As the summer camping season winds down and fall sets in, it’s time for RV owners to prepare their campers for the colder months ahead. While winterizing your RV’s plumbing system is essential, there are plenty of other, smaller tasks you can tackle first to keep your RV in top shape. Here’s a list of 15 simple things you can do to make sure your RV is ready for the off-season. I try to do many of these things after each camping trip, but the end of the camping season is a great time to go all-in with your efforts!
1. Wash and Pack Away All Bedding
After a long summer of fun and travel, it’s time to give those sheets, pillowcases, and blankets a good wash. Strip the beds and store the clean bedding in airtight bags to keep everything fresh and ready for next season.
2. Remove All Food
It’s super important to take out all food from your RV—perishable or not. Leftover food is a huge draw for pests, and you definitely don’t want to open your RV in the spring to find a party of ants, mice, or worse. Be sure to check the pantry, fridge, and freezer (even behind and under furniture!) for any forgotten snacks.
3. Clean Out the Fridge and Freezer
Give your fridge and freezer a good wipe down once all food has been removed. Defrost if necessary, and leave the doors slightly ajar to prevent any mold or mildew from growing inside during the winter.
4. Wipe Down All Surfaces
Dust and dirt accumulate over time, even in small spaces like your RV. Grab a multi-surface cleaner and wipe down countertops, tables, and other hard surfaces so your RV stays spotless during the off-season.
5. Sweep and Mop the Floors
Even with a good RV mat, it’s impossible to keep all the dirt, sand, and debris outside. Give your floors a thorough sweep, then mop to get rid of any remaining grime. A clean floor is key to preventing future buildup! (We love our lightweight stick vacuum for RV cleaning during and after trips!)
6. Inspect and Clean the Awning
Your RV’s awning has likely seen plenty of use during the summer. Now’s the time to wipe it down, check for any signs of wear or damage, and make sure it’s completely dry before storing it away.
7. Clear Out Toiletries
Don’t forget to remove any liquid toiletries like shampoos, conditioners, and soaps from your RV. These can freeze during cold months, leading to messy leaks or burst containers.
8. Remove and Store Outdoor Gear
Camping chairs, folding tables, and other outdoor gear should be packed away and inside at the end of the season. Not only will this save space, but it’ll also protect your gear from the elements during the winter.
9. Vacuum Upholstery
Your RV’s couches and chairs can collect crumbs, dirt, and dust over time. A quick vacuum of all upholstered surfaces will keep everything looking and feeling fresh, plus it helps prevent any musty smells.
10. Clean and Store Grills or Outdoor Cooking Equipment
If you’ve enjoyed some outdoor BBQs during the summer, don’t forget to clean off your grill and any outdoor cooking equipment. Store them safely inside your RV or garage until the next camping season.
11. Check and Replace Batteries
Smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, and various electronics in your RV likely need fresh batteries. It’s a good idea to remove and replace any batteries now so you don’t have to deal with them next spring. Depending on the climate where you store your camper, you might want to remove most batteries from the camper for the storage season to protect them from extreme temperatures.
12. Inspect and Clean Window Screens
Window screens can collect a surprising amount of dirt and debris. Take a moment to clean them off, and check for any small holes or tears that might need repairing.
13. Cover Air Vents and Openings
Critters love to find warm, cozy places to hide during the winter. To keep them out of your RV, make sure all air vents and openings are securely covered or blocked.
14. Toss Out Expired Supplies
First aid kits and other supplies in your RV can expire over time. Now’s a great time to go through your supplies and toss or recycle anything that’s out of date. Replace them with fresh supplies so you’ll be ready to roll next season.
15. Close Blinds and Curtains
Sunlight can fade fabrics and damage your RV’s interior over time. Before you lock up for the season, close all blinds and curtains to protect your furnishings. Plus, it adds a bit of privacy, so no one’s peeking inside while your RV is parked.
One more suggestion! Make sure you place a new moisture eliminator or 2 in the camper before you close it up for the winter! These little containers really work! They keep the moisture levels down in the camper, decreasing musty odors.
Final Thoughts
Tackling these small tasks now will save you time and hassle when it’s time to winterize your RV. You’ll be giving your camper the love and care it deserves after a busy summer of adventures, and ensuring that it’s in tip-top shape when camping season rolls around again. Keep this list handy and enjoy the peace of mind that comes with knowing your RV is well-prepared for the off-season!
