RV winter survival guide

News
Published on October 1, 2020

With the U.S. border remaining closed until at least October 21, thousands of snowbirds will have to resign themselves to spending the winter in Quebec. This is a particular challenge for owners of recreational vehicles (RVs), trailers, or motorhomes that have never seen snow. If you’re in this situation, here are a few tips to get your RV ready for winter.

Where to store an RV for the winter

“Whether it’s indoors or outdoors, you have to keep moisture out, because that’s enemy number one! And for that, you need good ventilation,” says Jean-Guy Roy, general manager of Groupe Desharnais, a CAA-Quebec Approved Auto Repair Services Location in Quebec City that also has an RV division.

“Ideally you should find a heated indoor facility,” says CAA-Quebec technical inspection centre analyst Sylvain Légaré. An unheated facility can also work, but in either case, storage facilities likely won’t have enough room for all the RVs belonging to snowbirds who stay in Quebec.

Outdoor winter storage of an RV

Many RVs will therefore spend this winter outside. A temporary shelter like the one used for cars can be used for smaller RVs. For bigger ones, Sylvain Légaré recommends large tarps readily available at hardware stores. Place one under the vehicle and one on top. But be careful not to wrap your RV like a baked potato! You have to allow air to circulate to avoid condensation. Tarps reduce the risk of water getting in and make it easier to remove snow, which you’ll need to do once about 30 cm (one foot) has accumulated.

You can also install height-adjustable posts inside your RV to strengthen the ceiling, says Jean-Guy Roy.

How to get your RV ready for winter

A number of specialized companies offer RV winter prep service. You can also do it yourself, as long as you put in the time and effort and follow the recommendations in the owner’s manual (which take precedence over what follows below). Here’s an overview of what to do:

  • Check all sealants and gaskets and replace them if necessary.
  • Clean every nook and cranny to avoid mildew.
  • Remove all food and empty the garbage cans.
  • Drain or flush the tanks and pipes (ice machine, showerhead, washer, water heater, etc.) and add non-toxic RV antifreeze to them and the drains.
  • Place pest repellents inside and outside the unit (avoid sealing external entrances and exits with plastic wrap as this can promote mould growth).
  • Turn off the power supply.
  • Turn off the propane supply.
  • Store batteries indoors in a dry place.
  • Remove cushions, curtains, and fabrics to prevent moisture from creating mould and mildew.
  • Prop open all doors inside the unit, including the fridge and freezer.
  • Close the blinds to avoid temperature changes, which cause condensation.

Remember your mechanical maintenance

For motorized vehicles, you need to take care of mechanical maintenance as you would for any vehicle:

  • Get an oil change.
  • Inflate the tires to the maximum temperature recommended by the manufacturer.
  • Take the pressure off the suspension by raising the vehicle and placing it on blocks, if possible.

An RV should make it through the winter if it has been properly prepared and kept clear of snow. Taking the necessary precautions will have a direct impact on your vehicle’s operation and safety—but not least of all its value.