hole is a great deterrent.
Winterizing the Water System
This is the most critical part of the entire process. Water expands when it freezes, and it will shatter plastic fittings and pipes with ease. We see the damage every spring, and it’s never cheap to fix. You have two ways to do this:
- The Blow-Out Method: You’ll need a blow-out plug and an air compressor with a regulator. Important: Keep the pressure low, between 30-50 PSI. Too much pressure can damage your lines. Hook it up and go faucet by faucet, opening the hot and cold sides until only air sputters out.
- The Antifreeze Method: This is the most foolproof option. You pump pink, non-toxic RV antifreeze through the entire system until you see the pink stuff flowing from every faucet. Crucial step: Find the bypass valves on your water heater and switch them before you start. Otherwise, you’ll waste about six gallons of antifreeze just filling the tank. Don’t forget to drain the water heater by removing its anode rod.
Finishing Up Outside: Your Rig’s Armor
Once the inside is safe, it’s time to protect the exterior. Give your rig one last, thorough wash. Things like bird droppings and tree sap are acidic and can permanently damage your finish if left to sit all winter. While you’re at it, check the roof sealant. Look for any cracks or spots that are pulling away. This is your main defense against water intrusion.
Finally, look at your tires. UV sunlight is the enemy of rubber. If you’re storing outside, simple tire covers make a huge difference in preventing cracks. Pro tip: Check the date code on your tires. If they’re more than five or six years old, it might be time to think about replacing them next season, no matter how good the tread looks.
Need a Hand with Your Fall RV Maintenance in Mesa, AZ?
We know this is a detailed job, and we’ve seen what happens when a small step gets missed. If you’d rather have the complete peace of mind that your rig is protected properly, that’s what we’re here for. The team at Arizona RV Service can handle your RV storage checklist for you. Give us a call, and we’ll make sure your RV is safe, sound, and ready for whatever you have planned next year.
