Northeast Ohio winters are hard on RVs. Freezing temperatures split water lines, batteries die, fuel goes stale, and mice move in. A few hours of preparation in the fall prevents most of the expensive problems owners find in the spring.
Our facility is heated to stay above freezing, but we still recommend winterizing your RV before storage. Your rig sits unused for months, it may face freezing temperatures on the drive to and from storage, and your manufacturer's warranty may require it. Use this checklist alongside your owner's manual.
1. Drain and protect the water system
Water left in lines, tanks, or the water heater is the most common source of winter damage. Work through the system in this order:
- Turn off the water heater and let it cool completely before draining it.
- Drain the fresh water tank, then open the low-point drains and every faucet, including the outdoor shower.
- Remove the water heater drain plug (or anode rod) and drain the tank fully.
- Put the water heater in bypass mode so you don't fill it with antifreeze.
- Blow out the lines with compressed air, or pump non-toxic RV antifreeze through the system until it runs pink from every faucet, shower, and the toilet.
- Pour a cup of RV antifreeze into each sink and shower drain to protect the P-traps.
- Empty, flush, and close the black and gray holding tanks.
2. Batteries and electrical
- Fully charge the house and chassis batteries.
- Disconnect the batteries, or remove them and keep them on a maintainer at home. A discharged battery can freeze and crack.
- Turn off the main breaker and unplug appliances and electronics.
- Remove batteries from smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, clocks, and remotes.
3. Engine, fuel, and generator
- Fill the fuel tank to limit condensation, and add a fuel stabilizer.
- Run the engine and generator for several minutes so stabilized fuel reaches the whole system.
- Change the oil and filter if service is due. Used oil contains acids that sit on engine parts all winter.
- Check that coolant is rated for Ohio winter temperatures.
4. Propane
Turn off every propane tank at the valve. We require propane to be off for all vehicles stored at our facility, and the heated building doesn't need it.
5. Tires, seals, and exterior
- Inflate tires to the maximum cold pressure on the sidewall to reduce flat spots.
- Wash and dry the exterior so dirt and road salt don't sit on the finish.
- Inspect roof seams, window seals, and slide-out seals, and reseal any cracks before storage.
- Retract slide-outs and awnings fully once they're clean and dry.
6. Interior, moisture, and pests
- Remove all food, including sealed packages, which still attract mice.
- Clean the refrigerator and freezer, then prop the doors open to prevent mold.
- Place moisture absorbers inside, especially in closed cabinets.
- Close roof vents and blinds, and plug or screen any openings where rodents could enter.
- Take valuables, documents, and electronics home.
7. Before drop-off
- Measure your RV from the front bumper to the rear bumper, or to the ladder or bike rack if it extends farther. That length sets your storage rate.
- Make sure it fits: our doors are 14' wide by 14' high, and we store RVs up to 75 feet long.
- Take photos of the exterior and interior for your records.
- Call (440) 946-4767 to schedule your drop-off. Access is by appointment with 24 hours' notice.
In the spring: de-winterizing
Schedule your pickup with 24 hours' notice. At home, flush the antifreeze out of the water system, sanitize the fresh water tank, take the water heater out of bypass, reinstall and charge the batteries, check tire pressure, and test the propane system for leaks before your first trip.