How to Prepare a Boat, RV or Trailer for Winter Storage

Preparing a boat, RV or trailer for winter storage starts with the manufacturer’s instructions. In general, you’ll want to winterize applicable plumbing and engine systems, clean and dry the interior, inspect the exterior, address maintenance needs and choose a storage space that fits the full dimensions of your vehicle or watercraft.

Because systems vary by manufacturer and model, use this guide as a planning checklist—not a replacement for your owner’s manual or guidance from a qualified service professional.

Winter Storage Preparation at a Glance

• Review the owner’s manuals for the vehicle, engine and onboard systems.
• Schedule maintenance or winterization service if needed.
• Drain or winterize applicable water systems.
• Remove food, liquids and prohibited materials.
• Clean and dry the interior and exterior.
• Inspect seals, tires, batteries and mechanical components.
• Measure the complete vehicle, boat and trailer.
• Confirm storage requirements, access hours and available space types.
• Keep copies of maintenance, registration and insurance records.

When Should You Prepare for Winter Storage?

Begin preparing before temperatures regularly fall below freezing or before you finish using your boat, RV or trailer for the season.

Starting early gives you time to complete repairs, schedule professional service and compare storage options. It can also help you avoid rushing through mechanical and plumbing tasks after colder weather arrives.

The exact timing will depend on your location, expected weather and equipment. Even in a mild climate, extended inactivity may require additional preparation.

What Should You Do Before Winterizing an RV or Trailer?

Start by gathering the owner’s manuals for your RV, engine, generator, appliances, battery system and water heater. Different systems may have separate winterization procedures.

Make a checklist based on your specific model. If you are unsure how to drain a system, handle the battery or prepare an engine, consider scheduling service with a qualified RV professional.

Man cleaning an RV before winter storage

RV and Trailer Winter Storage Checklist

1. Drain or Winterize the Plumbing System

Water left in tanks, pipes, pumps, fixtures or appliances may freeze and expand.

Depending on the RV, the manufacturer may recommend using compressed air, RV-specific antifreeze or a combination of methods. Procedures can include draining freshwater and wastewater tanks, opening low-point drains, bypassing the water heater and clearing individual fixtures.

Use only products approved for RV plumbing systems and follow the instructions for your specific equipment. Automotive antifreeze should not be used in a freshwater plumbing system.

2. Remove Food, Beverages and Other Liquids

Empty cabinets, the refrigerator, freezer and pantry. Remove food, beverages and other perishable items, including unopened packages.

Clean spills, crumbs and cooking residue from counters, appliances, floors and storage compartments. This can make the space less inviting to pests and help prevent lingering odors.

Defrost the refrigerator and freezer, dry them thoroughly and follow the manufacturer’s storage instructions for leaving the doors open or closed.

3. Clean and Dry the Interior

Vacuum carpets, upholstery and floor surfaces. Wash bedding and other removable textiles before placing them in appropriate storage containers.

Check cabinets, drawers and storage compartments for damp items. Allow cleaned surfaces to dry completely before closing the RV for the season.

Remove electronics and personal belongings when recommended by the manufacturer or storage provider.

4. Inspect the Roof, Windows and Seals

Look for worn sealant, cracks or gaps around:

• Roof seams
• Windows
• Exterior doors
• Vents
• Slide-outs
• Utility connections
• Exterior lights

Complete repairs using products approved for the RV’s materials. A service professional can help if you find extensive wear or signs of water intrusion.

5. Check Tires, Jacks and Slide-Out Components

Inspect the tires for wear and confirm that they are inflated according to manufacturer guidance. Prepare stabilizer jacks, slide-outs and other moving components as directed in the owner’s manual.

Do not assume that every lubricant, tire treatment or storage position works for every RV or trailer.

6. Follow the Manufacturer’s Battery Instructions

Battery preparation may involve charging, disconnecting or removing batteries, depending on the RV and battery type.

Follow the battery and RV manufacturers’ instructions. If a maintenance charger is recommended, confirm that it is compatible with the battery and permitted at your storage location. Do not assume electrical access will be available.

Motor vehicles stored at Public Storage need to remain operable throughout the rental period.

7. Review Fuel and Propane Instructions

Fuel and propane preparation depends on the equipment and storage arrangement. Follow the manufacturer’s procedures for the engine, generator, permanently installed propane system and fuel tank.

Confirm the storage provider’s fuel-level requirements before arrival. Remove portable fuel containers, propane cylinders and other flammable materials when required. Public Storage does not permit hazardous materials.

8. Choose and Install a Cover Correctly

If you use an RV or trailer cover, choose one designed for the vehicle’s dimensions and follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions.

A loose or poorly fitted cover may shift or rub against exterior surfaces. The appropriate ventilation setup will depend on the cover, vehicle and local conditions.

For more preparation ideas, read these RV storage tips.

How Do You Prepare a Boat for Winter Storage?

Boat winterization varies based on the engine type, cooling system, fuel system, plumbing, climate and whether the boat will be stored in or out of the water.

Consult the manuals for the boat, engine, generator and onboard systems. If you are unfamiliar with engine winterization, fuel-system service or electrical work, consider using a qualified marine technician.

Boat Winter Storage Checklist

1. Clean and Dry the Boat

Clean the hull, deck, compartments and interior using products intended for the boat’s materials.

