Winter is coming–and it’s time to make sure your RV is ready.
Whether you’re planning to store your rig indoors or outdoors, there are some key steps you’ll need to take to prevent damage and maintain your RV’s condition. Just parking in the driveway and hoping for the best won’t cut it!
Protecting your vehicle exterior and interior will help you hit the road in style next year with a clean, functional and attractive RV. And it doesn’t have to be a drag. With the right tools and techniques, you can handle this job yourself in a single weekend.
Read over this RV winterization guide for the lowdown on how to correctly prepare your rig for winter storage.
Table of Contents
1. Step One: Clean Your RV’s Exterior
2. Step Two: Protect Your RV’s Exterior
3. Step Three: Winterize the Interior
4. Step Four: Prepare the Tires and Undercarriage
5. Step Five: Cover and Store Your RV
6. RV Winter Maintenance With Poli Glow®
7. Keep Your RV Safe and Adventure-Ready
Step One: Clean Your RV’s Exterior
It’s important to ensure your RV is spotlessly clean before storing it for winter. If dust, dirt and grime are allowed to sit on the gelcoat for months, you could end up with unsightly marks and staining. It’s also very hard to tell if the seals are fully closed on a dirty RV.
Depending on your RV’s condition, you may need to pre-clean the exterior surfaces withPoli Prep™. This concentrated cleaning formula removes light oxidation and stains so you can get your rig properly clean. (It is not necessary or safe to use Poli Prep™ on brand new, unoxidized surfaces that still have their original gloss.)
Next, usePoli Wash™ RV soap to gently remove all the road crud from your vehicle without damaging the finish. It works on fiberglass, aluminum and painted surfaces. Simply fill a bucket with 1-2 ounces of Poli Wash™ and water, scrub your RV with a soft cloth or vehicle brush, and rinse well. It’s that simple!
Dealing with tough, baked-on dirt? Don’t stress!Poli Wash Pro™ RV Stain Remover delivers the extra firepower you need to get the job done. You can use this professional-grade cleaner to tackle stubborn dirt on your rubber surfaces and tires as well.
Step Two: Protect Your RV’s Exterior
Whether you drive a fiberglass or “stick and tin” RV, your vehicle’s exterior needs protection during the winter months.
Exposure to cold temperatures, wind and harsh weather can degrade your RV very quickly. It’s better to take the right precautions now rather than face a costly repair bill in the spring.
For new or recently restored RVs with a high-gloss finish,Poli Slick Seal™ spray-on ceramic coating delivers an extra layer of coverage. It’s the perfect way to extend the longevity of your finish and add even more shine! Just spray it on a microfiber towel and wipe it onto your exterior surfaces.
If your RV exterior is showing signs of wear (a dull finish, faded colors, chalkiness, cracks or staining) we recommend usingPoli Glow® to get it back to ‘like-new’ condition. This specialized RV polish seals your fiberglass or aluminum surfaces to defend them from the elements. It lasts up to 6 years with a few annual maintenance coats, and it’s easy to apply yourself– no buffing or polishing needed!
How To Apply Poli Glow® For the First Time
Gather Your Supplies
ThePoli Glow® Deluxe RV Restoration Kit contains everything you need to polish and protect your RV before you store it for winter:
- Poli Glow® RV polish
- Poli Ox™ oxidation remover
- Poli Prep™
- Poli-Mitt™ Applicator
- Non-Abrasive Scrub Pad
- Ultra-Fine Sanding Pad
One kit covers up to a 28-foot RV, or about 350 square feet of surface. For a big rig, you’ll need additional kits.
Prep Your RV
It’s important to remove all oxidation before applying Poli Glow® to avoid sealing in buildup and stains. Follow these steps to properly prep your RV:
- Cover ink-printed or silk-screen decals and graphics with plastic and tape.
- Wet the surface of your RV with water.
- In a trigger spray bottle, dilute the Poli Prep™ concentrate at a ratio of 3 parts water to 1 part product.
- Spray the solution onto the surface and scrub vigorously with the non-abrasive scrub pad, then rinse well with water. Repeat as necessary to create a clean and uniform surface.
- Use Poli Ox™ to treat stubborn stains and areas of moderate to heavy oxidation. Moisten the ultra-fine sanding pad with water and sprinkle with Poli Ox. Scrub the affected area vigorously, taking care not to damage any decals.
- The surface should look uniformly dull without color changes or blotches. Some of the colors may still appear bleached until Poli Glow® has been applied.
- Let your RV air dry or buff it dry with our550 GSM Microfiber Towel.
Polish and Protect
- Once the oxidation is removed and your surface is prepped, moisten the Poli-Mitt™ Applicator with water. Wring it out so that it is damp, not soaked.
- Shake well and drizzle several lines of Poli Glow® onto the applicator. Wring gently to evenly distribute the product. Do not soak the mitt.
- Working in four to six foot sections, apply Poli Glow® to your RV’s surface with vertical or horizontal strokes (not circles).
- Apply 6-12+ thin coats for a first use, depending on your climate and the overall condition of your RV. (See the Poli Glow® Coating Chart here for specific guidelines.)
- Wait several minutes for each coat to dry between applications. Apply the next coat when the surface is not tacky and doesn’t feel wet, about 1-2 minutes.
- Allow your RV to cure for 48 hours.
Poli Glow® bonds securely to the surface of your RV, forming a UV-resistant seal that helps repel water, weather and stains. This is especially important during the winter months when your rig is more vulnerable to damage.
