Fall Maintenance Checklist: Get Your RV and Boat Ready for the Cooler Months

Published on 10/8/2024
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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.