With summer coming to an end, you will soon be putting your travel trailer (caravan, fifthwheel, etc.) or motorhome (RV) in storage for several months. To maintain your vehicle in good condition, take these prevention measures, as advised by Assurances Groupe Vézina. You’ll be congratulating yourself as soon as you hit the road again!

Drain water from pipes!

Damaged pipes can cause problems when you take your vehicle out of storage. A little preparation will help prevent breaks. The key is to properly drain the pipes.

1. Clear out all the water from the pipes and tanks. Make sure you check all installations like sinks, showers, toilets and water heaters. Rinse everything.
2. Pour antifreeze into the pipes. It will flush out the water. It’s a good idea to pour one cup of antifreeze into the toilet drain and the sinks. Don’t forget to activate the water heater bypass valve. It prevents the antifreeze from getting in.
3. Open all the vehicle’s faucets. You’ll know that all the water has been drained from the pipes when the liquid that flows out has a reddish tint.
4. Pull off the drain hose caps. It will drain out any remaining water. Put the drain hose caps back on.

More vital tips to protect your vehicle

• Inspect all openings (doors, windows and sealant joints) and make sure you have a water-resistant, airtight seal. Water seepage often causes a lot of damage, so a good caulking job is essential. It is important for you to know that insurance contracts may exclude certain types of damage, such as that due to continuous or repeated seepage of water (mould, rot, etc.). A word to the wise: Re-apply caulking at the first sign of any deterioration, however minor it may seem.
• Pay special attention to propane tanks. Seal them and remove the ones that look damaged.
• Don’t leave any food inside. You will likely have to deal with vermin when you take the vehicle out of storage.
• Drain the oil.
• Use a fuel additive prior to your last fill-up to protect the tank from deposit buildup.

Are you storing your vehicle outdoors?

Take more precautionary measures:

• Don’t store it on grass. Keep your vehicle away from humid environments. Park it on a surface made of cement or concrete, or even on a polyethylene sheet. You’ll avoid potential problems with rusting.
• Remove snow from the roof of your vehicle during winter. The weight of the snow can weaken the vehicle’s structure.

In less than a day, you can thoroughly inspect your vehicle and prepare it for the rigours of winter. Then all you have to do is wait for spring to roll back around so you can continue to discover the great outdoors!

ASSURANCE GROUPE VÉZINA is there to help you prevent losses. Feel free to contact us!