When camping season ends in Alberta, properly preparing your RV for winter storage can help protect it from freezing temperatures, moisture, pests, and unnecessary wear.
Whether you’re storing a motorhome, travel trailer, fifth wheel, or camper, a little preparation now can make getting back on the road much easier next spring.
Here are six important steps to prepare your RV for winter storage.
If you don’t have enough room to keep your RV at home, or simply want to free up your driveway for the winter, an RV storage facility can be a convenient option.
Look for features such as:
Gated and controlled access
Perimeter fencing
Video surveillance
Good lighting
Convenient access hours
A well-maintained parking area
Elite Self Storage offers RV storage in South Edmonton and St. Albert in secure, paved, and gated compounds. Both locations offer convenient access from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, 365 days a year.
Alberta winters can be extremely hard on an RV’s plumbing system. Any water left inside pipes, tanks, or fixtures can freeze, expand, and cause costly damage.
Before storing your RV, follow the manufacturer’s recommended winterization procedure. This may include draining the fresh water and holding tanks, emptying the water heater, and clearing water from the plumbing lines.
You may also need to run RV antifreeze through the entire plumbing system.
Remember to check areas that can easily be overlooked, including:
Sinks and drains
Toilets
Indoor and outdoor showers
Faucets
Water pumps
Appliances connected to the water system
If you’re unsure how to properly winterize your RV, have a qualified RV technician service it before storing it.
Give your RV a thorough cleaning before storing it for several months.
Wash and dry the exterior and inspect the roof, windows, doors, and seals for cracks or areas where moisture could enter. Taking care of minor maintenance issues before winter can help prevent bigger problems in the spring.
Inside, remove food, garbage, and anything that could attract pests.
Clean and empty the refrigerator and freezer, then leave the doors slightly open to help prevent odours and mildew. Remove food from cupboards and storage compartments.
This is also a good time to vacuum floors, wipe down surfaces, and make sure fabrics and other materials are completely dry before closing up the RV.
RV tires can sit in the same position for months during winter storage.
Before parking your RV, check the tire pressure and inspect the tires for damage or unusual wear. Follow the RV and tire manufacturer’s recommendations for long-term storage.
If you store your RV outdoors, tire covers can also help protect the tires from prolonged UV exposure.
Avoid parking on soft or uneven ground whenever possible. A paved RV storage area provides a stable surface throughout the winter.
Your RV batteries also need attention before long-term winter storage.
Depending on your RV and battery type, you may need to disconnect or remove the batteries and store them according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
If you remove the batteries, keep them in a dry location and check their charge periodically during the winter.
Also make sure lights, appliances, and other electrical equipment are turned off before leaving your RV in storage.
Putting your RV into storage doesn’t mean you should forget about it until spring.
Check it periodically throughout the winter for:
Signs of water leaks or moisture
Pest activity
Tire pressure
Damage to exterior seals or covers
Battery condition
Snow or ice accumulation
Regular checks can help you catch a small problem before it becomes an expensive repair.
Once your RV is properly winterized, choosing a convenient storage location makes it easier to keep your driveway clear while your RV is off the road.
Elite Self Storage South Edmonton offers secure outdoor RV storage at 3230 97 Street NW. The facility is fenced and gated with video surveillance and controlled access.
Elite Self Storage St. Albert, formerly Riel Park RV & Self Storage, offers year-round RV storage at 7 Riel Drive. The facility provides gated access, video surveillance, and convenient access for RVs, trailers, boats, and other recreational vehicles.
Both locations offer flexible rental options and access from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, 365 days a year.
It’s best to winterize your RV before temperatures consistently drop below freezing. Alberta weather can change quickly in the fall, so preparing your RV early can help prevent frozen pipes, tanks and other costly damage.
Depending on the type of battery and your RV manufacturer’s recommendations, you may want to disconnect or remove the battery during winter storage. If removed, store it in an appropriate dry location and check its charge periodically throughout the winter.
Elite Self Storage offers secure outdoor RV storage in South Edmonton and St. Albert. Both locations feature gated access, video surveillance and convenient access hours from 6:00 AM to 10:00 PM, 365 days a year.
Whether you need RV storage in Edmonton, RV storage in St. Albert or seasonal storage for a trailer or camper, Elite Self Storage can help you find a convenient space for the winter.
Explore our RV Storage options or contact our storage team to check current availability.
South Edmonton: 780-452-8242
St. Albert: 780-459-6435
