See full version: Camper Winterization Tips
One year I covered our camper with a tarp (that was not breathable), but it led to condensation and water building up on the inside of the tarp that left black streaks on the camper. And in spite of my best efforts to adequately tie down the tarp, as the winter winds flicked it, it left behind rub marks on the camper. So we don’t hassle with tarps anymore.
How often do you change the cotton balls with peppermint oil and dryer sheets? here
Do not forget to make sure the toilet has all the water emptied out of the line, first year have to replace the valve due to not knowing it still held water, cheap fix but not exspected that. Now I just unscrew the line and make sure no water in the valve itself here
The definition for "winterize" in the english dictionary is to prepare something, especially a house or an automobile, to withstand cold winter conditions. What I find interesting about this definition is that your RV is essentially a house and automobile combined. With that said, winterizing your RV would entail more than just preparing the water system for cold weather. We would need to be concerned with preparing the RV's interior, exterior, chassis and plumbing from the harsh winter months. Today I want to offer some tips for preparing the RV interior, exterior and the chassis for cold winter storage.
When you store your RV outside for extended periods, the exterior begins to show signs of wear from constant exposure to the elements. Ozone in the air and ultraviolet (UV) rays from the sun start to take their toll. Ozone causes the paint to fade and makes products like rubber and vinyl dry out, crack and deteriorate. The UV rays from the sun make this aging process happen quicker. Before you store your RV, you need to give the exterior a thorough cleaning. It's a good idea to clean the RV roof before putting the RV in storage too. The type of roof your RV has will determine the cleaner you will need to use. Wash the exterior, and if you're really motivated, wax the exterior using a quality wax formulated for the type of exterior surface your RV has. A good coat of wax protects your RV finish the same as it does an automobile. When you are cleaning the RV exterior, inspect all roof seams, body seams and window sealants for any cracks and openings that would allow water to get in. Consult your RV dealer for sealants compatible with these materials and seal as required. here
Don't forget to clean the awning fabric, and let it dry completely before storing it. If you have a pop-up or hybrid trailer, make sure all of the tenting material is clean and dry before storage. Ideally, you should try to store your RV under a covered area, and on a solid surface like pavement or concrete. If this isn't possible, avoid parking under trees and in tall grass, fields or wooded areas. If the RV won't be parked under some type of covered shelter, you may want to invest in a cover. Covering your RV can be a logical and cost effective way to help protect your investment. If you decide to use a cover, make sure it is made of a breathable material. here
Not every lot with a big enough space is viable overnight RV parking. But there are tons of places you can park your rig and rest assured that it’ll stay safe from harm. more
But if you’re scrappy and creative, there are ways to find affordable RV parking, whether you’re storing it for winter or looking to set up camp on the cheap. (Spoiler alert: one of them is using your Passport America membership!)
You can find RV covers for every size and shape of travel trailer and motorhome, and they’ll not only help keep your RV dry and clean but can also protect your exterior finish from harmful UV rays. Here are a few highly-rated covers for different RV sizes: [links]
So, ready to get in gear… and take your RV out of it? Read on to learn more about how to find the perfect spot.
Over time, ultraviolet rays from the sun cause tire compound to break down. When parked outside, cover your trailer tires with tire wheel covers or UV reflective material. These products are available at RV shops and other automotive stores. If you don’t have tire wheel covers, protect your tires from the sun by leaning a plywood board against each tire, large enough, of course, to shield the tire fire from the sun. If nothing else, park your trailer in the shade. Be aware, however, that your tires can still get a good dose of ultraviolet rays in the shade.
One method to avoid the heat and delay the occurrence of dry rot is to jack up your trailer tires when they are not in use to keep them from the ground. An alternative message is to position your wheels on thin plywood boards so the tires don’t have direct contact with the hot ground. here
For that reason, to maximize the lifespan of your trailer tires, it is very important to focus on how to care for them when they are not in use:
Pressure from the weight of the trailer on the same section of your tire for an extended period of time can begin to damage your tires, especially on hot asphalt. Long-term contact with the ground can cause dry rot. more
Now that the warm weather season has passed, it is time to think about readying your utility or boat trailer for the long over-winter storage period. The following tips are listed here for your convenience to help you through the process of preparing your trailer for storage.
Now that your utility or boat trailer is clean, lubricated and protected from corrosion, it is ready for storage throughout the long, cold Winter months. The best news will come again in Spring when your trailer will be ready to roll once again. here