Winter is coming, and this means the season of open-road adventures is ending. Most RVs assume it is time to store their vehicle, especially in the northern and colder regions of the United States. However, storage is not a pause in the RV season—it’s a preparation period, and the beginning of your next chapter on the road.
Proper winter storage not only prevents freezing, cracking, mold, and paint damage — it also protects RV owners from avoidable, high-cost repairs.
This guide provides a clear, practical, and experience-based overview of how to check and maintain your RV before putting your travel trailer, camper, or motorhome for a long winter’s nap.
Here is your RV storage checklist:
- l Interior Cleaning & Preparation
- l Plumbing & Anti-Freezing Process
- l Exterior Inspection & Protection
- l Battery, Tires & Power System
- l Storage RV
Interior Cleaning & Preparation
Clearing the interior of your RV is essential; it will ensure a fresh-smelling living space when you return for your next trip in the spring, and keep the rodents and insects away during winter storage.
1. Empty the refrigerator, cabinets, drawers, and pantry of the food and crumbs.
Clean the surfaces thoroughly and leave the refrigerator doors slightly open to prevent odor buildup. To keep critters away during winter storage, consider humane deterrents such as peppermint oil, natural potpourris, or Kanberra gel products, including wipes and sprays. Sweep, vacuum, and thoroughly clean the interior to remove dust, debris, and anything that might attract pests.
2. Empty all water tanks and plumbing lines.
Leftover water is the #1 cause of winter damage. So, it is important to flush and empty all the RV water lines and holding tanks completely.
- Step 1: Remove the in-line filter if you have one, then empty the holding tanks.
- Step 2: Drain the black water tank and flush it. You may also need to use a grey-water tank cleaning product to prevent odors.
- Step 3: Open every water outlet-including the kitchen and bathroom faucets, the interior and exterior showers and the toilet valve, Then empty the fresh water tank completely ( open the low point drain valves beneath your RV to drain all water completely
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Step 4: Drain the water heater and appliances.
Follow manufacturer instructions to remove the retained water in hidden areas of water heaters, washing machines, and other appliances.
3. Ventilation
A sealed RV may trap moisture, leading to mold and mildew. Use desiccant products to remove moisture from the air. Keep a roof vent slightly open with an insect-resistant cover to maintain dry airflow. If you don’t intend to cover the RV, consider installing a roof-vent cover to keep rain and snow out while still allowing ventilation.
Also, place an atmospheric control pack inside your RV to absorb excess moisture and prevent tough odors from forming inside.
Plumbing & Anti-Freezing Process
If the RV may be exposed to freezing temperatures, you will definitely need to fill your lines with antifreeze, or frozen pipes can crack or burst, leading to expensive repairs.
Use non-toxic, non-flammable nature propylene glycol-based antifreeze (RV-specific antifreeze—do not use automotive antifreeze). Refer to below picture, you can choose the famous brand PEAK RV & Marine Antifreeze, can protect the lines to -100°F， doesn’t need dilution before using. If you live in Extremely low winter regions (such as northern North America and mountainous areas) you can choose Prestone Waterline/RV Antifreeze can protect the -100°F No Burst Pour the antifreeze into: each sink trap, drains, toilet bowl, shower, and low-point drains.
Besides the lines, consider using specialized winter covers or insulating exposed valves to prevent frost damage.
Exterior Inspection & Protection
If you store your travel trailer outdoors, it will face the harshest winter conditions—snow, ice, and UV exposure. The bad weather will accelerate wear, so it is necessary to inspect and maintain the RV exterior.
1. Clean the roof, awnings, and slide-out areas
Clean the roof and gutters thoroughly, and remove leaves from slide-out tops. Extend your RV trailer awnings and clean them with a specialized awning cleaner. Retract the awnings until the fabric is completely dry.
2. Inspect all sealants and seal your RV.
Mice and insects can find their way inside your RV, even from the tiniest crack. They will damage the inside, destroying wiring, plumbing, and anything stored inside your RV. So, check and seal all roof seams, window edges, vents, and doors. This is one of the most important steps before you store your RV for the winter.
3. Wash and wax the exterior.
Wash and wax the RV body with a marine/RV cleaner to reduce UV exposure, snow adhesion, and road salt corrosion.
Battery, Tires & Power System
Protect Your RV Battery
Most RVs use either lithium or lead-acid batteries, both of which are affected by cold weather. If your RV will not be used for more than a month, it’s best to disconnect the batteries and take them to a warm, dry location, avoiding exposure to sub-zero temperatures.
Use a voltmeter or multimeter to check the battery voltage every month and charge the battery to ensure there is enough power (Lithium batteries should be kept at 30%-50% charge, lead-acid batteries should be kept at 40%-60%). Avoid charging the battery in lower temperatures until the temperature rises, or it will damage the battery.
Protect Your RV Tires
If the RV stays in one place, it puts constant pressure on the same point for each tire, which is called a "flat spot.” The flat area, reduce the strength of tires, and increasing the risk of tires blowout. To avoid this problem, firstly inflate the tires to the recommended max. level, 2nd move the RV slightly around 4-6 weeks to shift the weight to different points of the tires. If you plan to store the RV for a long time, not only during the winter season, consider using jack stands for long-term storage.
Protect the Engine
For motorhomes (motorized RVs), keep the tank full of oil to avoid condensation (water) from accumulating inside. Add a fuel stabilizer to the tank and start the engine to run smoothly.
Change the oil and oil filter (choose low-viscosity oil) because cold weather causes the oil to thicken, making the engine harder to start.
Top off the brake fluid and windshield washer fluid if necessary.
Start the engine periodically and let it run for a few minutes. This helps maintain the battery charge, ensures the oil stays circulated, and allows you to check the engine's overall condition.
Turn Off Propane Systems
Fill the propane cylinders, inspect the propane cylinders, mounts, fittings, and hoses, and ensure all carbon monoxide and propane detectors are operational. Then, close all propane valves.
Storage RV
Choosing the proper place to store your RV is essential to protect it from the harsh elements. If you have enough space, consider storing your RV in your own garage or carport.
If not, professional facilities specifically designed for RV storage are a better choice. They usually have reinforced fences, video surveillance, weatherproof protection, and temperature-controlled areas. Most RV storage locations also offer electric hookups and wash services, making them ideal for long-term storage and maintenance.
But no matter where you store your RV, please don’t forget to add a proper RV cover (Avoid using standard tarps—they trap moisture and can damage paint) to your RV. It is one of the most effective ways to protect your vehicle during winter.
This protects your RV from snow, ice, rain, UV, and any potential damage in the process. It will also help keep dirt and leaves off, making your RV look—and perform—great after a long winter nap. It will save you extra time when cleaning and prepping the RV for spring.
In Conclusion, A Good Way to Store Your RV in Winter is a Valuable Investment in Your Next Journey
Winter storage is not just a routine—it is a form of long-term protection. Proper maintenance and care will extend the life time of your RV and save you money on repairs.
A brief goodbye now ensures a better journey ahead. Protect your RV today, and let’s embark on another unforgettable adventure together next year.