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Maximize Your Space: Tiny Camper Organization Tips

Choosing to explore in a tiny camper is one of the best ways to travel off the beaten path and spend more time in the great outdoors. However, the confined space of a tiny camper can quickly turn from cozy to chaotic if not organized efficiently. At Juniata Valley RV, we’re tiny camper enthusiasts and we’re here to help! Check out our camper organization ideas, practical tips, and indispensable products that will transform your RV into a place of efficiency and comfort.

Compact Camper Space-Saving Ideas

The art of camper organization is about maximizing space without sacrificing comfort or functionality. This is especially true in a small RV, where space to store is already limited. Organizing your RV is the process of arranging your belongings so that everything has its place, is easily accessible, and serves multiple purposes whenever possible. A well-organized camper ensures a more enjoyable and stress-free trip.

Start with a Plan

Before you dive into organizing, it’s important to have a clear understanding of the space you’re working with. Take note of the storage areas, hidden nooks, and available surfaces in your tiny camper. Most brands design their models with smart storage solutions in mind, so be sure to explore every inch of your camper for potential storage spots. If it’s a new RV, you can ask the dealership representatives for an in-depth tour of all the secret storage compartments.

Woman loads clothes into a donation box in the process of decluttering and camper organization.

Declutter and Prioritize

The first step in effective camper organization is to declutter. Bring only what you truly need. Prioritize items based on their necessity and frequency of use. Remember, the goal is to travel light and avoid clutter that can quickly consume your limited space. It’s more than just a Marie Kondo, getting rid of items that don’t spark joy, but a focus on belongings that are truly essential to your trip.

Use Vertical Space Wisely

Vertical space is often underused in RVs. Consider installing hanging organizers, shelves or hooks on walls and doors. These can hold everything from kitchen utensils and toiletries to clothes and outdoor gear. There are tons of products that can help you better organize your RV.

Multi-functional Furniture and Accessories

When space is at a premium, every item in your camper should serve multiple purposes if possible. Look for furniture that doubles as storage, like benches with internal compartments or tables that fold away when not in use. Even small additions, such as collapsible kitchenware or a cutting board that covers the sink, can make a big difference.

Organizational Tools and Accessories

Invest in organizational products designed for small spaces. Drawer organizers, vacuum-sealed bags, and magnetic strips for knives or tools can help make sure everything has its place. Additionally, over-the-door organizers are perfect for taking up otherwise unused space and keeping essentials at hand.

Embrace Digital Solutions

To save physical space, consider digital alternatives for entertainment and information. Instead of packing books, games, and guides, use e-books, online streaming services, and tablets. This approach saves space while keeping you connected and entertained.

Regular Maintenance is Key

Camper organization is an ongoing process. Regularly assess what’s working and what isn’t, and don’t be afraid to reorganize as needed. This is especially true after you’ve been on a few trips and have a better understanding of what you need, which places collect clutter, and how your space is used.

Invest in Compact Kitchen Appliances

The kitchen is one of the first places to become a magnet for unwanted items. This is why compact appliances can be a game-changer. Look for multi-functional appliances, like an Instant Pot, that can save space without sacrificing functionality. These help to streamline the cooking process and offer the flexibility and convenience of having all the necessary tools to whip up delicious dishes within limited space.

Customize Storage Solutions

Consider customizing your storage solutions to fit your specific needs. Custom-built shelving or cabinets can be designed to use every inch of space, tailored to the dimensions of your belongings. This can be particularly useful for storing bulky items, like winter clothing or sports equipment, in a way that’s accessible and orderly.

Two women at the sink in their RV. Cooking together.

Use the Outside of Your Camper

Don’t forget about the exterior of your camper and tow vehicle for additional storage. Bike racks, roof boxes, and rear-mounted cargo carriers can significantly increase your storage capacity. These solutions are ideal for storing items that don’t need to be accessed frequently or are best kept outside, such as kayaks or bicycles.

Browse Tiny Campers for Sale in Pennsylvania

Now that you have some camper organization ideas and tips, it’s time to put them into action! At Juniata Valley RV, we have a wide selection of tiny campers for sale that are perfect for those looking to minimize their travel style and focus on time spent outdoors. Browse our inventory online or visit our dealership to find compact campers from top brands like Aliner, nuCamp and Winnebago. We have a variety of other RVs for sale if traveling small is not for you, like fifth wheels and even motorhomes for sale.

