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 Winter
can be especially hard on RVs, both new and used. There are lots of
areas for water and moisture to hide as well as lots of plumbing.
Here are some tips and tricks to get your RV as ready as it can be
for winter storage. When you properly winterize your RV, you’ll be
ready for adventure as soon as spring comes around.
1. Drain and flush the tanks
You can’t let water sit in your RV all winter. The tanks can freeze
and cause a host of issues. You’ll need to drain and clean both the
black water tank and the gray water tank. The black tank will need a
special enzyme cleaner to remove any paper and sediment left.
2. Drain and flush the water heater
First things first, turn off your water heater and let it cool down
and release pressure. Do not attempt to service the water heater if
it’s too hot or is under pressure. Next, you’ll need to hook your RV
to a city water supply with the water turned off. Remove the drain
plug or anode rod and open the pressure release valve allowing the
water to drain out. Once all the water is drained turn the water
source on and flush the sediment from the tank for a few minutes.
3. Bypass the water heater
Locate the service door on the outside of the RV and line that up to
where it feeds inside. Usually there is an access panel that will
need to be removed. Some RVs already have a bypass installed. Check
to see if yours does before adding any antifreeze to your RV.
4. Drain the freshwater tanks and low point drains
Remove the drain plug from the tank, making sure the water pressure
is off. You can open the faucets to help the flow. When drained,
close the faucets and drains.
5. Locate the water pump
Once you’ve located your pump attach the hose to siphon. Some RVs
are already equipped with a siphoning hose. Place the hose in a
gallon of antifreeze and open the valve. This will allow the
antifreeze to flow through the water system.
6. Open the external faucets and valves on the outside of the RV
Starting with the lowest drain open all the valves and drains to
allow the water to run out. Keep them open until the water turns
pink from the antifreeze. Close the valves and tighten the plugs.
You should be sure to also turn on any outside showers or faucets
running them until the water is pink.
7. Open internal faucets, shower, and toilets
Repeat the process listed in step 6 for all the faucets inside as
well as the shower and toilets. Start by running one side of the
faucet (hot or cold) then turn it off and run the other side. Run
until the water is pink.
8. Pour antifreeze in the traps
Pour some additional antifreeze down each sink, drain, and toilet to
ensure the pipes don’t freeze over the winter. Make sure to double
check that the RV’s heating element is off and the faucets are
closed.
Now that you’ve completed these steps you can safely store your RV
for the winter. See you in the Spring!
Keep that motorcycle safe for winter
In order to ensure that your motorcycle is ready to ride as soon as
the winter weather breaks here are a few steps to keep your bike in
good condition. If it’s going to sit for the season, then simply
starting it every once in a while isn’t enough. Gold Eagle
recommends these six steps to ensure your bike starts right up next
year and performs it’s best.
1. Store your bike in a dry location
It is important to find a dry, covered area to store your bike for
the winter. Direct light could cause the paint to fade over time.
Cover your bike to prevent moisture from collecting and forming
rust. Plastic coverings should be avoided because they hold
moisture.
2. Plug the pipes
Plug your exhaust pipes to prevent critters seeking shelter. Gold
Eagle suggests using a piece of steel wool to plug the pipe.
3. Keep the gasoline fresh
Adding a fuel stabilizer will keep your gas fresh for up to 24
months. Today’s ethanol-based fuel blends can go bad in as little as
30 days.
4. Change the oil
The oil in your bike should be changed just before storage. To keep
the engine clear of last season’s road dirt and debris. Use high
quality oil in the viscosity recommended by the manufacturer of your
bike.
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5. Clean it up
To minimize oxidation a good wash and wax is needed. The wax will
get it all shined up for spring, but it will also protect the paint
during winter storage.
6. Keep the battery charged
Keep your motorcycle hooked up to a battery maintainer that will
shut off automatically to prevent overcharging.
A little bit of work to store your bike will be worth it when it’s
time to ride. Properly winterizing will prevent headaches and costs
associated with long term storage.
Keep your power equipment fit by putting them to bed properly for
winter
It’s important to winterize your lawnmower and power equipment
before it sits idle for the winter months. Central Illinois winter
is unpredictable and can come on quick. Follow the advice of HGTV to
ensure your lawn equipment is in tip top shape when spring rolls
around.
Let’s start with the fuel
If you are already using a fuel with a preservative or stabilizer
added to it, then you’re ahead of the game. Gasoline is volatile and
can spoil rapidly causing the interior parts of your equipment to
deteriorate.
You can also choose to siphon the gas left in the tank back into a
proper receptacle. Do not tip the equipment on its side to drain the
fuel or take the fuel line off the tank. If all else fails, you can
just run the gas out of your equipment. Once you’ve emptied the tank
its time for some routine maintenance.
Clean the underside of the mower and sharpen the blades
Always disconnect the spark plug wire and the battery before hosing
off your equipment.
Next, remove and sharpen the blades. You can choose to sharpen them
yourself using an angle grinder or a hand file or you can contact
your local dealer for help.
Bees Cub Cadet and Farm and Home Supply in Lincoln are both local
and offer lawn equipment maintenance.
Bee’s Cub Cadet suggests starting your lawnmower once a month to
keep your battery up and running. Store your equipment in a cool dry
place. Moisture is an invitation for rust and corrosion.
Bee’s also suggests putting sea foam in the tank to help with
moisture. Finally, it’s a good idea, but not a necessity, to store
your equipment off the ground 0n top of some pavers to prevent
moisture from collecting underneath.
Winterization protects your equipment from the effects of long-term
storage ensuring each part is fully functional once the weather
breaks. Rest assured, no matter how tedious the task, the results
will be worth it in the end.
Sources:
Camping World
October 6, 2021
How to Winterize Your RV
- Camping World Blog
Gold Eagle.Com
2023
How to Winterize A Motorcycle
Step by Step Guide To Winterize A Motorcycle | Gold Eagle Co
HGTV
How To Winterize a Lawn Mower
Author: Derek Trimble
How to Winterize a Lawn Mower | HGTV
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