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Storing Your RV for the Season: Tips for Winter Readiness

  • By Admin
  • •
  • 24 May, 2017
  • •
After a season of beautiful weather and pristine sunny days, the weather is getting cooler and it's time to think about putting away your RV for the winter. A lot goes into making your vehicle winter-ready, so as soon as the temperatures start to drop to freezing temperatures at night, you need to have your winterizing strategy ready to go. Here are some tips that will help you keep your RV safe all off-season long so you are ready for new adventures come spring.
05.24.2017

Storing Your RV for the Season: Tips for Winter Readiness

After a season of beautiful weather and pristine sunny days, the weather is getting cooler and it's time to think about putting away your RV for the winter. A lot goes into making your vehicle winter-ready, so as soon as the temperatures start to drop to freezing temperatures at night, you need to have your winterizing strategy ready to go. Here are some tips that will help you keep your RV safe all off-season long so you are ready for new adventures come spring.

Drain All Your Plumbing Fluids

If your RV isn't going to be used for more than a month or so, you will want to drain all the fluids in your RV's plumbing. This task prevents water from freezing in pipes, which can cause them to burst or crack. To thoroughly complete the job, use an air compressor to blow out your plumbing lines, or have a sprinkler technician service your RV along with your property's regular fall blow-out.

You will want to further protect your plumbing system by pouring antifreeze down your toilet and in your sink. If you spill any antifreeze by accident, cover the liquid with cat litter or sawdust, remove the saturated material with gloves or a plastic bag, then wipe the affected surface down with soap and water. Antifreeze is very toxic and can enter the body via skin contact, so always keep this substance out of the reach of children and pets.

Engage in Pest Prevention

All sorts of pesky invaders want to take over your RV as soon as it starts to get cold out, and they can be more troublesome than you think. Rodents can chew through wires and ants or other colonizing insects can take over your vehicle in a hurry.

Keep rodents and other pests out of your RV by sealing off water line entrances, lining your cupboards and cabinets with moth balls, and removing all signs of food. If creatures do manage to get inside, the lack of food and horrible stench of moth balls will make your vehicle a place they'd want to leave in a hurry.

You can also have an  RV service company  help you winterize your recreational vehicle against intruders. An RV specialist can spray your firewalls with added foam insulation to not only protect your vehicle against moisture and cooling temperatures but also keep unwanted varmints out.

Make Preparations Under the Hood

If you plan on starting your RV a few times a month to keep the battery charged and strong, then you don't have to worry about disconnecting it. If you want to preserve its power and keep it from corroding, it's best to disconnect and remove your battery. While you are under the hood, it's also a great idea to check the fluids in your RV, such as power steering, brake, and transmission fluids. Always keep your coolant at its maximum level to prevent freezing in the winter.

Buy the Right Cover

Whether you plan on storing your RV in your garage, under a covered carport, or simply at the side of your driveway, you want a reliable cover to keep the vehicle safe and warm. A breathable cover in a cotton blend is a wise choice. You want the cover to completely drape your RV with ventilation to prevent moisture from pooling within the vehicle. Make sure the cover is dry and free of debris before placing it on your RV.

When spring arrives, your RV should be ready for fun and adventure again. If you have any questions about how else to care for your RV or you need supplies for proper winter storage, contact the experts at RV Service Center of Santa Cruz. Their friendly associates will help you keep your recreational vehicle in top condition.

Childproofing Your RV: Getting Your RV Ready for Family Fun

By admin • November 29, 2017
Few vacations are as exciting for a child as hitting the road in your own RV. With your own RV, you're able to take your home and family with you - and give your children experiences that they'll never forget. However, not every RV comes completely childproofed. If you have young kids or even babies, you may want to take some additional measures to childproof everything inside the RV before you start your trip.

Weatherproofing Your RV From Rain

By Admin • October 31, 2017
Whether you are still driving your RV, trailer or camper around during these autumn months or are getting your RV ready for outdoor winter storage, weatherproofing is an important detail to consider. Proper weatherproofing helps prevent water from entering and damaging your RV.

Securing Items To Prevent Interior Damage

By Admin • August 11, 2017
Driving an RV isn't always smooth sailing -- anyone who has been on a bumpy back road can tell you that. Detours and whims are a normal part of traveling, and for RV owners, those new roads often hold surprises.

