6 Winter RV Storage Preparation Tips from Eagle River RV & Boat Storage

Preparing your recreational vehicle for Alaska's winter is not just about maintenance but goes beyond that. When temperatures drop drastically, there is a lot of snow and ice buildup, which can cause damage to your RV if not prepared in time. Pipes that contain water in your RV could freeze and expand, hence breaking PEX pipes and cracking water heaters. Ice buildup on the outside could exert pressure on the seams, allowing water to build up in the panels above the ceiling where mold would form. Failing to take care of house batteries could lead to their freezing due to cold weather, damaging them before spring. By doing your preparations in advance in order to prepare your camper or motorhome for winter, you will protect your RV, preserve its value, and ensure that your RV is prepared for use. Opting for professional RV storage Eagle River AK, at Eagle River RV & Boat Storage will give you a place that is both secure and inspected for winter.

The Essential Alaskan Winterization Checklist

To help you keep your investment safe, the outdoor vehicle experts at Eagle River RV & Boat Storage have put together this important six-step winter guide made just for Southcentral Alaska's tough weather.

1. Completely Drain and Antifreeze the Plumbing System

Water expands by 9% during freezing. Even a small amount of water left in a motor home, say half a cup, in the low point drain and the water pump, will cause the plastic components to break.

• Drain all the tanks: Empty all the fresh water holding tank, gray tank, and the black tank. Make sure that the black tank is thoroughly flushed, as there should be nothing left in it.
• Disconnect water heater: Turn off the water heater, wait till it cools down, and drain completely using the rod or drain plug. Bypass the water heater using a bypass valve to avoid wasting gallons of antifreeze.
• Flush lines with antifreeze: Connect the hose to the water pump, and pump pink non-toxic RV antifreeze through every faucet, shower head, toilet, and every outside connection until the pink liquid comes out.
• Protect p-traps: Pour some antifreeze into each p-trap of the sinks and tubs to remove any remaining water.

2. Safeguard Your Battery Bank Against Freezing

Lead-acid and lithium batteries with deep discharge cycles become weak quickly in the cold weather. A fully charged battery will not freeze until the temperature drops to around -77°F. On the other hand, an empty battery can freeze at temperatures of 32°F. The battery might crack, damaging the internal plates.

• Remove the negative terminals: Switch off the battery in your RV.
• Remove the battery: If you are having a long winter vacation, remove your house and chassis batteries. Clean the terminals using a solution of baking soda and put some battery grease on them. Store the batteries in a warm place such as the garage or the basement. Place them in a smart trickle charger.
• Check the charge levels monthly: Ensure that the batteries remain fully charged throughout the winter season.

3. Inspect and Seal the Exterior Shell

Snow and strong winds during winter will find their way through any tiny opening created in the RV roof sealant.

• Clean exterior surface: Get rid of any dirt or sap from the surface. This will protect your paint from deteriorating.
• Inspection of the roof and walls: Inspect the lap joint sealant at the corners of air conditioning vents, roof vents, skylights, and corner trims. If you see any cracks, peeling, or any openings, use high-quality lap joint sealant as per your RV roof.
• Tire protection: Place the RV on wood blocks, rubber mats, or concrete, but never on the bare ground, because it prevents the tires from absorbing moisture from the soil. Inflate the tires completely.

4. Rodent-Proof the Cabin and Underbody

Small creatures will seek to reside in a warm area in Alaska during the freezing winter season. You have to seal your RV to prevent these creatures from finding a place to hide from the weather.

• Eliminate all food sources: Get rid of non-perishable foods, spices, and any evidence of leftover food. Clean the cabinets. Make sure to clean the carpets thoroughly.
• Seal entry points: Inspect under the RV and the vicinity of pipes, electrical wiring, entryways, and gaps in slide-outs. Seal these entryways using stainless steel wool and expanding spray foam.
• Use natural repellents: Place cotton balls dipped in peppermint oil or purchased cab-fresh scents in storage areas and living areas of the RV. Avoid using poison baits since they attract pests to your RV before any harm is done.

5. Prevent Moisture Accumulation and Mold Growth

Good seals prevent the entry of cold air. They also trap the interior air inside. The presence of temperature variations will lead to accumulation of moisture in the interior of RVs that lack good ventilation. It will result in the growth of mold in seats and wooden trim.

• Use dehumidification products: Place tubs that absorb moisture, for example, calcium chloride dehumidifiers, in the kitchen, bathroom, and storage spaces.
• Raised doors and cushions: Leave refrigerator and freezer doors open to prevent the formation of mildew. Elevate the mattress cushions to allow for circulation of air beneath them.
• Ventilation options: Keep the roof vents partially open under protective covers, for example, MaxxAir covers. This will allow circulation of some air while preventing rain from entering.

6. Choose a Secure Storage Facility Built for Alaska

Parking an RV on a tight home driveway can be rough. The roof can get ice buildup. Snowplows may hit it. There is not much room for the RV. Working with a place like Eagle River RV & Boat Storage has some big benefits:

When you use Eagle River RV & Boat Storage, your vehicle will be safe and easy for you to get to through the time you are not using it.

Prepare Your Rig Early for Peace of Mind

Getting your RV ready for winter helps to keep it running well. It also stops expensive damage that the cold can bring. If you finish these steps before cold weather comes, you can keep your RV in good shape for many years. For easy parking and quick online reservations, go to eagleriverrvboat.com and book your spot with Eagle River RV & Boat Storage now.