When winter rolls into British Columbia and the campgrounds get a little too frosty for comfort, many RVers decide it's time to let their beloved home-on-wheels curl up for a long seasonal nap and look for winter RV storage. Whether you're storing a 5th wheel, travel trailer, or motorhome, a little prep now means far fewer surprises come spring - because nobody wants to start camping season off on the wrong foot.
From our RV experts here, and hearing from some of our Voyager RV customers - here's how to help your RV best survive winter storage safely until the sunshine returns.
1. Pick a Good winter RV storage Spot
Places around the Okanagan Valley (like Kelowna, Vernon, Kamloops, etc) and surrounding areas offer plenty of secure storage facilities. When choosing one, make sure it checks the boxes:
- Well lit (so you don't trip over your own feet visiting it in January)
- Secure (locks, gates, security or camera patrols, the whole deal)
- Clean and organized
Your RV may not talk, but trust us - it appreciates the upgrade from "farmer's back corner."
2. Treat Your Batteries Like Royalty
RV batteries are basically the beating heart of your unit, and winter is not their favorite season. Give them a little love - a different approach depending on the type of batteries you have:
Flooded Batteries
- Remove and store fully charged
- Keep in a dry, above-freezing indoor space
- Self-discharge 3%-8% monthly (they're dramatic that way)
- Check on them monthly-like a houseplant you actually want to keep alive
AGM Batteries
- Remove and store fully charged
- Indoor space, above freezing = happy AGMs
- Only 1%-3% self-discharge
- Check every couple of months
Lithium Batteries
- They can stay in the RV
- But don't let them sit out if extreme cold is forecast - they're tough, not invincible
- Only 1%-2% self-discharge
- Still a good idea to check every 2-3 months
Here is an RV Battery Winterize PDF Checklist.
3. Should You Cover Your RV? A great idea-It's Basically a Winter Coat
While your RV is built to withstand the winter weather on it's own... going with a breathable, properly fitted RV cover is a huge benefit for your unit, protecting it from:
- Sun damage
- Moisture buildup
- Seal deterioration
But please, for the love of your RV's paint job, do not use a regular tarp. Those blue and orange tarps flap around in the wind, trap moisture, and can rub your RV the wrong way - literally.
RV covers = good.
Camping tarps = winter regret.
4. Rodents: The Tiny Tenants You Don't Want
Nobody wants to start the season by discovering unwanted "guests." Rodent prevention is key, especially if storing your RV in areas where they are already known to be around.
Before storing:
- Remove all food (yes, even that half-eaten bag of chips :)
- Clean floors and cabinets and counters etc thoroughly - no crumbs, no buffet = no rodents
Inspect and seal up entry points:
Mice can squeeze through holes the size of a pencil eraser. (We wish that was a joke.)
Seal gaps with things such as the following:
- Foam sealant
- Caulking
- Wire mesh
Check the power cord hatch especially if your RV stays plugged in - this can be an access point.
Extra defense options:
- Set a couple mouse traps - think of them as "Do Not Enter" signs
- Try Mouse-Free repellent, a spray-on material for the underside of the RV that is available at Voyager RV's service shop.
Make Spring Easier on Yourself
Hopefully some of these expert tips have come in handy, because a bit of winter prep now means your RV will spring back to life without fuss or drama. So when the warm weather returns, you'll be ready to hit the road on your next RV camping adventure!
