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Avoid Winter-Specific Damage In Your RV

November 28, 2022

Cooler air is all around us, but that doesn’t mean your RV has to go into storage for the winter. Lots of folks still enjoy taking their rig out on the road during winter months and enjoying new terrain over the holidays, or escaping somewhere warm to wait out the frost. Whether you’re gearing up to keep your RV safely stowed over the winter or you’re preparing for your next big trek, it’s important to remember a few practices that will protect and preserve your RV over the winter months.

Using RV Antifreeze

Using antifreeze is one of the most simple steps you can take to deter damage to your RV’s water system over the winter. Failing to prepare your RV’s water ways might very well lead to frozen water lines, or worse, a burst pipe. Your RV manual should include instructions on how to bypass the water heater and fresh water tank and get antifreeze where it needs to go.

Seal And Cover Your RV If Not In Use To Avoid Leaks

If your RV stays outside over the winter you definitely want to make sure you have a good seal on your RV’s roof and a sturdy cover to protect it from any cold weather elements. An RV that has sealant issues or cracks will quickly allow moisture and condensation inside, causing issues such as mold, mildew and dry rot, all of which can cause health issues down the road if not attended to. Additionally, if too much moisture gets inside your RV through cracks in the roof, your RV may be prone to flooding and other water damage. Left to sit all winter without being able to dry out will make for a costly and dirty repair process.

closeup of rv water connection insulated with styrofoam for winter

Check Tire Pressure Throughout Winter

Particularly if you’re going to be traveling over the winter, it is so important to make sure your RV tires are aired up properly. Cold weather has the effect of decreasing tire pressure which may result in:

  • Increased wear and tear on RV tires
  • Difficulty handling your RV
  • Gas mileage fluctuating

RV tires will heat up as you travel, but it is best to know where your tire pressure stands before taking off down the road. You should check the tire pressure in your RV’s tires daily if driving everyday and any time you are getting ready to start another leg of your journey.

Damage To Siding And Roof

As beautiful as snow can be, it can also be very dangerous, especially to the roof of your RV. If you travel during snowy months, or have to leave your RV outside over the winter, you should be conscientious of how much snow accumulates on the roof of your RV and whether it melts off on its own. Snowfall might not seem like much, but snow actually gets very heavy as it piles up. If your RV is stored outside, even if it has a cover, there is a chance that snow will leak into your rig due to rips, tears or unnoticeable holes.

RV siding can also be damaged by excessive winds blowing against it or snowfall piling up. The weight and force of these elements might even be enough to tear at siding, causing it to need to be replaced.

RV Damaged? Contact The Best RV Repair Shop In DFW

With winter just around the bend, it’s time to make plans to prepare your RV so you can enjoy it securely throughout the winter or have it ready to roll when summer comes back around. At RV Roof and Collision serving the greater Fort Worth area, our team specializes in all things RV roof repair. Whether you need to update your current RV sealant job or need a full RV roof replacement before we’re in the thick of winter, we’re the go-to RV professionals in the area. Call us at 682-802-9619 to request a free inspection or make an appointment today!

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