Though Shelley and John Smith’s fifth-wheel trailer has seen the warmer parts of North America during the winter, for those who choose colder destinations, routine maintenance is key.
Steven Paul, president of Test Drive Technologies, performs vehicle inspection services for snowbirds in St. Louis, Mo. He suggests the following RV care tips for winter campers:
1. Keep up to date on routine maintenance of your generator and charging system.
The last thing you want to happen is the power to go out in the extreme cold when you don't have a backup plan.
2. Keep snow off the top of your coach.
In the extreme cold, it likely will not melt from snowfall to snowfall. Snow that piles up on top of your coach adds a substantial amount of weight, which can lead to leaks when it thaws.
3. Be sure to clear off any snow or ice that may have accumulated on the tops of the slideouts.
You do not want snow or ice to get under your slide seals and then melt after being stowed. It could run down the inner walls and rot out the floors.
4. Tire pressure is another concern when camping in the winter months, as the pressure naturally drops when it turns cold.
If your coach is parked in one place for a longer period of time and you go to release your levellers and set your coach down, you may find a low or flat tire. Check your air pressure weekly while camping in the cold weather. Some winter RVers outfit their coaches with an auxiliary air supply so they can top off their own tires prior to hitting the road.
5. Always have enough food and water for at least two weeks, snow shovels, brooms and an alternate source of heat such as wood or propane.
Be prepared to tough it out until help arrives. If stranded, never leave your current position in the cold unless it is medically necessary. You have a stronger chance of rescue if you stay with your vehicle for protection.