Winter is coming, and it’s time to protect your boat or RV from the cold months and harsh weather. Since your boat or RV will likely be sitting for a few months, it’s important to ensure that it’s well-protected from the elements and drops in temperature. Keep reading for some essential tips on winterizing your boat or RV.
Winterize Fluid Lines First
Flushing and draining fluid lines is the first step to winterizing your boat or RV. This is a critical first step, as any traces of water in your lines can freeze and expand, thus causing damage to your system. Flush the lines with compressed air or a nontoxic antifreeze, then drain all lines connected to water systems. For an RV, this means the water heater and freshwater tank.
Change the Engine Oil
Changing the oil of your boat or RV before letting it sit during the winter months is also important. When an engine sits idle for a long time, moisture and contaminants can build up in the oil which can cause corrosion. You can reduce this risk by changing the oil and filters before shutting the RV or boat down for the winter. Clean oil and a new filter will provide better protection than used oil sitting in the engine for months. Even if you have boat rentals that might get used during the winter months, it’s best to change the oil before winter sets in.
Further Protect Your Engine With Fogging
Fogging the engine is a good winterizing step to take as well. This means spraying a protective coating on the engine of your boat or RV to create a barrier against rust and corrosion. The fogging spray protects the engine’s internal components such as the cylinders and carburetor. One of the biggest problems with letting an engine sit is the damaging effects of moisture. The fogging spray provides a protective barrier.
Stabilize Your Fuel and Use Antifreeze
The final step to winterizing your engine is to add antifreeze. This prevents the fuel or water from freezing and damaging your engine. The best choice is a nontoxic propylene glycol antifreeze that can be used for any plumbing system. Ensure that it gets a chance to circulate through your engine for the best results. Finally, drain most of the fuel from your RV or boat engine and add a fuel stabilizer to what remains in the tank. This ensures that you’ll have a seamless startup for the new season.
Clean Everything
Winterizing the engine is the main dirty work for preparing your RV or boat for winter. However, your work isn’t done yet. Before putting either vehicle away in storage, it’s important to thoroughly clean it inside and out. Just as moisture and dirt can affect your engine when it sits for months, it can also affect the interior and exterior of your boat or RV. When you store your boat or RV in excellent condition, it will be much easier to get out on the road or water when the warmer months arrive.
Obviously, wherever you store your boat or RV, they should stay under cover. You may also want to remove the battery or set up a trickle charger to ensure that it doesn’t go dead over time.
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Daniel Malone