Organizing a tiny camper requires creativity, flexibility and a bit of strategy. By implementing these tips and making the most of the specialized products available, you can turn your compact space into a functional and cozy home away from home. Remember, the key to successful camper organization is to continually assess and adapt to your changing needs. Whether you’re a seasoned explorer or just starting out, Juniata Valley RV is here to help!

Begin Your Adventure

How to Prevent RV Slide Out Problems

Owning an RV can be plenty of fun, but it can also be a huge responsibility. The price tag that comes along with RV issues is often quite hefty. When your unit malfunctions, it can be difficult to spot what’s wrong without the help of a professional. The best way to avoid the headaches that come along with owning an RV is to focus on preventing issues before they occur.

RV slide out problems are one of the most common mechanical malfunctions in RVs. When your RV doesn’t slide out, there isn’t much you can do to save your camping trip. Although problematic, RV slides are almost always necessary. Without their ability to create extra width inside your camper, your vacations would be pretty cramped. RV slide out problems are common, so we gathered some info on how they happen and what you can do to prevent them.

Assess and Prevent RV Slide Out Problems

How RV Slide Outs Work

RV slide outs have become an industry standard for almost every type of unit — motorized and towable. Since the late 90’s, most RV models have included at least one slide to increase the livable space on the inside of your camper. There are different types of RV slide outs, but most use electric motors or hydraulics to operate.

Electric RV slide outs use a rack and pinion, or pulley and cable, system powered by an electric motor. The motor spins a shaft or pinion which moves the slide in one direction, and adding a gear allows it to slide in the opposite direction. The electric motor uses a 12-volt DC power, which runs directly off the main house battery.  This makes them usable when you’re not plugged into a power source at the campground.

RV slide out extended on a travel trailer parked in the woods.

Though less common, some RV slide outs use pull and cable systems. Others use the well-known Schwintek slides. Finally, though very rare, a few units are equipped with the power gear slide out system. The rack and pinion, however, is by far the most common slide out system, so that’s what we’re focusing on today.

Common Problems

The top five reasons for a slide out malfunction are lubrication issues, motor burnout, power issues, foreign objects and leaks. Some are easily treatable on your own, but others will need professional attention from RV service technicians.

Lubrication Issues

Likely the most common slide out problem, a lack of proper lubrication results in your RV slide having issues smoothly moving in and out. This is often an easy fix with a lubricating product like WD-40’s RVcare line, which we’ll discuss later. Be careful not to force a slide that needs lubrication as you can damage the rail system and make the situation much worse.

Motor Burnout & Power Issues

Another common culprit, motor burnout occurs when the motor that moved the slide in and out stops functioning. Somewhat similarly, power issues occur when your slide out can’t pull power from your RV, or your RV isn’t properly connected to a power source. This isn’t as easy to fix on your own, so you’re better off scheduling an RV service appointment for professional help.

Other Issues

Finally, leaks and foreign objects will prevent your RV slide out from functioning properly. Anything blocking the slides or interfering with their movement can cause slide out issues. It’s best to assess the situation and then decide if you need to call a professional. If you aren’t confident that you can repair the leak or remove the object, it’s probably best to find an RV technician. You may end up making the issue worse, which will only drive up the cost of a fix.

Manual RV Slide Out Overrides

If you’re stranded at a campground with a stuck RV slide out, consider manually moving the slide in or out. Your RV should come with an owner’s manual, which has more unit-specific instructions on manually moving a slide out.

Start by finding the slide out motor, often below the slide out room. Remove the brake assembly from the motor by unscrewing it. Find the crank extension and attach it to the crank handle that comes with the trailer. If you don’t have the crank handle. Use a wrench or socket and ratchet. Turn the crank extension by hand to manually move the RV slide out in or out.

After you’ve moved the RV slide out to the desired position, be sure to reattach the brake assembly to the slide out motor. Replace and tighten the screws to prevent the slide out from moving.

Slide Out Problem Prevention

Anything that can be fixed with WD-40 and a Craftsman wrench is approved by Toby Keith, RV parts included. Luckily for RVers, WD-40 has our backs with their 3-in-1 RVcare product line. WD-40’s RVcare Slide-Out Silicone Lube is perfect for preventing, and sometimes treating, slide out problems.

