The end of fall is the introduction to winter, and when colder weather begins to roll in, we know it is time to put our travel trailer away until spring. Winterizing your travel trailer is not nearly as complicated as a lot of people make it seem, and it gets even easier the more times you go through the process.
What has helped us get our travel trailer ready for winter is following our travel trailer storage checklist step-by-step to make sure we have not overlooked any of the essentials. A travel trailer storage checklist is not only great for remembering what needs done, but also vital for protecting your travel trailer through the brutal winter months.
🛒 Check out our Amazon Travel Trailer Storage Checklist product guide.
This is a comprehensive travel trailer storage checklist that covers all the bases—from plumbing to pest control, batteries to tire covers. Let’s get started!
🧊 1. Drain and Winterize the Plumbing System
This is the most important task before any freeze hits!
- Empty all water tanks: Drain the fresh water tank and flush both gray and black tanks completely. Use a tank cleaning wand or built-in flush system if available.
- Drain the water heater: Turn off the power and allow it to cool before draining.
- Bypass the water heater: Install a bypass kit if not already in place to avoid wasting antifreeze in the tank.
- Blow out water lines: Use an air compressor with a blow-out plug (30-40 PSI max) to remove residual water from faucets and lines.
- Pump in RV antifreeze: Using a water pump converter kit or hand pump kit, push non-toxic pink RV antifreeze through all water lines, including kitchen and bathroom sinks, showerheads, outdoor showers, and toilets.
- Don’t forget the traps: Pour a cup of antifreeze into each drain and the toilet bowl to protect the P-traps and seals.
🧴 Product Tip: Use RecPro Ready-to-Use RV Antifreeze.
🧼 2. Interior Preparation
Say goodbye to that camping season grime and hello to a fresh start in spring.
- Remove all food: Even unopened food can attract rodents.
- Defrost and clean the fridge: Leave fridge and freezer doors cracked open to prevent mold.
- Clean appliances and floors: A deep clean now prevents surprises later.
- Remove soft goods: Take home blankets, towels, pillows, and anything that can retain moisture or odor.
- Open cabinets and drawers: Allows air circulation and reduces musty smells.
- Lay Out Dryer Sheets: Keeps your interior smelling fresh and clean for the spring. We like the Gain + Oder Defense.
- Moisture control: Use DampRid, Eva-Dry dehumidifiers, or silica gel packs in corners and closets.
🧽 Pro Tip: Toss in a few dryer sheets to keep things smelling fresh and help deter mice.
🛠️ 3. Exterior Maintenance
Keeping the outside protected means fewer repairs when spring rolls around.
- Wash and wax: Remove road grime, bugs, and sap, then apply a protective wax.
- Inspect all seals and seams: Check windows, roof vents, and doors for cracks. Reseal with Dicor Lap Sealant.
- Lubricate moving parts: Hinges, locks, stabilizer jacks, and the tongue jack all appreciate a little lube before the freeze.
- Cover vents and pipes: Use mesh covers or foam to keep critters out.
- Check and inflate tires: Inflate to the recommended PSI and consider using tire covers or placing boards under tires to keep them off cold pavement.
🛞 Product Tip: Moonet RV Tire Covers are a great and affordable option.
🔋 4. Battery and Electrical Systems
Batteries hate the cold, and a little prep goes a long way.
- Charge fully before storage: A fully charged battery is less likely to freeze.
- Disconnect and remove: Store in a dry location. Keep them off concrete floors and away from freezing temps.
- Use a maintainer: Battery tenders or solar trickle chargers help maintain battery health.
- Shut off main breaker: Prevents phantom power draw and unexpected drain.
🔌 Product Tip: NOCO Genius1 Smart Battery Charger or a 5W solar battery maintainer for long-term trickle charging.
🏕️ 5. Final Touches Before You Walk Away
Last but not least—secure your rolling getaway and give it the love it deserves.
- Cover your RV: Use a breathable RV cover to prevent moisture buildup while protecting from sun, snow, and debris.
- Block entry points: Use steel wool or pest deterrents in common mouse entrances (electrical cord holes, vents).
- Secure stabilizers: Retract or snug them down with blocks, but don’t lift the trailer.
- Lock doors and windows: Obvious but essential.
- Leave a checklist inside: Add a “de-winterizing” checklist so you’re ready to roll when spring arrives.
🧯 Bonus Tip: Check fire extinguisher expiration and smoke/CO detectors while you’re at it.
