Prepare Your Camper for Winter

Would you like to know more about Happier Camper's Winterizing Guide? View the information by clicking the blue "Download Article" button.

In addition to routine maintenance (3,000 miles or annual tune-ups, whatever comes first), it’s important to prepare your camper for the changing seasons.

Whether you’re planning on storing your camper or getting out and enjoying Mother Nature this winter, following these tips will help keep your camper happy and your travels safe.

Rinse off ice and Salt

If you are on icy/cold roads treated with salt or have been caught in a storm, please make sure to hose down your entire frame to avoid rust.

Prevent rust

Apply rust preventative spray to chains, hinges, and locks. Lubricate camper stabilizers with WD-40 or other metal-safe lubricants.

Purge the tanks

Leaving liquid in sub-freezing weather can damage your plumbing tubes and crack your water tank- it can also cause bacteria to grow in the lines.

Please make sure the water tanks of your Happier Camper such as the kitchenette tank, freshwater, graywater, and blackwater tanks (if included), are empty of any liquid. You should also drain all connecting pipes.

Did you get caught by an unexpected storm? A little bit of snow won’t hurt, but be sure to remove any snow and debris to prevent damage
to the fiberglass.

Sanitize the Lines

If you need to sanitize your tanks or lines, you can add 3/4 tsp of household bleach per gallon of freshwater. Let it sit for twelve hours before draining it. Diluted bleach is safe to use but you can flush the system with clean water if desired.

Consider a heater

There are other ways to keep your tank from freezing over, such as a Holding Tank Heater AC/DC blanket, and non-toxic antifreeze made specifically for RVs and travel trailers. Our Prepare Your Camper for Spring Guide has some tips for how to help disinfect your lines.

Nuts & bolts

Inspect your camper for any worn down or flat tires, non-functioning lights, side door and rear hatch hinges, and loose bolts/nuts/screws on all hinges.

Close windows and hatches

Make sure your fan vent, windows, and doors are completely closed and locked. You want to make sure water won’t be able to find a way in to your camper while it’s in storage.

Clean the roof of your camper

Don’t let snow collect in great quantities. Between blizzards and big storms, be sure to clear debris off the top of the camper to prevent damage to the fiberglass.

If you’re storing your camper outdoors, consider using a cover to protect it from the elements. Storing your camper indoors is a great option because it prevents UV damage as well as provides protection from the elements: such as the weight of snow or constant rain in winter.

Remove your propane tank

This is very important! It is dangerous for propane to freeze & thaw. 

Unplug your battery

If storing your camper for the winter, make sure to charge the battery at least once a month, and for 8-10 hours. If you are not able to charge your camper monthly, disconnect the battery for storage. If you’re wondering how to do this properly, please feel free to contact Happier Support.

Schedule routine maintenance

Please visit your local authorized service provider or service center for professional maintenance and service as needed. Tire pressure & tread, electronic brakes, and your camper’s axel should all be inspected by a professional.

Need some help?

Contact our Support teamwith any questions you may have and be sure to check our complimentary guide to Preparing Your Camper for Spring.