Simply spray the trusted brand of lubricant on the tracks and your slide out will be moving smoothly once again. WD-40 RVcare also makes Window and Track Dry Lube, which helps prevent messes and works well on RV window tracks, or other interior slides. Both products are a great way to lubricate your RV after long, stationary months in winter storage.

Most RV slide outs move with simple rack and pinion technology. Overall, troubleshooting and preventing RV slide out problems doesn’t have to be complicated. Follow our advice to keep your unit functioning well and save yourself a few headaches and canceled vacations. If you have no choice, manually moving your RV slide out is an option, though difficult.

If you continue to have RV slide out problems, bring your unit by Juniata Valley RV. Our friendly and experienced service staff can assess the issue and make the repairs that get you back on the road as soon as possible. If you’re ready to make a change, our sales staff would be happy to help you find a new or used RVs for sale ready to leave the lot today. Stop by our Mifflintown, Pennsylvania, location, contact us online or give us a call if you have any questions about our RV sales or service.

Begin Your Adventure

8 Easy Campfire Dutch Oven Recipes

Tools and Meals to Cook with the Dutch Oven

If you’re looking for a way to add meal options to your camping menu, there’s nothing more versatile than cooking with a campfire Dutch oven. When camping, it is best to have a Dutch oven with both the pot and lid made of cast iron. Cast iron is great for campfire cooking because it can handle very high temperatures without damage and conducts heat evenly throughout the cooking surface.  A Dutch oven can be used as a pot over the fire or an oven when covered in hot coals, making cooking with it very popular. Dutch ovens can also be used in an oven at home or on top of a gas heater if other fuel is hard to come by, which makes them a convenient way to cook all year round, in any environment.

Campfire Dutch Oven Cooking Materials

If you haven’t used your Dutch oven at the campground, here are a few tools to help give the best experience when trying campfire Dutch oven recipes:

  • Campfire Tripod – A tripod or over-hanger can be used for cooking or keeping your dish warm above the heat.
  • Campfire Grate – A campfire grate can function as either an object to position your Dutch oven above the heat or become a cooking surface itself for other pots and pans.
  • Long Metal Tongs – Long-handled tongs are a little awkward to use but are needed to move food and position coals around hot campfires.
  • Gloves – Heat-resistant gloves add another layer of protection when handling hot food and materials over the campfire.
  • Dutch Oven Lid Lifter – Lids can be both hot and heavy, so having a lid lifter is necessary. Some lid lifters can also be used to adjust food while cooking.
  • Chimney Charcoal Starter – Charcoal starters are designed to preheat briquettes quickly, which can trim down your preparation time.
  • Cooking Thermometer – A little bit of a luxury, but necessary if you want your meals cooked to perfection every time.
  • Liners & Oils – Having liners or cooking oils to separate the food from the inside surface of the pot will make it easier to remove food for serving and to clean the oven afterward.
  • Potholders – If you don’t have a tripod or a grate, a simple potholder can help you safely raise your warm Dutch oven off the ground without overcooking your dish in the hot coals.

Dutch Oven Recipes to Cook Over the Campfire

Dutch Oven Bread

Total Cook Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 1

Bake soft, flaky, fluffy bread with this campfire Dutch oven recipe from Uno Casa. It requires only a few ingredients and just 30 minutes of baking time. You’ll have your lovely loaf ready to slice and serve with your favorite spread in under an hour.

Dutch Oven Pot Roast

Total Cook Time: 4 hours and 10 minutes

Servings: 10

This campfire Dutch oven recipe brings home-cooked comfort from the warmth of your campfire to your campsite. There is nothing better than the taste of tender beef lying in a bed of fresh vegetables and savory spices, all steamed and baked slowly over charcoals. This Dutch oven recipe delivers maximum taste with a few basic ingredients and your favorite blend of spices.

Dutch Oven Peach Cobbler

Total Cook Time: 1 hour and 10 minutes

Servings: 6 to 8

This simple Dutch oven recipe only requires eight ingredients. In 12 easy steps, you can bake up a soft and sweet peach pastry with a warm, flaky crust that is sure to top any meal or evening under the stars. Bring a taste of grandma’s cooking to your campfire with this winner for (after) dinner!

