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Get Your RV Ready For Winter

Other than the obvious RV winterizing procedure, here are some other steps to keep your RV ready for your next great adventure.

Before storing your coach batteries for the winter (or anytime), you should do the following:

  1. Clean the battery and terminals with a mixture of baking soda and water. (Don't get any in the vents or caps.)
  2. Check the water level (if it has caps) and add water if needed.
  3. Test your battery with a hydrometer and/or a voltmeter (a fully charged 12V battery should read about 12.6 volts) to ensure the battery is fully charged.
  4. Store your battery in a dry, cool, ventilated area away from children and pets. A fully charged battery won't freeze until approximately minus 80 degrees F, but if discharged it can freeze at about 30 degrees F.
  5. Check the water level and state of charge every 45-60 days. If needed, add distilled water and charge.
  6. Rodents often build nests and take refuge in stored motorhomes. Sometimes they gnaw on rubber hoses and fuel lines or wire insulation, or build nests in air cleaners and on top of the engine, which can result in breakdowns or even fires. Before starting the engine or taking your coach out of storage, carefully check for nests and rodent damage.
  7. Remove Batteries Before Storage
  8. When storing a motorhome, do not leave the batteries connected to the converter and the coach plugged in to "shore" power for months at a time. This may overcharge the cells and deplete the electrolyte. Instead, remove the batteries. Place them in a protected area such as a garage, and connect them to a maintenance charger that has a float cycle designed for long-term storage.
  9. Fuel deteriorates when a motorhome is stored. Be sure to top off your tank to prevent moisture in the air above the fuel from condensing. Also, consider adding fuel-storage additives and stabilizers, which can be purchased at RV-supply, auto parts or boating stores.
  10. When storing your motorhome for the winter, it is NOT OK to just park the tires on soil. Tires should be placed on pieces of thick plywood covered with plastic to serve as vapor barriers. Unprotected tires will deteriorate faster