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. 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 Storage Spot (Your RV Deserves Better Than a Random Field)

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

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!