Chopped peaches, sugar and other ingredients to make peach cobbler.

Campfire Lasagna

Total Cook Time: 45 minutes

Servings: 6

Meat-free dinner guests? No problem! This vegetarian lasagna is sure to be a favorite for all pasta lovers. Break up a boring dinner routine and spend the night cooking this meal over the campfire with friends and family.

Dutch Oven Campfire Nachos

Total Cook Time: 20 minutes

Servings: 4

When the kids get hungry, try this quick and easy dinner option. Grab your Dutch oven for a hearty nacho dish, which can function as a snack or a meal. Crispy chips and smooth refried beans, topped with fresh chopped veggies and stringy melted cheese; this is a recipe that can please any hungry camper. Vegetarian campers can enjoy this meal as well since no meat is included.

The Dublin Coddle (Bratwurst Casserole)

Total Cook Time: 2 hours and 30 minutes

Servings: 4

The Dublin Coddle is an easy campfire Dutch oven recipe. Sink your teeth into soft potatoes, glazed onions, crunchy bacon, and succulent sausage all boiled in zesty chicken broth and beer. Enjoy an Irish classic from the comfort of your campsite. As a bonus, this recipe works in your oven at home too!

Campfire Steamed Clams

Total Cook Time: 28 minutes

Servings: 2

Perfect for coastal camping, these light buttery clams are steamed in a white wine sauce. Add in some garlic and pepper flakes for a kick of heat and a bit of spice, and you have a meal that is both flavorful and fragrant. Don’t discard the broth, as it doubles as both a sauce for the clams and as a dip for the bread. Get acquainted with your environment and a taste of the ocean with this campfire Dutch oven recipe!

Dutch Oven Pork Chops and Potatoes

Total Cook Time: 1 hour and 24 minutes

Servings: 4

Enjoy succulent pork chops covered in breadcrumbs, cooked along with hearty cubed potatoes bathed in creamy mushroom soup to blend it all together. With only eight ingredients and an hour of cook time, this meal will quickly crush your hunger and keep your tank full while on the go!

When it comes to campfire cooking, there is nothing wrong with going Dutch! Now that you have some exciting new Dutch oven campfire recipes to cook on your next camping trip, are you ready for your journey? Let us here at Juniata Valley help you with the details from RV parts and accessories, to new and used RVs for sale, including motorhomes, travel trailers, and more! Give us a call, contact us online,

Begin Your Adventure

How to Keep Your RV Warm in Winter

Camping in fall and winter presents a specific set of obstacles to overcome. One of the most pressing issues is, of course, keeping your RV warm. Not only can cold weather damage your RV, specifically when temperatures drop below freezing, but a chill in your unit can put a damper on the whole trip. To help make winter RVing more enjoyable, we gathered this list of tips to help keep your RV warm in winter.

Keep Your RV Warm When You Camp in Winter

Insulate RV Floors

RV floor insulation will help keep your RV warm and will help reduce engine noise and vibrations on the road. Floor insulation should be installed between the floor and subfloor in your unit. The main options for floor insulation are foam board and automotive insulation.

Foam board insulation is thicker and often more effective at maintaining temperatures, but it’s rigid and difficult to install. Meanwhile, automotive insulation is flexible and easy to install. Additionally, it has a vapor barrier and high weight-bearing capabilities, which makes automotive insulation ideal for most RVs. You can purchase automotive insulation online and install it yourself, or you can let the RV service team at Juniata Valley RV install it for you!

Insulate Your Doors and Windows

Much of the heat inside your RV is lost to the single-pane windows in most units. If you feel a draft near the windows and doors, or a noticeable drop in temperature, you’ll know you need to work on the insulation. This can involve both upgrading your windows and doors or replacing the caulking and stripping.

A low-cost option to help keep your RV warm is to re-caulk and replace the weather stripping. Weather stripping will normally last two to three years before it begins to deteriorate. After that, we recommend a replacement. You can also purchase shrink insulation to install on your windows.

On a similar note, you can check on the rubber seals and gaskets around your RV windows and doors. These should be inspected and lubricated regularly, and should be replaced once they begin to deteriorate. Cracked or hardened seals provide an easy path for cold air to slip into your unit.