How to Fire-Proof Your RV| Rv Service Center Of Santa Cruz

By renamills@comcast.net • July 27, 2017
07.27.2017 How to Fire-Proof Your RV| Rv Service Center Of Santa Cruz Whether you've just purchased your first motor home or you're a seasoned RVer, you should ensure your investment is fire-proof. You probably know how to take a lot of common-sense precautions when fire-proofing your RV, but here are five tips that are easy to follow and will bring you peace of mind before hitting the highway.Change and Properly Dispose of BatteriesA lot of people aren't aware of the dangers in something so seemingly innocent, but batteries can pose a fire hazard if they don't get the right attention. Start by changing any battery-powered appliances in your RV once a year. This includes smoke/propane/carbon monoxide detectors, flashlights, portable radios, etc.Batteries can also spark a fire if the terminals touch or they come in contact with metal. So when you remove the batteries, place electrical tape over the terminals and remove them from your RV right away, and put them in a secure place to be recycled. Also be sure to keep any unused batteries in their original container until ready for use. Since recycling batteries in California is mandatory, you should take care of this before hitting the road. This will prevent you from having to find a recycling center while you're RVing.Maintain the Tires and Wheel BearingsAs you know, tires get hot from friction on the road. But what you might not know is that tires canoverheat to the point that they catch on fire. You can avoid this hazard by ensuring your tires have proper inflation, but there's one other component that can become a fire hazard: the wheel bearings. If they fail, they can overheat and cause the tire to catch on fire.Make sure to have your tires and wheel bearing inspected before taking a trip. Also, consider investing in an infrared temperature gun. By using it regularly, you can get an idea of what the norm is so you'll know exactly when your tires are too hot.Routinely Inspect Your RefrigeratorRefrigerator fires are one of the most common types of fire hazards in an RV, especially if you have a refrigerator that runs on gas. But these fires also easy to prevent when you know what the hazards are. Before heading out for your travels, remove the access panel on the outside of the RV and run a quick visual inspection. Look for rodents that might be nesting, loose wires, dirt and debris, and any evidence that overheating has occurred.Next, you'll need to decide whether you're comfortable traveling with the propane on to keep contents in the fridge cool. If your RV is set up to battery-power your fridge, this is definitely a safer option. But many long-time RVers are adamant that traveling with the propane on is perfectly fine. Keep in mind the gas must be shut off at service stations and while traveling through restricted tunnels and over bridges.The good news is that your food will stay reasonably cool for up to five hours. So if you're only traveling short periods every day, there's no need for the propane at all until you stop for the night.Maintain Your Electrical SystemElectrical outlets are limited in RVs, which can certainly pose some challenges. But by taking the following precautions, your risk of fire is greatly reduced:Avoid overloading outlets with too many appliances, particularly ones that draw a lot of energy.Avoid extension cords. If absolutely necessary, stick with one that's heavy duty, and don't run them under rugs.Routinely check for loose electrical connections AFTER disconnecting any battery connections and your RV from shore power. If anything seems amiss or loose, hire an electrician who works on RVs to fix the problems.Invest in an RV surge protector that will immediately shut off the power if dangerous surges occur.Perform random "touch" tests to ensure the outlets aren't overheating.If you're one to max out your outlets, you might also consider having an electrical box installed-one that's heavy duty to support your appliance usage. This is a great way to improve your RV's electrical system.Invest in Fire ExtinguishersFire extinguishers are a must for every RV, and you have several types to choose from. However, the best is probably a dry chemical extinguisher since they're rated for most any type of fire. The main caveat is that some of the agents can become corrosive over time. So it's important to clean up the mess as soon as possible once the fire is extinguished.If you have any questions about fire-proofing your RV, contact one of our team members at RV Service Center of Santa Cruz. Facebook Twitter Google+ pinterest

Storing Your RV for the Season: Tips for Winter Readiness

By Admin • May 24, 2017
After a season of beautiful weather and pristine sunny days, the weather is getting cooler and it's time to think about putting away your RV for the winter. A lot goes into making your vehicle winter-ready, so as soon as the temperatures start to drop to freezing temperatures at night, you need to have your winterizing strategy ready to go. Here are some tips that will help you keep your RV safe all off-season long so you are ready for new adventures come spring.

Understanding and Troubleshooting Power Converters and Inverters on RVs

By Admin • April 27, 2017
A recreational vehicle (RV) is only as good as its electrical system, so it’s important to understand the basics of how your RV directs electrical current to the appropriate places. Two devices—the converter and inverter—play a big part in managing electrical power in your RV. Below is more information about power converters and inverters.

Summer Time and Your RV: How to Keep Your RV Cool

By Admin • March 24, 2017
Summertime trips in your RV can provide some of the best days of your life, but the hottest part of the year can make staying comfortable in your RV a challenge, if you aren't prepared. Below are several tips you can use to give your RV's air conditioner a helping hand and keep yourself comfortable.

How to Replace a Worn Gasket in Your RV Air Conditioner

By Admin • February 1, 2017
If your recreational vehicle's (RV) air conditioner is leaking, then it is probably time to replace the rooftop gasket that seals the unit. As this gasket ages, it becomes brittle, hard, and unable to seal the opening, thus permitting moisture to enter the RV. Below is how you can replace an old gasket with a new one and eliminate a frustrating air conditioner leak.

5 Tips to Find the Perfect Vintage RV or Trailer

By Admin • January 1, 2017
Nostalgia for old campers is growing by leaps and bounds as more people realize the relaxing benefits of getting away from the city in their own retro "home on wheels." They remember trips with their parents and neighbors to see the Grand Canyon or the Smoky Mountains and want to recreate the experience with their own kids. Other families choose to restore old campers as family projects they later use for economical road trips.

How To Maximize Your RV Refrigerator's Effectiveness

By Admin • December 1, 2016
A refrigerator is an essential recreational vehicle (RV) appliance if you plan to prepare your own meals during travel. However, you can get the most use out of an RV refrigerator when you understand the unique aspects of the appliance. Below is more information about RV refrigerators and what you can do to make them truly work for you out on the road.
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