Top Tips for Shutting Down Your RV for the Season
Another camping season in the books! After months of lakeside weekends, scenic road trips, and adventures throughout beautiful British Columbia, it's time to give your RV a well-deserved rest.
But before parking your trailer, fifth wheel, or motorhome for winter, there's a little housekeeping to tackle!
At Country Camping RV in Salmon Arm, we know how quickly temperatures can drop in the Shuswap. That's why proper RV winterization is essential for protecting your investment and avoiding expensive surprises come spring.
Here are eight tips for shutting down your RV for the season!
1. Drain and Winterize Your RV's Plumbing
Let's start with the big one: your plumbing!
When water freezes, it expands. If there's water left inside your RV's pipes, tanks, or fixtures, that expansion can cause cracks, leaks, and costly damage.
Depending on your RV's configuration, winterizing the plumbing may involve:
- Draining fresh, grey, and black water tanks.
- Emptying and bypassing the water heater.
- Draining water lines and protecting faucets.
- Adding non-toxic RV antifreeze where required.
- Protecting toilets, drains, and other fixtures.
Not comfortable tackling this yourself? Our professional RV winterization services include moisture removal and antifreeze application to help safeguard your plumbing.
2. Give Your RV a Thorough Cleaning
Nobody wants to open their RV in spring and discover unpleasant smells, mould, or unwanted visitors!
Before storage, remove all food, wipe down countertops, clean appliances, and empty the refrigerator and freezer.
Leave appliance doors slightly open where appropriate to encourage airflow.
Don't forget to vacuum upholstery, wash bedding, and clean storage compartments.
Outside, wash away dirt, road grime, and debris that could damage exterior surfaces during storage.
A clean RV is a happy RV!
3. Inspect the Roof, Seals, and Exterior
Winter weather can be tough on your RV, especially when moisture finds its way inside.
Before storage, inspect the roof, windows, doors, vents, and exterior seams for cracks or deteriorating sealant.
Pay particular attention to skylights, slide-outs, and roof-mounted accessories.
Even a small opening can allow water to enter, potentially causing expensive damage.
Our RV service team can inspect your unit and address sealing concerns before the cold weather arrives.
4. Protect Your Battery and Electrical System
Your RV's battery needs attention during the off-season, too!
Batteries can gradually discharge during storage, and freezing temperatures can make matters worse.
Follow your battery manufacturer's recommendations for disconnecting, charging, and storage.
Depending on the battery type, you may need a compatible maintenance charger or a temperature-controlled storage location.
Lithium batteries have different storage requirements, so always consult the manufacturer's instructions.
Country Camping RV's winterization services also include safely disconnecting and preparing your battery for storage.
5. Keep Mice and Other Pests Out
As temperatures drop, your RV can start looking like a pretty appealing winter home to mice!
Unfortunately, rodents can damage wiring, insulation, upholstery, and stored belongings.
To discourage unwanted visitors:
- Remove food and scented items.
- Inspect exterior openings for entry points.
- Seal gaps using RV-appropriate materials.
- Check storage compartments and utility access points.
- Inspect your RV periodically throughout winter.
Just remember not to block essential ventilation or appliance openings.
A little prevention now can save a major headache later!
6. Prepare Your Tires and Exterior Equipment
Your RV might not be travelling anywhere for a few months, but its tires still need attention.
Check tire pressure according to manufacturer recommendations and inspect for damage or unusual wear.
If storing your RV outdoors, consider properly fitted tire covers to reduce prolonged UV exposure.
Clean and dry your awning before retracting it, secure exterior accessories, and prepare slide-outs according to manufacturer instructions.
Whether you're storing a travel trailer near Vernon or a fifth wheel in Salmon Arm, these simple steps help protect your RV during the off-season.
7. Choose a Safe Winter Storage Location
Where you store your RV matters almost as much as how you prepare it!
Ideally, choose a secure location with good drainage and a stable, level surface.
For outdoor storage, consider a breathable, properly fitted RV cover. Avoid ordinary plastic tarps that can trap moisture or rub against exterior surfaces.
It's also important to check your RV periodically after heavy snowfall, strong winds, or major temperature changes.
For RV owners throughout the Shuswap, Kamloops, and Kelowna, preparing for changing winter conditions is part of responsible RV ownership.
8. Schedule Professional RV Winterization
Want to make shutting down your RV easier? Leave the technical work to the professionals!
At Country Camping RV, our experienced technicians provide comprehensive winterization services for trailers, campers, and fifth wheels.
From protecting plumbing and disconnecting batteries to inspecting seals and preparing your unit for storage, we'll help you get ready for the colder months.
Our service team can also assist with seasonal maintenance and inspections, so you can spend less time worrying about winter damage.
Book Your RV Winterization at Country Camping RV!
The camping season might be winding down, but proper preparation now means fewer worries when spring arrives.
Country Camping RV proudly serves RV owners throughout Salmon Arm, Vernon, Kelowna, Kamloops, and the surrounding Shuswap region.
Visit us at 3101 10 Avenue SW in Salmon Arm, BC, or call (250) 832-6688.
Ready to cross winterization off your to-do list? Book your RV winterization service today!
Take care of your RV this winter, and it'll be ready for your next great adventure!
