RV Winterizing & Storage Checklist

Download printable checklist (PDF) Print it for your convenience.

Always follow your RV manufacturer’s instructions. Every RV, water heater, generator and engine is different. This checklist covers general, widely used practices. Your owner’s manual (and your dealer or an RV technician) comes first.

North Texas winters are usually mild, but hard freezes still happen, and water left in an RV’s lines, pump or water heater can freeze and crack them. Whether you’re parking for winter or just storing between seasons, run through the steps below before you drop your RV off.

Water System

Drain the fresh water tank and open the low-point drains.
Turn off the water heater and let it cool completely before draining it; then set the water heater bypass valve if your RV has one.
Remove inline water filter cartridges.
Clear water from the lines, either by blowing them out with low-pressure compressed air or by pumping non-toxic RV antifreeze through every faucet until it runs pink (hot and cold), including the toilet and outside shower.
Pour a little RV antifreeze into each drain P-trap.
Use only non-toxic RV/marine antifreeze in the plumbing. Never use automotive antifreeze.

Holding Tanks

Dump the black tank, then the gray tank, at a proper dump station.
Flush the black tank (with a built-in flush or a wand) and dump again.
Add a small amount of RV antifreeze to the tanks if your manual recommends it, and close the valves.

Inside the RV

Remove all food, including sealed items, to avoid attracting pests.
Clean the fridge, turn it off, and prop the doors open so it stays dry and does not grow mildew.
Clean and dry the interior; consider moisture absorbers.
Close blinds or shades to cut down on sun fading.
Check for and seal gaps where rodents or insects could get in.

Power, Propane and Engine

Turn off the propane at the tank or cylinders.
Turn off breakers and disconnect the house batteries, or remove them and keep them charged; a battery maintainer helps.
For motorhomes and generators, follow the manufacturer’s guidance on fuel stabilizer, fluid levels and exercising the engine or generator.

Tires, Roof and Exterior

Inflate tires to the recommended pressure (check the placard or owner’s manual).
Wash the RV and inspect roof seams, sealant and window seals; repair cracks before storage.
Retract and dry the awning before storing it.
Close roof vents and cover them if needed.

Before You Drop It Off at Liberty RV Storage

Measure your height, including the AC unit and antennas: covered stalls have 15′ clearance.
Choose your size: 13′×40′ or 13′×25′ covered, a 50′ pull-through (two 13′×25′ in line), or 12′×25′ uncovered.
Take valuables out of the RV.
Use your 24/7 keypad gate access to check on your RV during the off-season: look for leaks or pests, check tire pressure, and top off the battery charge.

Storing a Boat Too?

Follow your engine and boat manufacturer’s winterizing steps. If you use Richland-Chambers Reservoir, remember TPWD’s clean, drain and dry rule for zebra mussels before you take the boat to another lake.

Ready to Store?

Liberty RV Storage has 65 covered 13′×40′ stalls, 68 covered 13′×25′ stalls and 20 uncovered 12′×25′ spaces on US-287 near Corsicana, with 24/7 keypad gate access, 110V power at each stall, HD cameras and field lighting. Rent Online, see covered RV storage in Corsicana, or go back to the home page.