Winter storage for your RV needs to be done carefully to protect your RV from freeze damage, mildew, corrosion and environmental evils. The following guide will help you prepare your RV for storage.

You will need to pick up the following items from our store if you do not already have them.

1. Non-toxic RV antifreeze (the amount depends on the layout and length of your plumbing lines. 2 to 3 gallons will normally do).
2. A water heater by-pass kit, if not already installed.
3. A wand to clean out holding tanks.
4. A water pump converter kit, or tubing to connect to the inlet side of the water pump.
5. Basic hand tools to remove drain plugs.

Now we can winterize the RV water system to protect it from freezing. Be sure to read your owners manuals for unit specific winterizing guidelines. Follow the steps below that apply to your RV.

• If you have any inline water filters remove and bypass before starting.
• Drain the fresh water holding tank.
• Drain and flush the gray and black holding tanks. Clean the black tank with a wand. Lubricate the termination valves.
• Drain the water heater. Open the pressure relief valve, remove drain plug. CAUTION (never drain when hot or under pressure).
• Open all hot and cold faucets; don't forget the toilet valve and outside shower.
• Locate and open low point drain lines. Using the water pump will help force water out, but turn it off as soon as the system is drained.
• Recap all drains and close all faucets.
• By-pass the water heater. If you do not have a by-pass kit installed the water heater will fill up with antifreeze before it goes through the water lines, wasting six gallons of antifreeze.
• Install a water pump converter kit, or disconnect the inlet side of the pump (the line coming from the fresh water holding tank) and connect tubing from the pump into a gallon of RV antifreeze.
• Turn the water pump on and pressurize the system. Starting with the closest faucet slowly open the hot and then cold valves until antifreeze appears. Replace antifreeze jug as required.
• Repeat on all faucets from the closest to farthest away. Don't forget the outside shower.
• Flush the toilet until antifreeze appears.
• Turn the water pump off and open a faucet to release the pressure. Go to the city water inlet. Remove the small screen over the inlet and push in on the valve with a small screwdriver until you see antifreeze. Replace the screen.
• Pour a cupful of antifreeze down each drain. Pour a couple of cups in the toilet and flush into the holding tank.
• If your water heater has electric heating elements, turn it off. This will protect the element if the unit is plugged in while being stored.
• Make sure all faucets are closed.
• Consult your owner manuals for winterizing icemakers and washing machines.

• Coach Storage
• Store your unit under a covered area if possible. If not, avoid parking under trees or in areas where grass and weeds will grow.
• If you choose to buy a cover for the RV, be sure it is made of a breathable material. This will help in preventing mold and mildew.
• Chock the wheels front and rear. Leave the parking brake off.
• Inflate the tires to the manufacturer's recommended max cold pressure. Cover the tires to protect them from the harmful ultraviolet rays. Place something between the tires and the ground.
• Close all of the window blinds to avoid sun exposure to the carpet, drapes and upholstery.
• Make sure the awning fabric is clean and dry before storing.
• On a Pop Up make absolutely sure the fabric is clean and dry before storing. This is a good time to check for tears, and repair the fabric.
• Inspect all roof seams, body seams and window sealant for cracks and openings. Consult your dealer for sealants compatible with these materials.
• Service all locks with a graphite spray lubricant. Lubricate all hinges and moving parts with WD 40.
• Turn all LP gas appliances off. Turn the LP gas supply valve off. If you're storing a Pop Up or Travel Trailer make sure the LP gas regulator is covered.
• Remove the fuse for the LP gas leak detector while the unit is in storage. This will prevent the batteries from discharging. Don't forget to replace it next spring.
• Insects are attracted to the odorant that is added to LP gas. To prevent mud dabbers and wasps from building nests in and around your gas appliances, cover the refrigerator vent, the furnace vent and the water heater vent.
• Inspect the underside of the unit thoroughly. Look for anywhere that mice or other rodents can get it, and seal as necessary.
• Strategically place mouse and ant traps in and around the unit. Avoid using poisonous rodent traps or bait inside the RV.
• Remove all perishables and anything that can freeze.
• Leave doors, drawers and cabinets open.
• Remove all consumables that would attract mice and other rodents.
• Defrost the freezer compartment and clean the refrigerator. Leave the refrigerator doors open and place some baking soda or newspaper inside to absorb odors.
• Clean the air conditioner filters, and cover the air conditioner.
• Turn off the main breaker and unplug all appliances.
• Remove dry cell batteries in clocks, flashlights and other items.

• Chassis Storage
• Check and fill the water levels in all batteries that are not maintenance free.
• Charge all batteries to a full charge. A discharged battery will freeze much quicker than a fully charged battery.
• Remove and clean all battery terminals and posts. Spray the terminals with terminal dressing to protect against corrosion.
• If you plan to start the unit while in storage, and to periodically plug the unit into shore power leave the batteries in the unit. Plugging it into shore power once a month for about eight hours will keep the coach batteries topped off.