As November settles into Upstate New York, temperatures drop quickly — and if you own an RV, travel trailer, pop-up, or camper, now is the time to make sure it’s fully protected for winter. Even though Hartwick Highlands Campground is closed for the season, we’re still here to help campers take care of their equipment and get ready for a safe, stress-free winter.
Winterizing your RV doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right steps, you can prevent costly damage, avoid springtime headaches, and extend the life of your camper for years to come. Here’s a complete guide to the tasks every RV owner should complete before the frost hits.
1. Drain All Water Systems
Freezing temperatures can cause pipes, tanks, and fittings to crack — creating expensive repairs. Start your winterizing checklist by:
- Draining the fresh water tank
- Draining the water heater
- Opening all low-point drains
- Running faucets until no water remains
Many RV owners also blow out water lines using compressed air. This adds one more layer of protection before adding antifreeze.
2. Add RV Antifreeze
This step is essential. Only use non-toxic RV or marine antifreeze — never traditional automotive antifreeze.
Once lines are drained, pump antifreeze through the system until it comes out of every faucet, toilet, and showerhead. This ensures no lingering moisture freezes inside your plumbing.
3. Protect Your Battery
Cold weather can reduce battery life and cause permanent damage. To prevent this:
- Disconnect and remove the battery from the RV
- Store it in a dry, temperature-controlled location
- Use a battery maintainer or trickle charger throughout the winter
This keeps your battery healthy and ready when camping season returns.
4. Check the Exterior for Leaks or Soft Spots
Before storing your RV, look closely at all seams, seals, and edges. Even a small crack can allow moisture in, leading to mold, mildew, or structural damage over time.
If you notice:
- Soft spots
- Peeling caulk
- Loose trim
- Any sign of water intrusion
Make repairs now so the issue doesn’t worsen during winter storage.
5. Clean and Dry the Interior
Moisture control is one of the most important parts of winter storage. Before closing up your RV for the season:
- Clean out the fridge and freezer
- Wipe down counters and cabinets
- Remove food, toiletries, or liquids that could freeze
- Vacuum and dust the interior
- Open drawers and closets to air them out
To prevent musty odors during winter, place moisture absorbers inside the RV.
6. Protect Against Rodents
As temperatures drop, small critters look for warm places to nest. Keep them out by:
- Sealing any exterior gaps
- Removing all food and crumbs
- Using rodent deterrents (peppermint packs, ultrasonic plugs, or traps)
Even one mouse can cause a lot of damage over the winter. Prevention is key.
7. Store Your RV Properly
Your RV is an investment — and proper storage protects it. If possible:
- Store under a carport or covered shelter
- Use a breathable, weather-resistant RV cover
- Park on gravel or pavement, not grass
- Check tires for proper inflation before storage
If your RV will be outdoors all winter, periodically brush off snow and ice from the roof to prevent weight-related damage.
8. Make a List for Next Season
While winterizing, jot down anything that needs to be repaired, replaced, or upgraded before your first trip next spring. This might include:
- New hoses or filters
- Roof caulking
- Battery replacement
- Tire upgrades
- Camping gear that needs refreshing
When warm weather arrives, you’ll be ready to hit the road without delay.
Enjoy a Stress-Free Winter — and Start Dreaming of Next Camping Season
While the campground is quiet for the next few months, winter is the perfect time to prep your RV, plan next year’s trips, and look forward to spring sunshine in Cooperstown. Proper winterizing now means smoother camping later — and fewer surprises when you unpack in 2026.
We can’t wait to welcome you back to Hartwick Highlands Campground when the season begins again!
