Fall Maintenance Checklist: Get Your RV and Boat Ready
for the Cooler Months
As September rolls in, many outdoor enthusiasts are gearing
up for cooler weather adventures. While it's not quite time to put away the
toys, now is the perfect time to start prepping your RV and boat for the
upcoming fall and winter months. Here’s a detailed checklist to keep your
vehicles in top shape during fall and ensure they’re ready for winter storage.
1. Inspect and Clean the Exterior
- RV:
Wash the windows, roof, and siding, and check for any cracks or damage.
Pay special attention to the seals around windows and doors to prevent
leaks.
- Boat:
Rinse away salt, algae, and grime. Look for any chips in the gel coat or
damage to the hull. Clean the deck, and make sure the canvas or any fabric
covers are in good condition.
2. Check Tires and Wheels
- RV:
Inspect the tires for wear, cracks, or bulges. Make sure they’re inflated
to the proper PSI. Don’t forget to check the spare tire as well.
- Boat:
Inspect the tires on your trailer, checking for tread wear and proper
inflation. Grease the wheel bearings and ensure the trailer is in good
working order.
3. Test and Charge Batteries
- RV:
Check for corrosion on battery terminals and ensure that connections are
tight. If you’re storing your RV for a long period, consider disconnecting
the battery or using a trickle charger.
- Boat:
Test the battery to make sure it’s fully charged, especially if it’s been
sitting unused. Clean the terminals and store the battery in a cool, dry
place if you won’t be using your boat for a while.
4. Flush Water Systems
- RV:
Drain and sanitize your fresh water, gray water, and black water tanks to
prevent bacteria and odors. Consider adding antifreeze to the system if
temperatures are expected to drop.
- Boat:
Drain any fresh water tanks and water lines to prevent freezing. Don’t
forget to winterize the head (toilet) and check for any leaks in the
plumbing system.
5. Check Fluids and Oil
- RV:
Check and top off all fluids, including engine oil, transmission fluid,
brake fluid, and coolant. Regular oil changes are crucial, especially
before long storage periods.
- Boat:
Change the engine oil, gear oil, and check coolant levels. Be sure to
flush the engine to remove any saltwater, and check the bilge pump for
proper operation.
6. Prepare the Interior
- RV:
Clean the interior thoroughly, including floors, upholstery, and cabinets.
Remove any food items, clean out the fridge, and leave the doors open to
prevent odors.
- Boat:
Remove all gear, clean the cabin, and leave hatches slightly open for
ventilation. Remove any electronics or valuables, and wipe down surfaces
to prevent mold and mildew.
7. Lubricate Moving Parts
- RV:
Lubricate hinges, door locks, and slide-out mechanisms. Also, check and
lubricate the jacks and stabilizers.
- Boat:
Grease any moving parts, including the steering system, throttle, and
shift cables. Make sure trailer winches and hinges are also
well-lubricated.
8. Winterize Your Watercraft or RV
- RV:
Add RV antifreeze to the plumbing system, including sinks, showers, and
toilets. If storing in cold climates, make sure the heating system is in
working order.
- Boat:
Winterize the engine by adding fuel stabilizer, changing the oil, and
fogging the engine. Drain all water systems and protect your boat from
freezing temperatures.
9. Cover It Up
- RV:
Invest in a high-quality RV cover to protect against weather damage, UV
rays, and debris. A good cover will keep your RV looking new and help
prevent leaks.
- Boat:
Consider shrink-wrapping your boat for outdoor storage or invest in a
durable cover. This will protect your boat from snow, rain, and sun damage
during the off-season.
10. Keep the Adventure Going!
- RV
& Boat: Even though fall is here, there’s still time for one more
adventure! Check out some of the best RV-friendly
campgrounds to keep exploring the great outdoors before it’s time
to store your vehicles for winter.