The last option is a complete replacement to upgrade your RV windows and doors. You can opt to switch out cheaper, single-pane windows for more high-quality, energy-efficient options. If you’re in or near Pennsylvania, the service department at Juniata Valley RV can help with this!

Install an RV Skirt

RV skirts can be installed around the bottom of your RV to prevent cold air from entering the undercarriage. RV skirts are popular in colder months, plus they can often be aesthetically pleasing and offer extra storage space underneath your unit. RV skirting seals the air underneath your RV off from the outside, so the air there stays stationary and warm.

RV skirting can protect your pipes from freezing, which can cause damage if they are filled with water. Additionally, if the air underneath your camper is warm, it helps keep the floors warm as well. In this sense, RV skirts have the same logic as double-pane windows. You seal off a pocket of warm air. By doing so, you gain another layer of insulation.

Additional RV Accessories

Another cost-effective, easy option to keep your RV warm is to purchase interior accessories. This means decorating your RV with window shades, curtains, and rugs or carpets. These provide an additional layer of insulation to keep the warm air in and the cold air out. In addition to preserving heat, they can add to the homey feel inside your camper. You can easily add some décor that fits your tastes and personalizes your camper while saving cash on RV heat.

Portable Heat Sources

Another low-cost option to keep your RV warm and cozy is the addition of space heaters and electric blankets. These offer localized heat right where you need it. They’re especially popular heat sources at night. You can easily add a space heater to the bedroom, or huddle under the warmth of a heated blanket. As long as you use them safely and responsibly, these are great options to help stay warm.

RV Heat Pumps

Our last suggestion to help keep your RV warm in winter months is an RV heat pump. These pumps provide warm, dry air in your unit. They lower indoor humidity levels and raise the temperature. There are two types of RV heat pumps: ducted and non-ducted. In general, ducted pumps are better for large campers and non-ducted work in small campers. While these do require electricity to run, the addition of warm air and removal of humidity can go a long way to keep your RV warm.

A young couple shares coffee outside of their travel trailer while camping in the snow.

All of these resources, or any combination of them, will do wonders to conserve heat and help keep your RV warm all fall and winter long. Camping season doesn’t always have to end when the leaves fall! At Juniata Valley RV, we have plenty of RVs for sale that are ready to provide you with winter living. You can also check out our new RVs for sale specifically, and ask us about modern units with extra heating sources, like an electric fireplace. Once you’re ready to see a unit in person, visit our dealership in Mifflintown, Pennsylvania. Our staff is always happy to take you on a tour!

Begin Your Adventure

RV Christmas: Your Celebration Guide

The holidays have come back around, and we’re ready to have a festive Christmas RV celebration. Whether you choose a white Christmas up here in the northeast, or head south for a green Christmas, celebrating in a warm and cozy RV is an unbeatable experience. So, cuddle up with that special someone, or with the furry friends, and get ready to have a joyous RV holiday season.

How to Host a Christmas RV Celebration

RV Christmas Decorations

Inside your RV there’s limited space for decorations year-round, but Christmas adds to that challenge. Over the years, some clever RVers have come up with great ways to have a compact but still festive Christmas. We’re covering some of the best ways to decorate inside your RV.

Pillow Covers

A great way to decorate for an RV Christmas, or any other holiday, is using throw pillow covers. Throw pillow covers are cheap and easy to find on Amazon. They’re small and can be folded up for simple storage. Choose a cute cover for the summer, and keep a few different holiday covers to change your RV’s theme throughout the year.

A mini tabletop Christmas tree perfect for an RV Christmas.

Christmas Tree

Skinny “pencil” Christmas trees and small tabletop trees are two great options for fitting a Christmas tree in your RV. While pencil trees are fantastic if you’re looking for full-size, they also require yearlong storage space. Tabletop trees can be fake or real, and we recommend choosing a real tabletop tree. This way, the tree doesn’t have to be stored and saved until next year, taking up valuable RV space.

Some RVers prefer keeping their Christmas trees outdoors. Of course, you’d need to run this by the campground you’re staying at. If allowed, keeping trees outside your RV on your site is a great option. This way, you’re saving space inside your rig and you’ve already got your site decorations down!

