Winterizing Your Pop-Up Camper

Failing to properly winterize your camper may result in large repair bills come spring. Most pop-up campers are not equipped with a hot water system, flush toilet and shower; however, they still need to be winterized. You can avoid trouble now by taking a few minutes and following these few steps.

First if your camper is equipped with a potable water tank open the drain and empty all the water out. Operate the pump at the sink whether it is electric or hand driven. Open both faucets if you have two. Operate the pump until no more water is flowing. Next, disconnect the hose going into the pump and connect to the pump a hose long enough to reach the bottom of a one gallon bottle of RV antifreeze.

Use only RV antifreeze. Any other antifreeze will harm your system and cause potential health issues and possible death when you next use the camper. With the hose in the bottom of the RV anti freeze and connected to the inlet side of your pump, operate the pump until the antifreeze is flowing out of the faucet. Turn off the faucet. You can now reconnect the pump the way it was. Your water system is winterized.

The next thing to do is cover all exterior holes with a screen fabric or fill them with a copper or stainless steel wool. This will prevent any furry creatures taking up residence in your camper over the winter. Mice and Chipmunks will chew wires, wood, and your upholstery. You will need to ensure they are kept out.

Now that your camper is shut off from the outside it is time to give it a thorough cleaning. Use baking soda on the refrigerator and the cleaner recommended by your manufacturer on all other surfaces. Use a vacuum to get into the corners and under the mattresses and into every cabinet. I always place a few stations of mouse bait around after I finish cleaning. This is insurance against the mouse who might have slipped in while I was cleaning.

After the interior is clean, inspect the seals around the roof and body seams. Give them a light coating of Vaseline gel. Replace any which are worn. You want to ensure a tight water seal but have it open easily in the spring. Place a piece of folded cardboard in the refrigerator door to keep it open and air circulating inside the box. Leave all cabinet doors and drawers open to prevent mildew.

Find a secure place to park your camper for the winter. If you park it outside make certain there are no dead branches overhead which can fall during high winds. Do not store the camper in high grass. Park the camper with the tongue lower than the rear bumper this will allow water to run off as the snow melts.

If you are going to cover your camper use a cover specifically made for your RV. Tarps and canvas drop cloths do not allow for ventilation and can cause damage. Covers made by companies like Adco are designed to protect your camper and will fit correctly. They might even cost you less than a comparable sized tarp.

Before you cover your camper remove the battery and store in a warm place. If this is not possible, place a trickle charger on the battery to keep it charged. Disconnect and cover the propane tank.

Following these few steps will ensure your camper will be ready for you to enjoy when you open it up for next year's camping season.