How to Care for Your RV in the Off-Seasons

Featured Image Caption: Protecting RV in Winter

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Traveling around in an RV can be a ton of fun, but owning one can also be a major investment. Therefore, you’ll obviously want to make sure you take care of it as well as possible. That being said, the way you treat and care for your RV when you’re not using it can be just as important as how you care for it when you are. With this in mind, here are a few simple tips to help you care for your RV during the off-season.

Make Sure It Is Properly Winterized

Winterization is an absolute must if you live in an area with cold winters. One key component of this is to drain the water system and then pump the system full of RV antifreeze. This will ensure that the system won’t freeze and break over the winter. In addition, it is also a good idea to remove your in-line water filter and flush any sediment out of your water heater tank.

Keep It Covered

Storing your RV in a covered area when it’s not in use is one of the easiest and best ways to keep it protected from the elements. A garage or any covered area helps to protect the exterior from any potential damage caused by sun, wind, and precipitation. Alternatively, you could invest in an RV cover that fits around the vehicle, or an RV storage.

Stabilize Your Fuel

The fuel in your RV will eventually go bad over time, and this results in sticky deposits that can damage your engine. Both gasoline and diesel fuel suffer from this problem, but it can easily be prevented by adding a fuel stabilizer to your tank. For best results, add the stabilizer when the fuel tank is at least partially empty and then fill the tank up the remaining way. Finally, run your engine and your generator for at least five to ten minutes to let the stabilizer work its way through the fuel system.

Protect Your Batteries

If you plan on leaving your RV sitting idle for more than a few weeks, it is a good idea to remove the batteries and store them in a cool, dry place to prevent them from freezing. Storing your batteries will result in some loss of charge, and this may damage them if left uncharged for too long. Therefore, you’ll also want to periodically charge the batteries as needed to prevent them from draining.

Ensure It Is Water Tight

If you have no other option than to store your RV outside and uncovered, it is also important that you make sure it is sealed. This means checking the sealant around the windows, doors, seams, vents, etc. You should also fully inspect the roof and sides to ensure no moisture can leak inside.

In conclusion, taking good care of your RV is the best way to ensure it can continue to provide you with joy for years to come. For this reason, it is vital that you take the time to make sure it is well maintained both when you’re using it and during the off-seasons.

By Lizzie Weakley
who is a freelance writer from Columbus, Ohio. In her free time, she enjoys the outdoors and walks in the park with her husky, Snowball.

Member since August, 2019
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