How to Check Your Stored RV for Damage After Winter

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The winter season in Canada is harsh. During those cold winter months, temperatures can drop to -5 degrees in coastal areas like Vancouver and as low as -30 degrees in central and northern regions. If you did not use your RV in winter and stored it, it's a good idea to perform a regular check before setting out to use it again. This is because harsh weather conditions often damage certain parts that may not be visible during an inspection.

Sturgeon Woods RV is sharing a list and key steps for checking your stored RV before the camping season. These are some of the obvious parts that are prone to weather-related damage.

Your RV's Exterior:

The exterior of the RV, including the roof, the windows, tires, sewage pipes, and other components often suffers structural damage during the winter months.

These parts are affected by extreme cold and snow during long-term storage. Let's examine how we can detect and repair such damages.

Rooftop:

Heavy snow or ice accumulation can cause the roof to sag. Sometimes when the temperature rises again after winter the roof, which may be made of fibreglass, metal, or EPDM, might expand and crack in certain areas. It's important to detect such exterior damage and fix it with a lap sealant to prevent further damage or water ingress.

Tires:

Tire care is one of the most important aspects of an RV. When the RV is stationary for long periods, the weight of the RV and the accumulated snow compress the RV tires excessively at the point of ground contact. This leads to flat spots, which affect the traction of the tires. Freezing temperatures could also make the rubber brittle and the tire pressure gets reduced over time.

Inspect the tires for any cracks or leaks. Fix the leaks with sealants. Inflate the tire to the pressure recommended by the tire manufacturer. Also, check the wheel alignment by rotating the tires.

Windshield:

Remove the snow on the windshield with a soft bristle brush.

Never pour hot water to melt or remove snow. If the temperature rises suddenly, the glass may expand rapidly, creating stress and potentially causing it to crack.

Bottom:

Check the bottom of your travel trailer and inspect for any potential rust damage, especially around the fuel tank.

Your RV's Interior:

Even after adequate protection, sometimes when the snow over the RV melts, water seeps inside the RV through cracks and spaces around windows. Check the following parts to ensure your travel companion is in good condition from the inside:

Mold Growth:

Excess moisture during the cold season leads to mold growth. This happens mostly in areas that are damp and poorly ventilated such as floors and carpet areas. If you see signs of moisture, look out for any mold growth and clean that area to avoid unpleasant smells during your trips.

Water Lines:

While preparing your travel companion for winter storage if you have used non-toxic RV antifreeze to protect the freshwater tank and plumbing lines from cracking when temperatures drop below freezing, you may want to consider flushing them out. This antifreeze is not consumable. Thorough flushing with clean water is required to rule out any unpleasant smell during drinking.

Propane Tanks:

Propane lines and tanks power stoves and ovens for cooking meals and food items. After winter, check for any leaks using soapy water to ensure your travel trailer is fire-hazard proof.

Rodent and Pests Behind Furniture:

Warm RVs are the go-to places for rodents and pests to beat the extreme temperatures. After winter, carry out pest control to make sure your RV is free of any such rodents.

Important RV Components That Need to Be Checked:

Battery:

Extreme weather can cause batteries to leak or die. Electrical parts may also see rusting during cold weather. Do a regular check of your RV batteries, smoke detectors and other electrical parts by switching them on and see if they are functioning fine.

Air-Conditioning and Heating Systems:

Switch on your air-conditioners and car heaters, including water heaters, and check whether they are functioning properly. Check for any blockages in air circulation and clean the passage for smooth airflow.

Engine Oil:

Engine oil keeps the RV engine in good condition and free from corrosion. Check the colour of the oil. If the oil looks milky or cloudy, it has likely caught moisture. In such a case, you should consider replacing it.

Safety Equipment:

Lastly, check the safety equipment in your camper vehicle, such as jumper cables, a first aid kit, spare tires, and the braking system.

With this, you ensure that you take good care of your RV after winter.

Keep this checklist as a part of your RV care for an initial and thorough inspection of your RV to prepare it for the next season of adventures.

Contact Sturgeon Woods RV to Assist in Post-winter Inspection.

If you are looking for assistance in checking your stored RV post-winter, contact Sturgeon Woods RV for a hassle-free experience. Our top-notch team of experts will help you with regular inspections and help you maintain your RV in pristine condition through periodic checks.