Anyone who has spent a winter in Alberta knows that the weather can turn quickly. One week you are enjoying a late-season camping trip; the next you are scraping frost off the windshield. If your RV is heading into storage, it pays to take care of a few things before the real cold sets in.
Winterizing does not have to be complicated, but it does need to be thorough. The goal is simple: keep water from freezing where it should not, keep moisture and pests out, and make sure your trailer or motorhome is ready when spring finally arrives.
Start with the plumbing, before the first hard freeze
Water left in a line, fitting, pump or water heater can expand when it freezes. That is how an RV that looked perfectly fine in October ends up with an unpleasant surprise in May. Drain your fresh, grey and black tanks at an approved dump station and follow your RV manufacturer’s winterizing procedure for the rest of the system.
Depending on the RV, that may mean draining low-point lines, bypassing and draining the water heater, and protecting the plumbing with compressed air or antifreeze made specifically for RV potable-water systems. Remember the easy-to-miss spots: the outdoor shower, toilet, sink traps, water filter and any ice maker or washer connections. Never use automotive antifreeze in drinking-water plumbing. If you are unsure about your particular setup, have an RV technician winterize it.
Give the inside a proper cleanout
A forgotten snack, damp towel or open box of cereal can turn into a winter-long problem. Remove food, toiletries and anything that could freeze or attract mice. Empty the fridge, wipe it down and leave the doors slightly open if the manufacturer recommends it. Wash and dry bedding before putting it away.
Pay special attention to moisture. Check around windows, roof vents, corners and under sinks for dampness or soft spots. Dry everything thoroughly before closing up. A moisture absorber may help with residual humidity, but it will not fix a leak or replace proper ventilation.
Check the roof, seals and exterior
Before parking the RV, walk around it slowly. Look for cracked sealant, loose trim, damaged vent covers and worn weatherstripping. Clear leaves and debris from roof drains and slide areas. A small opening that lets in rain now can become a much bigger issue after freeze-thaw cycles.
If you use an RV cover, choose one designed for your type of unit and secure it according to the cover manufacturer’s instructions. Avoid ordinary tarps that can flap in the wind, rub the finish or trap moisture. Retract awnings and slides as directed by your RV manual.
Take care of the battery and electrical system
Cold weather is hard on a neglected battery. Fully charge it and follow the battery manufacturer’s storage instructions. Some owners remove batteries and store them in an appropriate location; others use a compatible maintenance charger. The right approach depends on whether the battery is lead-acid or lithium and on your RV’s electrical setup.
Shut down appliances and electronics as recommended, and deal with propane according to your RV and appliance manuals. Do not rely on an RV’s regular house battery lasting all winter without attention.
Do not forget the tires
Inflate tires to the correct cold pressure for the RV’s loading and tire specifications before storage. Inspect for cracking or damage, and park on a firm, reasonably level surface. If the RV will sit for months, ask your tire or RV professional whether anything else is appropriate for your particular rig. Tire covers can help reduce prolonged sun exposure, but they do not replace regular tire checks.
Make your RV less inviting to pests
Mice are remarkably good at finding small openings. Check where plumbing, wiring and vents pass through the body, and repair gaps using materials suitable for the location. Do not block required ventilation or exhaust openings. Remove food and scented supplies, clean cupboards and keep the area around the RV tidy.
It is worth taking a quick look inside occasionally if you can. Spotting droppings, a new leak or a loose cover early is much better than finding it months later.
Plan for snow, ice and winter visits
Before leaving your RV, secure exterior compartments and confirm that doors and windows latch properly. Photograph the condition of the unit for your own records. During winter, check it when conditions allow, especially after heavy snowfall, high winds or a thaw-and-refreeze cycle. Follow the manufacturer’s guidance on roof snow loads and avoid climbing onto an icy RV roof.
If you might need something from inside over winter, take it out now. Finding your camping gear is a lot easier in a warm driveway than during a January cold snap.
A good storage plan makes the off-season easier
Once the winterizing is done, where you leave your RV matters too. Look for a storage location with sensible access, clear site rules and security measures that give you confidence while the unit is parked. Keep your insurance current and confirm any storage requirements ahead of time.
Heatherdown RV Storage & Repair, located on Heatherdown Road near Onoway, offers a monitored, alarmed storage compound and daily access from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. If you are looking for a place to park your RV between adventures, you can learn more about availability and storage requirements or call 780-967-2667.
A few careful hours now can make the first spring trip feel like a fresh start instead of a repair project. Put the RV away clean, dry and properly winterized, and leave yourself a short checklist for getting it road-ready again.
General guidance only. Always follow the winterization and storage instructions supplied by your RV, appliance and battery manufacturers.
