Fall and winter bring unique challenges across the country. We deal with freezing temperatures, heavy rain / snow, and power outages throughout the year here in West Virginia, but the winter months are especially tough. That’s the main reason I always keep my Airstream close and ready for anything.
Having a camper is pretty handy when you won’t have power for a while. We’ve went 10+ days without power more than once in southern West Virginia. I think 16 days is the most and that was in the 1990s and the only reason we didn’t have to worry was because my grandparents had a coal furnace in the basement and an old Winnebago in their driveway. The memories we made during that outage are some of my favorite.
There are a ton of winterization checklists and camper maintenance articles online, but I didn’t see one about winterizing just enough so that you don’t have to go through a lot of steps to use it should the need arise. I’m not sure if there’s a word for it but I’m going to call it ‘standby winterization’ or standby maintenance for campers.
Inspect and Seal Windows and Doors
One of the first things to do is check your windows and doors for any drafts or gaps that could let cold air inside. These tiny openings can significantly affect your camper’s ability to heat consistently and keep the water lines from freezing.
Replacing old or worn weatherstripping on a camper can go a long way in keeping the warmth in and the cold out. Make sure there are no cracks or damage around window and door frames, and if you find any, take the time to repair them before the temperatures drop. If you can’t find the exact weatherstripping match for your camper look at the auto and marine universal weatherstripping products. Here’s a YouTube video with some good advice:
Roof Inspection and Gutter Cleaning
Fall means falling leaves, which can quickly clog your gutters on your home but fallen debris can create issues with campers too. Water can pool and freeze on your camper’s roof, leading to damage. Regularly clearing your camper roof to avoid such problems. While you’re up there, inspect your roof for any issues. Repairing small issues now will save you from leaks and costly repairs later.
Skirting and Foundation Check
Mobile home skirting plays an essential role in protecting your home’s foundation from the harsh elements of fall and winter. But skirting is just as important for campers, especially if you plan on using your camper in the winter.
If you’re parking the camper long-term go ahead and add skirting around the bottom of it. Here’s why:
Inspecting the skirting for any cracks, holes, or loose panels that could allow cold air, moisture, or pests to get inside. Patch up any gaps or replace broken panels to keep everything sealed tight.
Additionally, check the camper to make sure it’s level. Settling or shifting can happen over time, so it’s important to ensure its level and secure before the weather turns.
Test Your Heating System
Before the temperatures start to drop, perform heating system maintenance for campers to ensure it’s working efficiently.
If it’s been a while since the last inspection, it might be time for a professional service. Clean or replace air filters to keep airflow smooth, and check vents to ensure they are clear of blockages like dust or debris. A well-maintained heating system not only keeps you comfortable but also helps reduce energy costs.
Insulate Camper Water Lines
Frozen pipes are one of the most common issues mobile homeowners faces during winter, but it’s also a problem for camper owners.
Start by wrapping any exposed pipes with insulation to keep them from freezing when temperatures dip. Focus especially on pipes under the home or in unheated areas. If your home has heat tape installed, inspect it to ensure it’s still in good condition. Replacing faulty heat tape now will save you from the hassle of dealing with frozen or burst pipes later on.
Check Your RV’s Windshield Wipers and Washer Fluid
Ensuring clear visibility is important even if you never move your motorhome. You always need to see what’s going on outside.
Start by checking your windshield wipers for any wear and tear, as old or cracked blades can streak and reduce visibility. RVs will usually need special blades. For example, my grandparents would have needed the recommended Winnebago wiper blades for the RV that got us through that blizzard I mentioned above.
Of course, fill your windshield washer reservoir with a fluid designed to resist freezing temperatures, ensuring you can keep your windshield clear during icy or snowy weather.
Test Your Battery
Cold weather can severely affect your battery, often causing it to lose power when you need it the most. Before winter hits, test your batteries to ensure they are fully charged and that all connections are clean and secure. If your battery is several years old, it may be wise to replace it, as cold temperatures can reduce its performance, making it more prone to failure when you’re on the road.
Monitor Tire Condition and Pressure
Having the right tires is crucial when driving in fall and winter, especially in icy or snowy conditions. Your camper’s tires are just as important.
Make sure your tires have sufficient tread depth to provide the necessary traction on slippery roads. As temperatures drop, so does tire pressure, so check and maintain proper inflation levels regularly.
Under-inflated tires can lead to poor handling and increased wear, while properly inflated tires will improve your vehicle’s overall performance in winter weather.
Drain and Winterize Water Lines
When temperatures drop, your mobile home’s water lines become vulnerable to freezing, which can cause pipes to burst and lead to costly repairs.
To prevent this, make sure to drain all exterior hoses and disconnect them from outdoor spigots.
Any remaining water inside the hoses or spigots can freeze and expand, causing damage.
If your camper will be vacant for any length of time during the winter, consider adding antifreeze to your water lines to further protect against freezing. Here’s a great article by
Inspect Water Heater
A reliable water heater is essential for getting through the cold months comfortably. Begin by testing your water heater’s efficiency—if it’s taking longer than usual to heat water or the temperature isn’t consistent, it might be time for maintenance. Adjusting the settings to a slightly lower temperature can help conserve energy while still providing adequate heat. Additionally, consider insulating the water heater itself or adding an insulation blanket to improve its efficiency. A well-insulated water heater uses less energy, keeping your bills lower while ensuring you have hot water all winter long.
Final Safety Checks
Test Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Detectors
Safety should always be a top priority, especially when heating systems and enclosed spaces come into play during fall and winter. Test all smoke detectors and carbon monoxide detectors to make sure they’re working properly. If the batteries are low or haven’t been replaced in a while, switch them out now to avoid any potential issues later.
Consider installing smoke and carbon monoxide detectors in your camper. They should be in key areas like the kitchen, bedroom, and near the heating system. Carbon monoxide is especially dangerous in the winter months, so having functional detectors can be a lifesaver.
Stock Up on Emergency Supplies
Winter weather can bring unexpected power outages but the better you prepare the easier it gets. I’ve lived in several places: Sarasota FL, Southport NC, Beckley WV, Lexington NC, Huntington WV, and North Myrtle Beach SC so I’ve seen some wild weather. I have a couple of things that I like to have in case something stupid happens regardless the cause. A heated blanket powered by electrical, or battery is pretty awesome in the cold.
Electric blanket (with battery pack if possible)
Keep an emergency kit in your home that includes essential items like blankets, bottled water, non-perishable food, flashlights, and batteries. You should also make sure you have backup fuel or a generator if your heating system relies on electricity. Planning for the unexpected will help you stay safe and comfortable in the event of a power outage or severe weather.
Winter’s Coming – Is Your Camper Ready to Brave It?
Fall and winter can be challenging seasons for all of us but with the right preparation, your home, your camper, and you can remain safe and comfortable through it all.
Doing the right maintenance for campers and RVs helps you handle whatever the cold months bring. Staying on top of these tasks now will save you from bigger headaches—and expenses—later.