Welcome to The Village Square, the series that answers common RVing questions with tips, tricks, and camping hacks from RVillage community members just like you.
Temperatures are dropping, leaves are changing, and football season is in full swing—and for some RV owners, that means camping season is unfortunately coming to a close. If you’re not heading south, chances are you’re preparing your RV for winterization and storage. While some opt to have their rig winterized by a professional, others embark on this journey on their own.
From keeping critters away to blowing out your lines, here are a few winterization tips and tricks from fellow RVillagers.
10 RV Winterization Mistakes to Avoid
RVillagers Share Their Favorite Winterization Tips and Tricks
I remove all bedding, towels, food, toiletries, medications, clothes, and shoes. I put Irish Spring soap in small pans throughout the trailer to keep critters out, they don’t like the smell. —Linda F.
I blow the lines out with a compressor, drain the hot water heater, drain my tanks, and add 2 gallons of RV antifreeze to my freshwater tank. —Rick G.
RV Ownership
Join the conversationLet the dealer winterize it. —Toby H.
Bales of straw make great windbreaks around your rig. Cover them with plastic and it will help insulate your RV —Ron M.
Everything You Need to Know About RV Skirting Solutions
Check underneath and everywhere on the outside of your RV for openings that mice could enter, and fill every gap you can. —Beth E.
Only use RV-specific antifreeze. —Mark J.
For us, “winterizing” means putting on the skirting, using the heated hose, and insulating everything we can. —Jim D.
How to Measure, Choose, and Purchase a Cover for Your RV
We take out perishables and anything that could freeze and be ruined or explode. —Rich W.
Don’t forget to prop open the fridge and freezer a bit. —Terry M.
Why Didn’t I Think of That? Tips & Tricks
Join the conversationI use dryer sheets (to deter mice) and empty everything. I left bedding and towels in my travel trailer last year and had stink bugs in everything. —Ronni Z.
Make sure your roof is sound and leak-free before storing. —Cathy V.
Thank you RVillagers for sharing your RV winterization tips with the RVing community. If you want to see your advice featured on “The Village Square,” be sure to share your favorite RVing hacks, tips, and tricks with the community, and keep an eye out for questions from RVillage Camp Hosts.
Editor’s note: Some quotes have been slightly edited for clarity.
