Fall/Winter Maintenance tips for your RV

Life in an RV is full of adventure, but just like any other thing, it comes with its own set of challenges. As winter is approaching, you must buck up and prepare your vehicle for cold and windy days. These winterization steps will keep you and your RV safe and comfortable. Let’s see what you can do. 

8 Tips to Get Your RV Winter-Ready

Fall and winter are beautiful times of the year if you are prepared for the chilli winds. It can be a little effort-taking to make your van ready for it, but it’ll be worth it in the end. 

1.Switch to Premium Mattress

Not all mattresses are capable of withholding the harsh temperature. The situation can get intense if you are travelling to higher-altitude locations. So, it’s advised that you switch to Kogler’s RoadCloud RV Mattress that has the Temperature Stable Clini-Foam™ technology. It keeps your morning fresh and restorative whilst ensuring you get proper support.

2.Inspect the Batteries

Before you start your fall/winter trip, check the battery cables and connectors for any damage. Get rid of corroded and swollen batteries as they hamper batteries’ performance significantly. Use a mixture of baking soda and warm water with equal ratios and clean the dirty terminals. 

In case your RV has lead-acid batteries, inspect the electrolyte levels and add distilled water as per the requirement. 

3.Test Automotive Antifreeze 

The antifreeze in your Rv should always be at a 50-70% concentration of antifreeze to water. Water helps keep the engine cool, but it freezes quickly, which can even cause some metals to corrode. That’s why a proper concentration of antifreeze is important for freeze protection.

Use a good quality test strip, float-type hydrometer or refractometer for this. 

4.Inspect Sealants on Roof, Windows, and Seams

Any seams or gaps on the roof and windows can cause water leakage. While your RV is on the road, seams and sealants move with it, causing a bigger gap which lets the water enter. Over the period of time, it can rot your entire van. This maintenance check should be made irrespective of the season and geography.

Clean the roof with a safe and RV-special cleaner and check for any openings. Seal the smallest of them as well. Make sure the sealant is compatible with your roofing type, otherwise it won’t do its job well.

5.Furnace Checkup

Travellers often overlook checking the forced-air furnace, which a credible RV service centre should accomplish. Apart from that, you can also do a few things to make sure it works properly. Your batteries must be in good health for the furnace to function well even in cold weather.

Check furnace ducting for damages like crushing or obstructions that can hinder its functioning. Ensure its air return isn’t blocked or restricted. Also, don’t forget to get it professionally checked before hitting the road. 

6.Wash and Wax the RV

Road chemicals tend to chip off your vehicle’s exterior, and winter storage will bring weather extremes that can ruin its shiny finish. So, it’s always suggested to wash and wax it regularly. A layer of wax keeps off oxidation and stains that are hard to be removed.  

7.Test All Safety Devices

Carbon Monoxide or CO is lethal. So, check the CO detector, LP-gas leak detector, and smoke alarms for safety purposes. Also, let your fellow travelers know how to respond and what to do if they hear a smoke alarm or get exposed to carbon monoxide. 

8.Check Tires

Inspect your tires for damage and ensure they’re adequately inflated for best performance and safety. Check if the load is distributed equally; you can take your RV to a professional service centre for all these check-ups and maintenance. 

Final Thoughts

RVing is full of responsibilities, and regular maintenance is one of them. You can make your RV winter-ready by sealing all the leaks and vents and replacing corroded batteries. Corroded batteries can fail anytime, causing you trouble during your trip.

You must check tire pressure and all the safety devices before commencing your winter journey. Also, don’t forget to reach out to Kogler’s sales team for RV mattresses.