Fall is upon us, and whether you’re still camping or getting ready to pack that RV up for the winter, this fall RV maintenance guide can help you prepare for the inevitable: winter is coming.
First, when you DO get back from that last trip, whether it was yesterday or won’t be until the end of October, give your RV a thorough wash, both inside and out. Get all the bug grime off the diamond plate and that beautiful front window. Mop the floors, clean the bathroom, wipe down the stove and fridge. This way when next camping season rolls around you can step into yours knowing it’s super clean! I recommend removing the bedding and storing it inside after you wash it, just to keep it fresh.
Next, while you’re giving the RV that washing, use this time to also look for any signs of damage, no matter how small. Leaks in the seals, loose wires and screws, and even issues with fan covers closing can all cause bigger problems down the road. Take the time now to repair what you can or call your local RV dealer for service. Let’s face it: when your RV gets towed down roads weekend after weekend, some wires and screws are bound to loosen. These can be easily fixed at home; larger issues that are under warranty should be taken care of by your RV service provider.
Something else you’ll want to clean before putting your RV away for the winter are your holding tanks. If your RV is equipped with a black tank flush, cleaning that is easy! Even if your RV doesn’t have a black tank flush, it’s not difficult to sanitize and clean ALL of your holding tanks, including your fresh water tank before winterizing and storing your RV for the winter.
You can winterize your RV yourself, or make an appointment with your RV service department (970) 245-1305 for winterization maintenance. This involves not only draining the tanks, but also draining your hot water heater, removing the anode rod, and adding RV antifreeze to your system to ensure your pipes are safe throughout the winter months.
Finally, make sure to disconnect your RV batteries and store them somewhere warm during the winter to prevent damage.