Step Three: Winterize the Interior
When it comes to RV winterization, most owners focus on protecting the exterior– but it’s equally important to prepare your vehicle’s interior spaces. You don’t want to come back to a burst pipe or pest infestation in the spring!
How To Winterize the Plumbing System
Start by draining your black and gray water tanks. Flush the tanks with fresh water and a small amount of liquid tank treatment (follow the instructions on the product label). Continue flushing until the water runs clear.
Next, drain your faucets, water lines, and hot water heater. You may need to use an air compressor to blow residual water out of the lines. Remove your RV’s water filters, switch your hot water heater to “bypass mode” and make sure all faucets are shut off.
Then use a water pump converter kit to pump antifreeze through your entire plumbing system. While running the antifreeze, turn on your taps and shower one at a time until you see pink. Flush your toilet(s) until you see pink and pour antifreeze down your sink, shower, and toilet drains. This will help ensure your system doesn’t get damaged by ice formation in freezing weather.
How To Protect Against Pests
Your RV looks like an inviting home to critters seeking shelter from the winter cold. The best way to avoid unwanted visitors is to remove all food items from your RV before storing it for the winter. Don’t forget to shake out your rugs, sweep and mop floors and inspect any rubber seams for crumbs.
Double check all vents and windows to make sure everything is sealed and locked. If you want to leave a vent cracked open for ventilation, use a breathable cover to keep pests out. The same goes for exterior appliance vents (hot water heater, generator, refrigerator, etc.). You don’t want to roll out a welcome mat for bugs or mice to get in!
It’s a good idea to place non-toxic rodent and insect repellants inside your vehicle before storing it. This will add an extra layer of deterrence, provided your RV is clean and free of food.
Step Four: Prepare the Tires and Undercarriage
When winterizing your RV, don’t forget about the tires! Colder temperatures cause the air in your tires to contract, which leads to lower tire pressure. Without the right preparation, you risk ending up with flat spots or deflated tires in the spring.
Before storing your vehicle, inspect tires for leaks and inflate them to the recommended PSI. It’s a good idea to elevate your RV on leveling jacks to keep the tires off the ground. If your vehicle will be stored outdoors, consider protecting your tires with waterproof and UV-blocking tire covers.
Your RV’s undercarriage also needs some attention to prevent cold-weather damage. Check for rust and remove it with sandpaper or a wire brush. Once the rust is gone, apply a rust inhibitor to the parts of the underbelly that are prone to corrosion.
Step Five: Cover and Store Your RV
You have a few options to choose from for off-season RV storage. It’s important to consider your local climate, RV value, maintenance needs and budget when making a decision. No one choice will be right for every RVer.
Whether you opt to keep your rig indoors or outdoors, these RV winter storage tips will help you avoid ugly surprises when you take it out for the first road trip of the year.
Option #1: Indoor Storage
This is the high-end option: storing your rig in a climate-controlled indoor space (either a storage facility or an RV garage on your property). Not surprisingly, fully indoor storage is expensive and hard to find. But for RV owners who drive luxury rigs and/or live in very harsh climates, the extra protection is often worth the higher bill. Pests can still find their way into indoor storage spaces, so be sure your rig is well-sealed and clean.
Option #2: Covered Storage
Covered RV storage is basically a covered parking spot, such as a carport or open-air metal building. It’s more affordable than indoor storage and still affords a basic level of protection from direct sunlight, snow and rain. Since your vehicle will be exposed to cold, the plumbing system should be fully winterized and all tires should be covered. An RV cover is also recommended (see “Outdoor Storage” below).
Option #3: Outdoor Storage
Most RV owners store their rigs in the driveway or another outdoor space, and this can work well with the right preparation. If you go this route, a high-quality, breathable RV cover with UV protection is absolutely essential. A good cover should fit tightly to your RV and have vents for proper airflow. You may also want to use an RV skirt to protect the undercarriage.
RV Winter Maintenance With Poli Glow®
No matter how carefully you prepare your RV for winter, you may still notice some weather-related wear and tear– especially if your rig is stored outside. A few proactive steps during the off-season can help ensure your RV is ready to roll next spring.
✓Check on your rig regularly.
If your RV is stored in an outdoor or semi-outdoor space, be sure to visit it regularly. Sweep any snow or debris off the roof and keep an eye on your rubber seals, which can deteriorate in cold weather. It’s also smart to inspect the interior for pests once a month so you can intervene early to evict any unwanted guests.
✓Add an extra layer of protection.
Preserve your Poli Glow® coverage by keeping your RV clean and dry throughout the winter months. For an added layer of protection from the elements, use Poli Slick Seal™ spray-on ceramic coating. It gives your rig a hyper-slick shiny finish that repels water, dirt and stains.
✓Re-apply Poli Glow® in the spring (if you didn’t in the fall).
If you didn’t touch-up your Poli Glow® coating before storing your RV for the winter, take the time to apply a few maintenance coats in the spring. This will seal any thin areas and give your rig continuous protection, no matter where the road takes you.
Keep Your RV Safe and Adventure-Ready
Winterizing your RV can feel like a big job, but Poli Glow® makes protecting the exterior easy. It’s designed for owners who want to care for their rigs without the hassle of messy waxes or expensive professional applications.
Your RV’s fiberglass or aluminum surfaces are the first line of defense against cold, rain, sleet, snow and other rough winter weather. Restoring them with Poli Glow® is one of the best ways to prevent damage and extend the lifespan of your RV.
And when it’s time for that big summer camping trip next year, the high-gloss Poli Glow® finish is sure to turn heads everywhere you go!
Click here to get our all-in-one RV restoration kit with Poli Glow®.