String Lights

Another well-loved RV Christmas decoration, string lights are a great way to add warmth and cheer inside your RV. Simply put cozy yellow-white lights, cool blue-white, or cheerful colored lights along the inside of your RV. You can also add string lights outdoors, spreading cheer to your campground neighbors.

RV Christmas Ornaments

Another popular RV Christmas decoration, even for part-timers, is RV-related ornaments. There are tons of these online. Even ornaments you can personalize! This easy Amazon or Etsy find is a great way to decorate your RV or your stationary home with RVing Christmas spirit.

RV Site Signs and Statues

Christmas signs, statues, or even blow up decorations are a common sight at RV parks around the holidays.  There are tons of great outdoor Christmas decorations to choose from, both online and in nearly every store around the Christmas season.

RV Christmas Gifts

When it comes to purchasing Christmas gifts for RVers, Juniata Valley RV has you covered. We have a great RV parts and accessories store at our dealership here in Pennsylvania. While we might not have the RV accessory you’re looking for on hand, we can order anything to the store for you!

Rather order something online? Check out this great list of holiday gifts for RVers by RVUSA.

Hosting an RV Holiday Meal

One of the best parts of Christmas is the food! There’s nothing that beats sitting around the table with your loved ones ready to chow down on a holiday feast. Whether your family celebrates with a Christmas roasted ham or juicy Christmas steaks, enjoying that meal is one of the best parts of the season. To host an RV Christmas meal, there are a few things to consider.

Prepare in Advance

This tip applies to RV Christmas and traditional Christmas celebrations. However, in an RV, preparing as much as you can in advance is even more important. RV kitchens are notoriously small, so prepping a large meal is nearly impossible. Instead, we recommend spending the day before your celebration doing as much Christmas dinner prep as possible. Even if this means putting the casserole ingredients in a dish and waiting until the big day to pop it in the oven. Any advance preparation will help you save space, save time and relieve stress.

Pro-Potluck

Our next tip for hosting an RV Christmas dinner is turning the meal into a potluck. This is one of the best ways to make Christmas dinner in your RV easier on you. Ask guests to bring their favorite dish or dessert when they come to dinner. This will relieve your stress and save space in your RV kitchen.

Woman cooking with apples outside an RV.

Make Just Enough

Sure, everyone loves holiday leftovers. We’ll never forget the drama that followed Monica’s Thanksgiving leftover sandwich in the season five episode of “Friends,” “The One with Ross’ Sandwich.” But, cooking with leftovers in mind is a little more difficult in an RV. You’re already struggling to find space to cook the meal, adding extra ingredients to the mix only adds to the challenge. After the holidays, the last thing you need in your RV is a stack of Tupperware taking up space. We recommend making just enough to feed your guests rather than planning for leftovers.

Family exchanges presents during an outdoor Christmas dinner.

Eat Outdoors

During the winter months, many RVers choose to pack up the fifth wheel or the Class A and head south. One of the benefits of this is an opportunity to enjoy Christmas dinner in the great outdoors. We recommend, if the weather is warm enough, setting a table outside your RV. This gives everyone enough room to lean back and unbuckle their pants after a delicious Christmas dinner.

 

Now that you know how to decorate your RV, what gifts to give fellow RV lovers and how to cook a delicious holiday meal, you’re ready for a perfect RV Christmas celebration. In the meantime, if you’re looking for RV parts or accessories, stop by Juniata Valley RV in Mifflintown, Pennsylvania. We also have a full-service department for RV repairs and upgrades. Stop in to schedule your RV service!

In need of a new RV this holiday season?

Stop by Juniata Valley RV! We have tons of new and used RVs in all different models, fifth wheels to tiny campers, and tons of top brands. Start your search for a new RV by browsing our full RV inventory online today. Contact us about the unit you want, or let us know if you need something else. We may be able to order it for you! Click below to get started.

The Basics: RV Winterization at Home

How to Winterize Your RV at Home

Before you park your RV in winter storage, be sure to prep it with proper RV winterization. Prevent any damage in the freezing temperatures over the next few months, and protect it from cold critters looking for a warm place to hide. RV winterization will ensure that when the snow melts and the sun stays past 5 p.m. there won’t be any damage or furry surprises waiting for you.

