Empty out personal items and sewage:

Before taking an RV to storage, it is necessary to empty out all holding tanks in an appropriate manner, especially the black water tank.  It is not acceptable to empty tanks in a city drain; always use a designated RV dump station.  Besides cleaning out the mechanics of the rig, the indoor living space should also be thoroughly inspected.  Food, bedding, towels, leisure activities, and essentialsthat may be needed while the motorhome or trailer is stowed away for the winter, should be relocated or packed in an organized manner until the following season.   

Inventory Items Remaining in the Vehicle:

Anything that will be left in the camper, such as kitchen tools and utensils, or bathroom toiletries, should be added to a list and filed with important paperwork.  If at any time there is a question or concern about what has remained within the unit, this list will serve as a source of the inventory so it will be easy to find.

Deep Clean the Rig and set traps:

Nobody wants to head into the first trip of the new season with a dirty and infested RV.  Deep clean the bathroom, kitchen, refrigerator, washer and dryer, and air out the mattresses.  Make certain to sweep out any debris and set and and mouse traps depending on the type of holding space the vehicle will be stored in.

Perform End of season RV Repairs:

As with any vehicle that will be sitting for a period of time, it is necessary to take care of any minor or major problems that would be worsened by inactivity and weather.  Motorhomes require additional inspection due to engine wear which is not necessary in trailer style campers.  Depending on the length of the RV will be sitting, it might be beneficial to remove the battery to extend its life.  Travel trailers, fith wheels, and folding campers also have technical needs to inspect such as air conditioning, gas lines and tires.  If leaving the campter outdoors is the only option available, consider purchasing a cover to protect the exterior of your RV.

• Prepare your engine in accordance with the owner’s manual.  In winter, this will normally include:
  • draining and flushing the cooling system
  • draining and refilling the crankcase
  • applying oil to inside of each cylinder through the spark plug holes;
  • other preservative actions recommended by your boat’s manufacturer.
• Thoroughly clean the hull, decks, cockpit, bilge, all compartments, lockers and the exterior of the engine and coat with an appropriate wax or preservative.
• Drain fuel lines, pumps, carburetor and tanks or fill completely and add fuel stabilizer.
• Leave all floorboards up, doors ajar, ports and skylights open, hatches partly open, drawers and lockers open.
• Carefully fit a well-made cover, provided with ventilation ports.
• Don’t forget the trailer:  check tire pressure; check and pack wheel hubs if necessary and lubricate jack.

• Review owner’s manual for engine, LP gas, generator, water heater and sanitation system storage information.
• Remove all perishable food from cabinets.
• Turn off refrigerator, verify all power sources are off by checking 12 v, 110v and LP gas.
• Remove all food from the refrigerator, clean the inside and leave the door open to ventilate.
• Clean rooftop air conditioner filters and cover the outside unit.
• Clean the interior of the RV, pull shades and close blinds.
• Turn off the propane cylinders and cover the regulator.
• Cover or tape vents to the furnace and range hood for long-term storage.
• Ensure all roof vents and windows are closed.  Prevent condensation by using chemical-type dehumidifiers.
• Check tire pressures.
• Inspect roof, body, interior, soft molding and caulking.
• Service locks with spray lubricant to prevent rust and freezing.
• Check all operating fluid levels under the hood and top off the gasoline tank.  Add a fuel stabilizer.
• Empty and thoroughly rinse all holding tanks.