Most people store their RVs for the winter. If not done correctly, you could end up with broken pipes, rodent damage, stale gas, and more. Getting your RV ready following a RV winter maintenance checklist takes some time but is worth it, so it’s in good condition when you’re prepared to take the first trip of the new RVing season.

If you need help with RV winter maintenance checklist, contact Mevert Automotive & Tire Center in Steeleville, IL., for an appointment.

RV Winter Maintenance Checklist

In addition to standard RV service and repair, you should complete this checklist before storing the RV for the winter. Our RV mechanic can help you complete the checklist if you are not comfortable doing any of these items yourself.

Plumbing

Before you empty the water tank, you need to flush the holding tanks. If your water holding tank is empty, fill it, then drive the RV to an RV dump station. Hook up the hoses, flush the tank until it is clean, starting with the black tank and then moving to the gray tank. Be sure to run enough clean water through the gray tank to clean the hose.

When you return home, open the petcock for the freshwater holding tank and make sure the tank is fully drained. If you do not have a petcock on the tank, run the faucet until the tank is empty. Drain the hot water heater via the drain valve. Leave the valve open for the winter.

Some people prefer to leave the water hot water heater and use RV antifreeze. However, there is always a risk that the water in the heater and pipes could freeze if temperatures go below the freezing point of the antifreeze.

Fuel

If fuel sits in the tank for more than a couple of months, it starts turning to varnish. It becomes sticky and will gum up the fuel injectors or throttle the body. Add the appropriate amount of fuel treatment, then start the RV and let it run for 10 minutes to ensure the treatment goes through the entire fuel system.

If your RV is diesel, top off the tank and add a diesel additive to keep the fuel from gelling. Diesel fuel tends to create condensation. You will have less condensation buildup in the fuel if you top off the tank before letting the RV sit for the winter.

Fluids

Be sure to check and top off all fluids. Should you have to move the RV during the winter, you want to make sure the RV has antifreeze, brake fluid, wiper fluid, and power steering fluid. If you haven’t had the fluids changed in a couple of years, Mevert Automotive &  Tire Center can flush and replace the fluids in the spring, so they are fresh for the new RV season.

Tires

Finally, check the RV’s tires. They should have plenty of tread and the proper air pressure. It is better to store a vehicle off of its tires, but that’s often difficult with an RV because of the size. Additionally, check the tires for dry rot. Even though they hold air, the dry rot will cause them to leak air throughout the winter. If you are storing your RV outside, we recommend buying tire covers for the tires.

If the tires have less than 4/32 of an inch of tread, we recommend replacing the tires. Should you have to drive the RV this winter, anything less is dangerous on slick roads.

Contact Mevert Automotive & Tire Center For All of Your RV Needs

If you need help winterizing your RV or RV service and repair in Steeleville, IL, contact Mevert Automotive and Tire Center for an appointment.