As winter approaches, many boat and RV owners seek the best ways to protect their prized possessions from the harsh weather conditions. From charging batteries to choosing a quality tarp, these four tips for winterizing your boat or RV correctly help ensure boat and RV longevity and performance.
The first step in winterizing your boat or RV involves flushing and draining all fluid lines. This is crucial, as any residual water in the lines can freeze, expand, and cause significant damage to the system. Use compressed air or a nontoxic antifreeze to flush the lines thoroughly. Remember to drain the fresh water tank, hot water heater, and any other water systems on board.
Changing the oil before winter storage is another important step. Over time, contaminants can build up in the oil, which can cause corrosion during the winter months. You can mitigate this risk by replacing the oil and fuel filters. This will provide better protection for the engine and improve its lifespan.
Fogging the engine is an essential part of the winterizing process. This involves spraying a protective coating into your boat’s or RV’s engine to prevent rust and corrosion. The fogging oil protects the internal components of the engine, including the cylinders and carburetor, from the damaging effects of moisture and humidity. Always ensure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when fogging the engine.
Adding antifreeze to your boat or RV is the final step in the winterization process. Antifreeze prevents the fuel or residual water from freezing and causing damage. Use a nontoxic, propylene glycol–based antifreeze that is safe for all plumbing systems. Ensure it’s properly circulated throughout the system for maximum protection. Next, drain as much fuel as you can from your boat or RV, and then add fuel stabilizer to the remaining fuel.
When all the dirty work is done, clean your boat or RV thoroughly to remove salt, grime, and debris. Storing your boat or RV in pristine condition means you’ll be able to get right back on the water or out on the road as soon as spring arrives.
Winterizing your boat or RV correctly is not just about setting up a trickle charger for RV batteries or covering a boat with a high-quality tarp. Follow these tips and search RV storage facilities for a yard that has high-tech features and in-unit electrical outlets so you can check or work on your boat or RV periodically over the winter. In Jamestown, Ohio, that facility is Jasper Boat and RV Storage. Our fenced facility works with our exclusive app to allow owners entry while keeping intruders out.
