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Winterizing Your Van or RV: Storage vs. Cold-Weather Use

Gray lifted van driving through fresh snow; headline link to RV winterization checklist.”
Cold nights ahead. Drain, protect, and store it right—here’s the step-by-step we use in the shop.

Cold weather is brutal on vans and RVs. Water lines crack. Batteries die. Paint corrodes. Whether you’re storing your build for the season or driving it through snow and salt, winterization is the difference between rolling in spring or paying for repairs.

This guide covers both scenarios — what to do if you’re putting your van away and what to check if you’re still using it in the cold.


Drain Your Water System

  • Storing: Turn off & drain the water pump. Empty fresh, grey, and black tanks. Bypass and drain your water heater. Pump RV-safe antifreeze through the lines if you want full protection.

  • Using All Winter: Keep your water system active, but use tank heaters, insulated hoses, and antifreeze-rated fittings where possible.

👉 Water left in the wrong place WILL freeze, expand, and crack something expensive.


Check & Protect Fluids

  • Storing: Change the oil before long-term parking. Check coolant mix is correct for deep cold. Top up washer fluid with winter-grade.

  • Using All Winter: Same checks, but stay on top of washer fluid (you’ll use a lot in snow/salt driving).


Battery Care

  • Storing: Disconnect house batteries, keep them on a maintainer. Use a tender for the starter battery. Clean terminals.

  • Using All Winter: Keep everything connected, but use a maintainer or DC-DC charger if parked for more than a week. Cold starts eat weak batteries alive.


Tires

  • Storing: Inflate to spec, consider putting on blocks or moving monthly to avoid flat spots.

  • Using All Winter: Check PSI weekly (cold temps drop pressure fast). Swap to winter tires or aggressive all-terrains if you’re driving icy roads.


Interior & Moisture Control

  • Storing: Seal windows/doors. Toss in moisture absorbers. Crack a vent slightly for airflow.

  • Using All Winter: Same moisture steps, plus watch for condensation from heaters and cooking — vent often.


Exterior Protection

  • Storing: Wash, de-salt, apply ceramic booster or spray sealant. Inspect roof seals, then cover with a breathable RV cover.

  • Using All Winter: Wash often to strip salt. Keep a ceramic booster handy. Re-seal roof if needed mid-season. Covers don’t apply here.


Keep the Fridge Fresh in Storage (Activated Charcoal)

When to use it:

  • Storage/off-season (fridge OFF): Add charcoal + prop the doors open so air can move.

  • Downtime between trips (fridge OFF): If you must keep doors closed, drop in charcoal pods to absorb odor and moisture.

What to use: Food-safe activated charcoal fridge deodorizers (pod or pouch). They’re mess-free and recharge in the sun. See products here: https://tinyurl.com/4x4pm5ms

How to do it (2 minutes):

  1. Defrost, wipe dry, and empty the drip pan.

  2. Place 1–2 charcoal pods on the top shelf at the back + 1 in the freezer (don’t block vents).

  3. Prop doors open with a storage latch. If you can’t, leave the pods inside and recheck monthly.

  4. Before you turn the fridge back on, you can leave the pods in (they’re safe), or remove them if you prefer a totally empty interior.

Tip: Only food-safe activated charcoal deodorizers


Final Walkaway / Rollaway Checklist

  • Storing: Power off electronics, empty & crack fridge, lock up, snap a few photos for insurance.

  • Using All Winter: Keep recovery gear, winter fluids, and an emergency kit onboard. Double-check lights, alarms, and wipers before every trip.


You can absolutely go about winterizing your van or RV by yourself — buying the products, crawling under the van, and babysitting it through the cold, Or… you can let us handle the winter prep while you stay warm inside. 




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