Remove trash, food and wet equipment. Clean and dry fabric items before storing them separately or placing them in breathable containers.

Allow compartments, drawers and cabinets to dry before covering the boat.

2. Inspect the Hull and Exterior Components

Look for cracks, worn sealant, corrosion, damaged hardware or other maintenance needs. Check the propeller, stern drive, fittings and other exterior components applicable to your boat.

Address problems before storage or schedule them for professional service. Record completed maintenance so you know what was handled before the next boating season.

3. Winterize the Engine and Cooling System

Engine-winterization procedures vary considerably. The correct process may involve flushing, draining, changing fluids, treating fuel, lubricating components or using an engine-storage product.

Follow the engine manufacturer’s instructions instead of relying on a general checklist. A procedure intended for one type of outboard, inboard or sterndrive engine may not apply to another.

4. Prepare the Fuel System as Directed

Do not automatically fill or empty the fuel tank based on general advice. Recommendations depend on the tank, fuel type, engine and manufacturer.

Use only the fuel treatment specified for the system, in the recommended amount. Antifreeze should not be added to a fuel tank unless explicitly directed by the equipment manufacturer.

Confirm the storage location’s fuel rules before move-in.

5. Drain or Winterize Onboard Water Systems

Freshwater tanks, pumps, lines, heads, washdown systems and other water-containing components may require draining or winterization.

Use only marine or potable-water products approved for the applicable system. Follow the boat manufacturer’s instructions for bilges, drain plugs and onboard plumbing.

6. Prepare the Battery and Electrical System

Inspect the battery and electrical connections. Follow the battery and boat manufacturers’ directions for charging, disconnecting or removing batteries during extended storage.

If a charger is recommended, confirm that it is compatible and permitted at the storage location.

Remove portable electronics when appropriate and store them according to their manufacturers’ instructions.

7. Inspect the Boat Trailer

If the boat will remain on a trailer, inspect the:

• Tires
• Wheels
• Bearings
• Lights
• Hitch
• Winch
• Straps
• Registration

Follow the trailer manufacturer’s maintenance and storage instructions. Include the trailer, hitch and any extended engine components when measuring the boat’s total length.

8. Use an Appropriate Boat Cover

Choose a cover intended for your type and size of boat. Install it according to the cover manufacturer’s instructions and account for the ventilation needs of the boat and local climate.

Avoid using a loose tarp that can collect water or rub against the boat.

Find more seasonal preparation ideas in our guide to boat storage.

How Do You Choose a Winter Storage Space?

Measure the complete boat, RV or trailer before comparing spaces. Include bumpers, hitches, ladders, spare tires, roof accessories, motors and other components that add to the overall dimensions.

Vehicle storage may be available in several forms:

Available space types and dimensions vary by location. Confirm the width, length, height, turning clearance and access route before renting.

You should also compare:

• Facility access hours
• Vehicle and trailer requirements
• Registration and insurance requirements
• Fuel and battery policies
• Cover restrictions
• Availability of electrical connections
• Month-to-month rental options

What Are the Public Storage Vehicle Requirements?

Public Storage requires stored motor vehicles to be licensed, in working order and equipped for use on public roads. Vehicles need to remain operable throughout the rental period.

Insurance requirements also apply. Contact the property team before move-in to confirm the documentation, fuel level and other requirements for your specific vehicle, boat or trailer.

Public Storage does not permit hazardous, illegal, perishable, unsanitary or living items. Review the rental agreement for complete storage restrictions.

Finding Boat, RV and Trailer Storage

Public Storage offers vehicle, boat and RV storage at participating locations. Options may include uncovered parking, covered parking or enclosed ground-level spaces.

Public Storage serves more than 2 million customers at more than 4,600 facilities across 42 states. Rentals are month-to-month, and available spaces can be rented online in minutes without a credit card.

Space types, dimensions, access hours and vehicle requirements vary by facility.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to winterize my RV before storing it?

If the RV will be exposed to freezing temperatures, its plumbing and other applicable systems may require winterization. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for your model or consult a qualified RV professional.

What should I remove from an RV before winter storage?

Remove food, beverages, perishable items, portable liquids and prohibited materials. Depending on manufacturer guidance, you may also want to remove personal items, electronics and removable textiles.

Should a boat’s fuel tank be full or empty for winter storage?

It depends on the engine, fuel system, tank and manufacturer. Follow the applicable owner’s manual and confirm the storage provider’s fuel-level requirements.

Can propane tanks remain in an RV during storage?

Requirements vary based on the propane system and storage provider. Confirm the manufacturer’s instructions and facility rules. Portable propane cylinders and other flammable materials may be prohibited.

Should I disconnect the battery during winter storage?

Battery recommendations vary by equipment and battery type. The manufacturer may recommend charging, disconnecting or removing the battery. Stored motor vehicles at Public Storage need to remain operable.

What size storage space do I need for a boat or RV?

Measure the complete length, width and height, including the trailer, hitch, motor, ladder and roof-mounted equipment. Compare those measurements with the available space and access route.

Does Public Storage offer covered boat and RV parking?

Covered parking is available at participating locations. Uncovered outdoor spaces and enclosed vehicle storage may also be available. Search nearby locations to compare current options.

Prepare your boat, RV or trailer before colder weather arrives, then find vehicle storage near you.