Key End of Season Maintenance Tasks to Take Care of Before Storing Your RV
The end of summer is a bittersweet moment for RVers. It means colder weather is just around the corner, and for many, that signals the end of the RVing season. Before you can safely store your RV for the winter, you’ll want to make sure the rig itself is ready. That means taking care of some basic maintenance tasks before you park it for the season. Not sure where to start? Your RV storage team at goHomePort’s Dove Valley location has your back. Here are a few key tasks to take care of before parking your rig for the colder months.
Drain the Water Lines and Water Heater
Winter weather means freezing temperatures and leaving water in your RV’s water lines can lead to catastrophic damage if you’re not careful. Before you park for the season, drain the water lines in your RV. Shut off the water supply and open all of the faucets in your rig. Turn them to the off position once water no longer drains from the faucet. Then, drain the RV’s water heater (if you have one).
If you’re planning on parking the RV all winter long, you may want to winterize your rig. Follow the instructions in your owner’s manual to perform this task. It will likely involve blowing out any remaining water from the lines adding anti-freeze to parts of the system.
Flush and Clean the Tanks
Your water tanks can easily get stinky when they’re left to sit for months on end. Stay on top of the stench by flushing your fresh, gray, and black tanks thoroughly. Sanitize the fresh tank according to the instructions in your RV’s owner’s manual and drain it completely. Flush the black tank thoroughly, close the black tank valve, and add tank deodorizer once you’re done. Flush the gray tank until nothing drips from your sewer hose and close the gray tank valve.
Top Off the Air in the Tires
Nothing is worse than coming to pick up your RV only to discover that you have a flat tire. You can reduce this risk by topping the air off in your tires before parking it for the season. If you have a compressor, you can do this at home before you head to the storage space. If not, you may be able to use a compressor at a gas station or ask a local tire shop to top them off for you.
Inspect the Roof
If you’re using covered storage like some of the spaces at Dove Valley, you won’t have to worry as much about unexpected roof leaks. But if you’re parking in an uncovered spot, you’ll want to give your roof a good once over before storing it. Check the seals and make sure they’re in good shape. Inspect the roof vents for cracks and damage and get any damage you find repaired as soon as possible. This way, your roof will be in good shape for spring.
Reserve a Storage Spot Today
These are just a few key maintenance tasks to take care of before storing your rig for the fall and winter. As long as you follow these tips, you’ll set your RV up for a comfortable winter and can be ready to hit the road in spring. Just make sure to reserve a spot today so you won’t have to rush before the first freeze.
Go Back Drain the Water Lines and Water Heater
Winter weather means freezing temperatures and leaving water in your RV’s water lines can lead to catastrophic damage if you’re not careful. Before you park for the season, drain the water lines in your RV. Shut off the water supply and open all of the faucets in your rig. Turn them to the off position once water no longer drains from the faucet. Then, drain the RV’s water heater (if you have one).
If you’re planning on parking the RV all winter long, you may want to winterize your rig. Follow the instructions in your owner’s manual to perform this task. It will likely involve blowing out any remaining water from the lines adding anti-freeze to parts of the system.
Flush and Clean the Tanks
Your water tanks can easily get stinky when they’re left to sit for months on end. Stay on top of the stench by flushing your fresh, gray, and black tanks thoroughly. Sanitize the fresh tank according to the instructions in your RV’s owner’s manual and drain it completely. Flush the black tank thoroughly, close the black tank valve, and add tank deodorizer once you’re done. Flush the gray tank until nothing drips from your sewer hose and close the gray tank valve.
Top Off the Air in the Tires
Nothing is worse than coming to pick up your RV only to discover that you have a flat tire. You can reduce this risk by topping the air off in your tires before parking it for the season. If you have a compressor, you can do this at home before you head to the storage space. If not, you may be able to use a compressor at a gas station or ask a local tire shop to top them off for you.
Inspect the Roof
If you’re using covered storage like some of the spaces at Dove Valley, you won’t have to worry as much about unexpected roof leaks. But if you’re parking in an uncovered spot, you’ll want to give your roof a good once over before storing it. Check the seals and make sure they’re in good shape. Inspect the roof vents for cracks and damage and get any damage you find repaired as soon as possible. This way, your roof will be in good shape for spring.
Reserve a Storage Spot Today
These are just a few key maintenance tasks to take care of before storing your rig for the fall and winter. As long as you follow these tips, you’ll set your RV up for a comfortable winter and can be ready to hit the road in spring. Just make sure to reserve a spot today so you won’t have to rush before the first freeze.