RV Winterization & Maintenance Tips

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Getting your RV ready for winter is also a good opportunity to catch maintenance issues before your next trip. As a result, Kenny and Sean walk through RV winterization from two perspectives: Class A motorhomes and towables.

Sean covers fifth wheel preparation, including plumbing, suspension, wheel bearings, brakes, and hitch maintenance. Kenny also covers the motorhome side, including house and chassis batteries, engine and generator maintenance, and equipment that can make winterizing a Class A more involved.

We also discuss alternatives to doing everything yourself, from hiring a mobile RV technician to considering indoor storage through a company such as National Indoor RV Centers.

In This Episode

• Choosing between compressed air, RV antifreeze, or a combination.
• Preparing tanks, water heaters, filters, faucets, and drain traps.
• Remembering exterior showers, toilet valves, ice makers, and other appliances.
• Inspecting fifth wheel suspension, bearings, brakes, and tires.
• Maintaining the hitch and tow vehicle as part of the complete towing system.
• Preparing motorhomes batteries, engines, and generators for storage.
• Checking roofs, sealant, slides, leveling jacks, and safety alarms.
• Hiring a professional and asking what the winterization service includes.
• Comparing outdoor, covered, enclosed, and temperature-controlled storage.
• Asking storage facilities about freeze protection, power, battery care, and access.
• Documenting completed work and what needs to be reversed in spring.

Your Winter Storage Checklist

• Protect every component that holds water.
• Inspect the roof, seals, and under-body.
• Address wheel, suspension, hitch, or motorhomes chassis maintenance.
• Prepare batteries, tires, the generator, and the interior for storage.
• Write down what you completed and what must be done before using the RV again.

Procedures vary by RV and equipment. Follow the manuals for your specific appliances, chassis, hitch, and suspension, and bring in a qualified technician when needed.

How do you prepare your RV for winter? Do you handle it yourself, hire a professional, or head somewhere warmer?