Summer is gone, and winter is quickly approaching. The leaves are turning and falling to the ground, which means it is time for you to prepare your RV and put it up until the warmer weather returns next spring. So, here are a few things that you need to do to prepare your RV for storage this winter to ensure that it is ready to hit the road when you take it out of storage next spring.

Tip #1: Drain the Water

You need to first drain the RV's water system, and this is probably the most critical step that you should take when prepping your RV for storage. If you leave any water in the vehicle's plumbing system over the winter, it can freeze when temperatures dip below 32 degrees Fahrenheit, leaving you with a costly mess to repair come spring. You may be able to winterize the water system yourself—if it isn't too complex—or it may be something that you need to have a professional do.

Tip #2: Inspect and Prepare the Exterior

Conduct a thorough inspection of the RV's exterior, including the sidewalls, roof, windows, doors, seams, and access panels. If you notice any racks or holes, re-caulk or reseal them to help prevent water from getting inside, minimizing potential repairs in the spring. Give the exterior a good wash down as well before placing the RV in storage to remove any built-up dirt and grime so it doesn't harm the paint job.

Tip #3: Protect the Tires

Place covers on your RV's tires that are specifically designed to protect them from the sun, rodents, dirt, etc. In addition, it is important to inflate the tires to the recommended pressure that can be found on the sidewalls of the tires when you first put the RV in storage. While in storage, the tires may lose pressure, so check them before taking the RV out of storage.  

Tip #4: Save the Batteries

Don't leave the batteries in the RV while the vehicle is in storage. Instead, disconnect them and store them in a cool, dry place. They will lose some of their charge while in storage, but the cool temperature will help to minimize the overall loss. Ideally, you should check the charge every six weeks or so, and when necessary, charge them so they remain fully charged. If a battery is partially charged, it will freeze faster, which can damage or potentially destroy the battery.

When you are ready to store your RV, contact a local covered RV storage facility.