Month: November 2024

5 Steps To Winterize Your RV In Northern MN

Posted on November 1, 2024 by - Cold Weather RV Camping, Northern MN RV Park, RV Park Crane Lake MN

Winterizing your RV is crucial to ensuring that it stays in good condition while not in use during colder months, especially so you can stay at Headquarter’s RV park located in Crane Lake, MN the gateway to Voyageurs National Park when summer comes around again. Here’s a breakdown of the five essential steps every RV owner should take to prepare their camper, travel trailer, motorhome, or 5th wheel for winter:

1. Winterize Your RV Water System

  • Why: To prevent freezing, bursting pipes, and water damage.
  • How: Drain all water from your RV’s plumbing, water heater, and appliances like ice makers and washing machines. Using an air compressor is the most common method, requiring a “blow out” plug to connect to the city-water line. Keep PSI under 40 to avoid damaging your plumbing.
  • Alternative: Consider a drain-down system like Floë, which simplifies the process by integrating directly into your RV for easy use.

Many RV owners also use antifreeze in their lines after blowing out the system. Propylene glycol is recommended over ethanol-based antifreeze, as it is less likely to dry out rubber seals.

2. Wash Your RV Inside & Out

  • Exterior: Wash the outside thoroughly, ensuring all doors, windows, and vents are closed. Use a garden hose or portable power washer. Avoid washing in confined spaces like small car washes.
  • Interior: Clean and vacuum the inside of your RV. Remove all food and water-based appliances to prevent mold, rodents, or bad odors.

Some RV owners place dryer sheets inside their rig to keep it smelling fresh over the winter.

3. Inspect Seals & Repair Leaks

  • What to Check: Examine seals around doors, windows, roof vents, AC units, and skylights for any cracks or damage.
  • How to Repair: Use compatible sealants, tapes, or adhesives, like those from Alpha Systems, to fix leaks and maintain your roof and seal integrity. Regularly checking these areas can prevent water damage from melted snow or rain.

4. Clean & Inspect Tires

  • Why: To prevent flat spots, freezing damage, and sinking into soft ground.
  • What to Do: Clean your tires and, if storing on asphalt or concrete, place them on cardboard or wood. Avoid parking on grass or dirt, which can lead to your RV sinking when the ground thaws.
  • Additional Tip: Move your RV periodically throughout winter to relieve pressure on one spot of the tire. Check tire pressure using a TPMS (Tire Pressure & Temperature Monitoring System) or a gauge to ensure they remain properly inflated.

5. Check Your RV Regularly During Winter Storage

  • Why: Regular checks help you catch issues like leaks, rodent infestations, or low tire pressure early.
  • How: If possible, visit your RV periodically to ensure everything remains in good condition. Checking for leaks, testing tires, and ensuring no smells or pests have developed can save you from a major headache when spring comes.

By following these steps, you’ll ensure your RV is well-maintained and ready for use as soon as the weather warms up. Book you next stay in Crane Lake MN in Northern Minnesota at Headquarter’s RV Park, Call Today!!!