Popup Winterizing 101

This year went by so fast, but given that we were able to get in as much camping as we have since the first weekend in August when we picked up our camper, we are pretty pleased.  So, yet another thing new to us is how to prepare and store our camper for the winter.  Here in Southeast PA, nearly all of the campgrounds close on November 1st and won't re-open till April 1st.

The camper manual pretty much states that everything should have a good cleaning, top off the propane tank to full, take care of the sink/water tank, and battery.  After adding some additional items from the Forest River forums, I loaded my tools into the van to go over and begin the process.  Here are some photos of the camper while I was there and some of the things I did.

Inside:

• Emptied all the storage compartments and drawers and placed a Bounce Dryer Sheet in them.
• Vacuumed the compartments and below the cushions.
• Cleaned the beds and ends, inspected all zippers
• Cleaned the fridge and propped open for storage
• Washed the stove, burners, and lid thoroughly.
• Used the air compressor, regulated to 20psi, to blow air in the lines of the city water and tank while the valves were open to push any moisture thru the lines and out.
• Added RV Antifreeze to the sink to protect the drain and trap, collected excess in empty milk jug on the drain line outside.
• Cleaned the surface of the sink, left drain open and the taps open
• Washed and vacuumed the floor
• Opened the light fixtures and recorded the bulb style and size, for an LED replacement project
• Removed the 9V battery from the overhead smoke detector
• Cleaned the screen for the Fantastic Fan in the ceiling

Interior 12V Ceiling Fixture Bulb, note the discoloring from the heat

Stove cleaned, Sink Winterized

After carefully ensuring everything was placed away in its place, I unzipped the sidewalls and lowered the bunk ends to begin closing up the camper.  Carefully folding the sides in as I went, after a few walk arounds the camper was closed and the roof secured.  The awning was still open, so I cleaned the surface and inspected the edges.  Everything was good, so once dry, I wrapped it up and secured in the cover on the side of the roof.  Since the nose would be tipped down for the winter, I placed both zippers at the low point of the cover, so any condensation or moisture could escape there if it built up to any point.  I then cranked the tongue jack down to get the roof to drain forward, this helps since I'll cover it and with the AC unit ontop I didn't want to chance a puddle freezing and thawing while resting on the roof.

Parked, with tongue down for good drainage of rain

Outside:

• Installed Bug Screen on Furnace intake/exhaust
• Cleaned all connections for water and dried, securing the caps
• Made sure all tires were at proper PSI, including the spare.
• Washed everything
• Double checked all controls were off for the refrigerator on the outside compartment, cleaned, and placed Bounce Dryer sheet inside.
• Covered vents with plastic bag to keep bugs out
• Removed Propane tank, covered the connector and secured to the LP tank holder
• Removed the battery, taped the negative terminal over and secured inside the battery box
• Covered the hitch connector plug and secured.
• Opened and recorded the exterior step light size/type for LED replacement.

Bug Screen on the Furnace intake/exhaust (prevent those Mud Dauber Nests)

Exterior Step light bulb, very hot when in use, definitely switching to LED

Covering the fridge vent and a bag on the inside of the access, to prevent bugs getting in.

12V Battery and Tank Removed, Connections protected for Winter and secure

Cover is on!  Awaiting Spring!

So, next spring, I'll reverse the order, open and inspect, and we'll be ready for camping in 2013!!