How to Winterize an RV for Storage 

Your RV has taken you on sun-soaked adventures and scenic detours, but now it’s time to give it a well-earned rest. Winter’s coming, and that means getting your rig ready for hibernation. Skipping winter prep might seem harmless, but it can lead to frozen pipes, dead batteries, and costly surprises come spring. Thankfully, with just a little prep, you can avoid all of that.

How do you winterize an RV for Storage?  Check out our simple, no-sweat guide to help you pack away your home on wheels before stashing it for the season.

Drain the water (everywhere)

Water is enemy number one when temperatures drop. Start by draining your fresh water tank, gray water tank, and black water tank. Then flush out the water heater and bypass it (your RV manual should show you how). Finally, run RV antifreeze through your water lines to keep things from freezing and cracking. You can grab non-toxic RV antifreeze at any camping or hardware store.

Give it a good clean and declutter

Before you pack away your RV, give it a solid spruce up. Remove all food (yes, even that unopened box of crackers), as well as liquids that might freeze. Sweep, vacuum, and wipe everything down—especially the kitchen and bathroom. This is about avoiding odors and discouraging pests who think your RV is their winter Airbnb. Wash all bedding and linens and store properly.

Finally, check for any leaks or cracks and properly re-caulk and seal them. Give the exterior a good wash and wax for the most thorough cleaning possible.

Check the tires

Tires tend to deflate when left sitting for months, especially in cold weather. Inflate them to the recommended PSI and park your RV on level ground. If possible, use leveling blocks or wood boards under the tires to keep them off cold, wet surfaces. For longer storage, consider rotating the RV occasionally or using tire covers to prevent flat spots and UV damage.

Top off the fuel and add a stabilizer

If your RV has a motor, you’ll want to fill up the gas tank before storing it. Why? Because a full tank helps prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to corrosion. Add a fuel stabilizer and let the engine run (outdoors or in a ventilates space and not in your storage unit) for 10 minutes to circulate it. This will help keep your fuel fresh and your engine happy.

Unplug and pack away batteries

Disconnect all batteries (house and engine) and store them somewhere dry and cool—but not freezing. Cold temps can drain battery life and leave you with a dead start in spring. Some RVers use battery tenders to keep them charged. That’s a smart move if you want to skip the springtime jump-start shuffle. You can not store loose batteries in your storage unit.

Ventilation matters

It might seem like sealing every vent is a great idea, but trapped moisture can lead to mold. Instead, use vent covers that let air flow without letting critters in. Bonus: they help keep things smelling fresh.

Winter may be cold, but your RV doesn’t have to suffer. Give it a little care before you stash it, and when the snow melts, you’ll be ready to roll.

(Public Storage rental agreements prohibit storing property with a total value over $5,000 per unit.)