How to Winterize Your RV or Boat Before Storing It
Joe Collins
July 24th, 2023
When the adventure season winds down and cooler weather starts to settle in, it’s time to start thinking about winter storage for your RV or boat. While Rancho Cordova might not face the same winter extremes as the Midwest or East Coast, your vehicle still needs a little TLC before hibernation. Winterizing your boat or RV helps prevent damage, saves money on repairs, and ensures you’re ready to roll (or cruise) once spring hits.
Even in a milder climate, cool temps, moisture, and months of inactivity can still cause wear and tear:
• Water lines can freeze overnight
• Batteries can drain or corrode
• Fuel can degrade and cause engine trouble
• Dust and critters can find their way into unchecked spaces
Taking a weekend to prep your RV or boat can protect your investment—and your future plans.
At Sunrise, we’ve helped hundreds of RV and boat owners store their vehicles safely—and winterizing is always step one. Here’s what to do:
Winterizing Your RV: A Quick Checklist
1. Drain the Water System
Start by draining all fresh, gray, and black water tanks. Don’t forget to empty the water heater too. Once drained, run non-toxic RV antifreeze through the plumbing system to protect pipes and fittings.
2. Clean It Inside and Out
Give the interior a full sweep—vacuum, wipe down surfaces, and remove all food. Unplug appliances and leave cabinet and refrigerator doors open slightly to prevent odors and mold. Outside, wash the RV and inspect the roof and seals for cracks or leaks.
3. Battery Care
Disconnect the house and chassis batteries. Store them in a cool, dry place and keep them charged with a trickle charger or maintainer if possible.
4. Cover and Protect
Even if you’re using covered storage at Sunrise, a quality RV cover can shield your vehicle from dust and sun damage. Make sure it’s breathable to prevent moisture buildup underneath.
Winterizing Your Boat: A Quick Checklist
1. Flush the Engine
Rinse the engine with fresh water to remove salt or sediment. Then run marine-grade antifreeze through the cooling system to prevent internal corrosion.
2. Stabilize the Fuel
Top off your fuel tank and add a stabilizer to keep the gas from separating or clogging the fuel system. Run the engine briefly to circulate the treated fuel.
3. Fog the Engine
Spray fogging oil into the carburetor and spark plug holes while the engine is running. This coats internal parts to prevent rust during storage.
4. Clean and Dry Everything
Wipe down the interior, remove cushions and electronics, and make sure the boat is completely dry before covering. This helps prevent mold and mildew buildup.
5. Secure a Fitted Cover
Use a snug-fitting, breathable boat cover to keep out dust, debris, and critters. A tarp can trap moisture—so go with a cover made for your specific boat model.
Bonus Tips for Both RV and Boat Owners
• Check tire pressure before storage and inflate to the recommended PSI.
• Close off all entry points to keep rodents out.
• Leave a moisture absorber or dehumidifier inside to combat mold and mildew.
• Document your process (photos, notes, labels) so reactivation in spring is easy.
Why Sunrise Storage Is Ideal for Winter
At Sunrise in Rancho Cordova, we make it easy to store your boat or RV during the off-season. Our wide driveways, secure access, and available covered storage give you peace of mind—and our location makes it convenient to pick up right where you left off when it’s time to hit the road or water again.
We’re proud to serve local RVers and boaters with a space that’s clean, accessible, and friendly. Whether you need short-term storage or a long-term home between adventures, Sunrise is here to help.
Let’s Get You Ready for Winter
Winterizing might not be the most exciting part of RV or boat ownership—but it’s one of the smartest. A little effort now means fewer headaches later—and a smoother start when spring rolls around.
If you’re looking for a clean, secure place to store your RV or boat this winter, reach out to Sunrise today. We’ll help you find the perfect space and get you set for the off-season.
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