It's time to store your RV

Before proceeding with motorcycle or RV storage, cleaning and maintenance are essential if you want to hit the road right after the first thaw.

 

Motorcycle

Here’s a roadmap to help you winterize your motorcycle safely:

  • Fill the gas tank to prevent humidity from forming inside and causing corrosion.
  • To prevent warping, inflate the tires to a higher pressure than the standard suggested by the manufacturer.
  • Disconnect your battery and store it in a warm location.
  • If you have a garage, store your motorcycle there for the winter; if the humidity is high, protect your bike from dust by covering it with a breathable fabric.
  • If you do not have a garage, you can rent a space in a warehouse or motorcycle dealership to ensure your bike remains in ideal condition throughout the winter.

Recreational Vehicle

If you aren’t taking your RV to warmer climates for the winter months, here are several ways to keep it in good working order:

  • Drain and rinse waste-tanks and black-water tanks.
  • Turn off the power switch on the water heater and drain the tank.
  • Turn off the cold water inlet valve on the hot water tank and turn the by-pass valve to the winter position.
  • Drain the fresh water tank and empty the water lines via the drains under the vehicle.
  • Run the water pump to completely empty the water lines and then remove the water filter.
  • Pour antifreeze in the tank, activate the pump and run the faucets until the antifreeze flows.
  • Pour antifreeze in the drains of sinks, bath, shower and toilet.
  • Park the RV in your garage or in a space rented for that purpose at a local RV dealer.

All-terrain Vehicle

You love your ATV, but only in the summer! These tips will help you treat it to a trouble-free winter:

  • Thoroughly clean the outside of your all-terrain vehicle, including the chassis, tires and plastic surfaces, in order to remove any debris that could erode the paint and varnish.
  • Cover it with a tarp that won’t retain condensation.
  • If you do not have an indoor space to store your bike at home, consider renting space from a garage that offers this service.

If you leave your vehicle outside

If you have no other choice but to leave your seasonal vehicle outside for the winter, cover it with breathable material or store it in a temporary or permanent shelter. Before doing so, you should check with your municipality about applicable by-laws.

To all motorcycle, RV and ATV lovers, have a good winter. And rest assured, sunny days will return sooner than you think!