When your summer travel season comes to an end and the time comes to winterize your motorized RV to prepare it for winter storage, following these guidelines will ensure it emerges ready to go have some fun in the spring.

Store Your RV Indoors or Covered if Possible

Before you start cleaning your RV and preparing it for storage, first you need to know where you will put it. If at all possible, it is always best to store an RV indoors. If indoor storage isn't available or is cost-prohibitive in your local area, then covered storage is also a great option. Covered RV storage areas keep damaging rain and snow off of the top of the RV and help prevent problems with leaky seams and windows.

If you must park your RV outdoors for the winter, then avoid areas with tree branches that could fall on it. Additionally, don't park it near fields or areas with lots of vegetation because they are natural habitats for the rodents you don't want in your RV.

When storing an RV outdoors in the elements, you should cover it with a canvas cover. You should also cover the tires so the sun won't degrade them.

Change the Oil and Oil Filter

While you might be tempted to change your RV's oil in the spring just before you take it out for your family's first vacation of the year, this isn't the best plan. Instead, you should change the oil and its filter as part of the winter weatherization process. Used motor oil builds up acids and other contaminants that can damage the engine if left to sit for too long and changing your RV's oil will remove them.

Read the Owner's Manual for Your RV

The manufacturer of your RV very likely designated a whole section of its owner's manual to proper weatherization procedures. If you haven't read it recently, then it makes a lot of sense to dig out your owner's manual from the drawer and make sure you aren't forgetting anything important before you park your RV for winter.

Don't Neglect Checking On Your RV During the Winter

Lastly, it's vital you make regular checks on your RV while it is stored for the winter. At least once each month you should check to make sure the batteries are still charged, no rodents have set up housekeeping, and that no weather damage has happened. Regularly checking up on your RV ensures you can fix small problems before they become bigger and more expensive.