What You Need to Winterize Your RV

There are a few basic tools and materials you need to winterize your RV. Luckily, we have most of these available in our parts store! You can stop by Juniata Valley RV to browse our parts store. If we don’t have what you need in stock, we can order it for you! Just let us know what you’re looking for.

A drill next to a motorhome in a garage or service bay.
  • RV Antifreeze – Three to four gallons should be more than enough. But the amount you’ll actually use depends on the layout and length of your plumbing lines.
  • Water Heater Bypass Kit – If your RV isn’t already equipped with one.
  • Siphoning Kit – If the pump is not already equipped.
  • Cleaning Wand – To scrub your holding tanks until they’re squaky clean!
  • Basic Hand Tools – Some tools you’ll probably need include: power drill, crescent wrenches, needle nose pliers and a screwdriver. You also may need a flashlight!
  • Anode Rod – A plastic plug might also work.
  • Moth Balls & Mouse Repellant – They’ll keep critters and creepy crawlies under control over the winter. Who can blame them for wanting a warm place to sleep?

Winterize Your RV Water Systems

Flush the Water Tanks

The first thing you’ll need to do to winterize your RV is drain and flush the black and gray water tanks. You never want to leave wastewater in your water tanks over the winter. They’re a breeding ground for bacteria, and freezing water can damage tanks and pipes over the winter. Once they’re emptied of water, we recommend using a black tank cleaner to ensure your black tank is completely cleaned out and ready for winter storage.

Flush the Water Heater

All the water needs to be emptied for proper RV winterization. This includes your water heater! Start by turning off the water heater and allowing it some time to cool down. Then, hook your RV up to city water. Use a wrench to remove the anode rod and open the pressure relief valve so the water can drain out. After it’s drained, flush the heater out for a few minutes until any sediment has been removed. Leave the anode rod out during the winter, but be sure to replace it in the spring.

Bypass the Water Heater

Make sure to bypass the water heater before adding antifreeze to your RV. You want to make sure there’s no chance of antifreeze making it into your water heater. Some RVs will have a bypass already installed. If not, you can start the bypass by removing the water heater service door. Then, remove the access panel to get to the valves inside. Adjust these valves to manually bypass the water heater.

Winterize Your RV Exterior

Prep the Water Pump

Locate the water pump and attach the siphoning kit. Then, place the siphoning hose in the antifreeze. Open the valve and turn on the water pump to allow the antifreeze to flow through the water system.

A line of motorhomes parked in the snow.
Open All External Faucets and Valves

You want to drain all the water from your RV before the freezing temperatures set in. Start by opening the lowest valve and work your way up, allowing the water to run out. Do this until you see the water change color, notifying you that the antifreeze has made it all the way through. Then, close and tighten the valve. Make sure to do the same with any external showers and faucets.

Winterize Your RV Interior

Flush Internal Faucets

RV winterization needs to be completed inside and out. Once you have put antifreeze in the water pump, open all interior faucets, showers and toilets. Let them run until the water changes color, signaling that the antifreeze has made it all the way through. Once you see antifreeze, you’re good to turn off the water for the winter.

Two RVs in storage. In need of RV winterization.
Pour Antifreeze Down the Drains

Pour antifreeze down any interior drains to ensure they’re prepared to withstand freezing winter temperatures. Pour antifreeze down sink drains, shower drains and toilets.

Remove All Items from the Interior

The last step of RV winterization, at least the last step we’re covering today, is emptying the interior of any items that won’t last the winter. Remove all food, clothes and other important items from your RV before leaving it for the winter. Leave your refrigerator, cabinets and any other doors open to keep air flowing and prevent mold or smells from building up over the next few months.

Once you’ve taken these steps, the RV winterization basics are done! You’re ready to place your RV in its winter storage spot and rest easy for the holiday season. You know your RV is ready and waiting for another fun-filled camping season when the snow finally melts again.

If you’re interested in hiring an expert team to perform RV winterization for you, look no further than Juniata Valley RV! Our service team has winterized hundreds of RVs, and we’re happy to add yours to the list. You can also shop new and used RVs for sale, and start spring camping with a brand new rig. 

Need RV winterization service?

Let our RV service technicians handle the heavy lifting when it comes time to winterize your RV! Contact our service department to schedule your RV winterization today.

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