The vast majority of motorhomes are owned by people who live in places that have seasonal weather fluctuations. As a result, most motorhomes wind up being stored during the winter, and only getting used during the warmer summer months. Unfortunately, cold temperatures and a lack of movement could wind up causing damage to your motorhome. The following tips can help ensure that it stays safe and protected during even the harshest winter weather.
1) If you have a garage or indoor area where you can store your motorhome, you should do so.
The only thing to keep in mind if you do store your vehicle inside is that you may periodically need to move it outdoors on nice days during the winter. This is because indoor environments often are humid, which can result in moisture accumulating in your vehicle, eventually leading to problems with mold or corrosion. Bringing your vehicle outside on dry days during the winter can help this moisture evaporate, minimizing the risk of damage.
2) Over the course of the winter, start your motorhome up every so often. Periodically running the vehicle can help keep the parts in good working order.
One good example is the brake system. Taking your motorhome out for a drive around the block every few weeks can help ensure that the brake system stays lubricated and that the pads do not deteriorate. If nothing else, you should at least start the engine and allow the vehicle to warm up to get fluids moving the way they should be.
3) Be sure your motorhome is clean before storing it. The last thing you want is for dirt and grime to be stuck on the outside of your vehicle all winter long. Give it a good cleaning and polishing before putting it in storage for the winter.
4) Your motorhome should be covered if it’s not being used for large swathes of the year and this is why investing in quality campervan insurance is a must for anyone that owns one of these vehicles.
5) Invest in a cover. Regardless of whether you plan to store your motorhome outside or indoors, a cover can help protect it from damage. Be sure to look for a cover that is specifically designed to fit the type of motorhome that you have.
6) Be aware of ice. When water freezes, it expands. This can be bad news for your RV if the water makes its way into tiny cracks and crevices. Try to keep your vehicle dry and warm enough that any water that does get on it won’t freeze over the winter.
7) Keep the battery in great shape. The combination of cold weather and inactivity can wreak havoc on motorhome batteries. Consider hooking up a “trickle charger” to your battery to keep it going strong all winter long.
