Importance of RV Winterization

As a camper or a lover of the great outdoors, your RV is your home on wheels and you should take good care of it. The best thing you could ever do for your RV is winterization. You see, all RVs are susceptible to rotting and leaking if proper maintenance is neglected. Part of proper maintenance is winterization before storage. Proper winterization can only be achieved through professional consultation.

The Inspection

Proper RV winterization will save you lots of money that would otherwise be spent on repair costs. Take care of the tiny leaks and prevent the water lines from rupturing among other things. This contributes to your RV lasting long into the future and providing you with good service. Before the actual process of winterization, there are certain steps to be followed.

This inspection process should be thorough and no stone should be left unturned. First and foremost, the inspection starts with the roof and sidewall seams. The technician will check to see if there are any cracks or any possible signs of leaking. Any cracked seam is noted for repair.

The next point of inspection is the fiberglass exterior. This is checked to ensure that there are no soft spots or splitting apart into layers. Bumpy spots are a sign of delamination and this calls for resealing. From there, check the plastic floor wrapping that is normally underneath most RVs.This wrapping keeps water out so by checking it you are ensuring that your floor is not rotting. A dry insulation is an indication that your floor is leak-free and water-free. Wet insulation means that you need to get repairs done.

The rubber roof inspection comes last. Most rubber roofs last for 10 to 15 years. Maintaining your roof could save you around $5,000. If your rubber roof is aging then all you need is new paint on coatings for rubber RV roofs. Your winterization technician will point out the specific coating to be used.

Benefits of RV Winterization

If you really love your RV and the memories you created in it then you will winterize it. If this is not reason enough to convince you to do so, here are some serious reasons why:

Winter is coming and we know what comes with it.

Winter comes with freezing temperatures and if you leave water in your RV pipes then your goose is cooked. When water turns into ice, it expands. The pipes will expand too and will eventually burst. That is why you should seek winterization services and get all the fluids in your RV properly drained. Special RV antifreeze should also be applied.

Keeping rodents out

Winterization is not only for draining fluids, but it is also about sealing your camping vehicle and keeping rodents out. Your RV will be cleaned and any food and trash will be gotten rid of so as not to attract these little pests.

A parked RV provides the perfect spot for rodents and pests to hibernate and escape the harsh temperatures. In the process of making your RV their winter home, they can cause a lot of damage to the interior of the vehicle by burrowing, tearing, nibbling on various items like cushions, curtains, cabinets, among other items.

It will help to preserve the RV wheels

Your tires are not safe during winter. During the winterization process, proper inflation must be done. Any heavy items inside your camping trailer are removed. The trailer can also be lifted for
greater weight reduction.

It will also be of great benefit to your tires if you go for a regular maintenance ride. A quick drive in the middle of winter will relieve pressure on your tires, especially the sides which have been in contact with the ground. It also assists the electrical and mechanical components of your RV to rejuvenate and remain in a good working condition.

Eradicates Moisture

If moisture accumulates in your RV vehicle, chances are, it will lead to rot, growth of fungi, mildew and moss which can, in turn, damage the interior, and affect metallic, wooden items, the floor and wires. By using chemical absorbents or a humidifier, you can reap the benefits of preventing moisture build-up from damaging to your RV’s interior décor.

It protects your battery from freezing

RV winterization ensures that your battery remains in good condition during the entire winter season. And when you will be back on the road, you won’t have to struggle with a dead battery. To protect your RV battery, it is always advisable to disconnect, remove it, and store it in a cool, dry location. These are the perfect conditions to avert a disaster. If a battery loses too much charge, it is exposed to the risk of freezing. Once a battery freezes, the only option is to replace it. Before storing the battery away, clean it well. To get rid of any corrosion, use a mixture of water and soda and use a brush to clean the terminals. Ensure the battery is fully charged before storage, and check the levels frequently.

Professional vs DIY RV Winterization

Winterizing your RV when you do not have a clue of what you are doing should be avoided. You will just end up doing more damage to your trailer and paying more for RV repairs. Just allow a professional to winterize your RV. However, this does not cut you off completely, there are certain things that you can handle when it comes to simple winterization.

You can protect the plumbing system from freezing by disconnecting any outside water source. You should also drain all holding tanks, water heaters and drain lines. Additionally, you can take precautionary measures such as disconnecting all power sources, covering the cooking areas, putting an air refresher in the RV, and filling any holes using steel wool.

How To Properly Park Your RV

Winterizing your RV is important but without proper storage of the vehicle, your efforts may be in vain. When storing the RV, there are certain things that you have to do to fully protect it from
damage. First, seal any holes so that rodents or insects can not get their way into your RV.

You should also park the RV early enough and not when it is already winter. It is advisable to do this mid-November.

Other measures that you should take when storing the RV include:

• Spray the rubber surfaces with silicone spray. This keeps them flexible
• Keep your batteries charged
• To prevent sun fade, wash the exterior of your RV. Use UV protection for fiberglass
• Make sure that the RV is aerated to prevent mildew from forming
• Repaint your LP tanks
• Run the motor engine and move a few feet. Do this every month

Conclusion

Keeping your RV in tip-top shape might seem like a lot of work and might require you to spend some money. However, this ensures that you get to use your RV for a long time to come, so that you can go on those memorable camping trips that make life worth living.