Winterizing Your RV for Spring Adventures

How to protect your rig now—so you’re ready to roll when the weather warms up.

Spring is one of the best times to hit the road in an RV. Campgrounds start reopening, temperatures are comfortable, and the adventure season officially begins. But before you can enjoy those first sunny weekends, your RV needs a little attention—especially after a long winter.

Whether you’re storing your RV through cold weather or preparing it for early spring travel, winterizing is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your investment. From plumbing and batteries to tires and roof seals, a proper winterizing routine helps prevent costly damage and makes spring startup easier.

Here’s your complete guide to winterizing your RV for spring adventures—brought to you by Kunes RV.

It’s easy to think of winterizing as something you do in the fall and forget about, but winter conditions can affect your RV all season long. Cold temperatures, moisture, freezing pipes, and battery drain can lead to issues that delay your first trip of the year. Winterizing helps prevent frozen or cracked plumbing lines, protects your water heater and tanks, reduces the risk of mold and mildew, extends the life of your battery and appliances, and helps stop leaks caused by shrinking seals and roof seams. In short, winterizing now means fewer repairs later and more time camping in spring.

Your RV’s plumbing system is one of the most vulnerable areas during cold weather. If water freezes inside your pipes, it expands, and that expansion can cause cracks, leaks, or major damage that isn’t always obvious until you try to use the system again.

Start by fully draining your fresh water tank, gray tank, black tank, and water heater tank. Open your low-point drains and then open every faucet inside the RV, both hot and cold, to help clear out any remaining water. Once the system is drained, make sure your water heater is turned off and cooled down before you drain it completely. If your RV has a bypass system, set the valves correctly so you can protect the heater and avoid filling it with antifreeze.

To finish the job, use non-toxic RV and marine antifreeze, never automotive antifreeze. Many RVs include a winterizing siphon kit, or you can use a hand pump connected to the city water inlet. Run antifreeze through the kitchen sink, bathroom sink, shower, toilet, and any exterior shower your RV may have. After that, pour a small amount into each drain to protect the P-traps and keep odors from creeping back up.

Cold weather can drain RV batteries quickly, even when your RV isn’t being used. If your RV will be stored for an extended period, it’s a smart move to disconnect the battery or remove it entirely and store it in a more temperature-controlled environment. A battery left sitting too long can lose its charge and shorten its lifespan, so using a smart battery maintainer or a properly rated trickle charger can make a big difference.

It’s also worth taking a moment to inspect your shore power cord for damage, confirm breakers and fuses are in good shape, and make sure your converter is functioning properly. Catching small electrical issues now helps prevent frustrating surprises when you’re ready to travel again.

Even when your RV isn’t moving, your tires still carry the full weight of the rig, and sitting in one place for months can lead to flat spots and premature wear. Before storage, inflate your tires to the manufacturer’s recommended PSI and consider using tire covers to protect them from sun exposure. If possible, park on leveling blocks or wood rather than bare ground, and consider tire cradles to reduce stress during long-term storage.

When spring approaches, inspect your tires closely for cracks, dry rot, or uneven wear, and double-check tire pressure while the tires are cold. Pay attention to valve stems as well, since they can deteriorate over time. If your tires are aging or you’re unsure about their condition, it’s best to address it before you hit the highway.

Winter moisture has a way of finding the smallest openings, and RV leaks are one of the most common sources of costly repairs. A quick inspection can go a long way toward preventing water intrusion that leads to damaged insulation, warped walls, or hidden mold.

Start by checking roof seams and seals around vents, skylights, antennas, and the air conditioner unit. Look for peeling sealant, gaps, or cracking that could let water in. Slide-outs deserve attention too, since cold temperatures can cause weather stripping to shrink and seals to dry out. Cleaning and conditioning those seals helps them stay flexible and do their job. While you’re at it, check door and window gaskets and storage compartment seals to keep your RV protected from spring rain and changing temperatures.

Opening your RV after winter storage should feel exciting, not disappointing. Unfortunately, winter storage creates the perfect conditions for moisture buildup, which can lead to musty odors and mildew. The best defense is to start with a clean, dry interior and reduce anything that might trap humidity.

Remove all food items, including dry goods, and thoroughly clean the refrigerator. Leaving the fridge door slightly open during storage helps prevent stale odors and mold growth. Inside the cabin, moisture absorbers can help keep humidity under control, and opening cabinets and drawers slightly encourages airflow. If your RV is stored somewhere accessible, checking on it periodically during the winter and refreshing moisture control products can make spring startup much easier.

Winterizing isn’t just about plumbing. Your RV’s interior and appliances need attention too, especially if you want everything to feel fresh and ready when travel season returns. Cleaning surfaces, vacuuming thoroughly, and removing bedding and linens helps prevent odors and keeps pests from finding cozy places to settle in.

Before storage, it’s also a good idea to lubricate locks and hinges and shut off propane at the tank. For appliances, make sure the stove, microwave, and refrigerator are cleaned and free of crumbs or residue that could attract rodents. If pests are a concern where you store your RV, inspect for potential entry points and take safe, preventative steps to protect your space.

Winter weather can be hard on RV finishes, decals, and trim, especially when wind, moisture, and temperature swings come into play. Washing and waxing your RV before storage helps protect the exterior and makes it easier to spot any issues later. If you’ve driven in areas where roads are salted, cleaning the undercarriage is a smart move to reduce corrosion.

It’s also helpful to inspect awnings for tears or mildew and ensure caulking and exterior seals are holding up. If you store outside, a breathable RV cover can provide additional protection while still allowing moisture to escape.

When spring finally arrives and you’re ready to travel again, de-winterizing brings your RV back to life. Start by flushing antifreeze from the plumbing system and sanitizing the fresh water tank so your water is clean and safe. Reconnect and fully charge your battery, then test your lights, outlets, and power systems. It’s also important to check propane levels and test key appliances like the furnace, water heater, and refrigerator to confirm everything is operating correctly.

Before your first trip, inspect tires one more time, check roof seals and slide-outs, and confirm your brakes and signals are working properly. A quick test run in the driveway can help you spot issues early and avoid delays once you’re on the road.

Winterizing your RV is one of the smartest things you can do to protect your investment and keep your travel plans on track. Whether you need help with plumbing protection, battery service, tire recommendations, seal inspections, or a full spring readiness check, the team at Kunes RV is here to help.

When you’re ready for spring adventures, we’ll make sure your RV is ready too. Reach out to Kunes RV today to schedule service, get expert guidance, or pick up the parts and supplies you need for a smooth start to the season.