As winter starts knocking on the door and Cheyenne mornings dip below freezing, it’s time to think about winterizing your RV. But here’s the deal: it’s not just about draining the water and throwing a tarp over it. If you ignore key RV repairs before winter, you could be setting yourself up for cracked pipes, dead batteries, and a spring full of costly surprises.
At Patriot Diesel Service in Cheyenne, WY, we’ve seen what a Rocky Mountain winter can do to a poorly winterized RV. So let’s run through the critical systems and repairs you should address before cold weather settles in for good.
Plumbing System: Freeze Damage Starts Here
Nothing ruins spring travel plans faster than discovering a split pipe or ruined water pump. Freezing temps can turn leftover water in your RV’s plumbing into destructive ice.
- Fully drain all tanks; fresh, grey, and black.
- Don’t forget to bypass and empty the water heater.
- Pump RV antifreeze through the system until it runs pink from every faucet.
- Hit those low-point drains and outside showers. Those tend to freeze first!
Repairs to watch for: Cracked PEX lines, leaky fittings, or a weak water pump. If you’ve noticed low water pressure or odd smells this season, bring it in for a quick inspection before freezing temps make it worse.
Seal Up the Exterior: Roof, Windows, and Storage Bays
Come fall, Wyoming wind also come with added moisture in the air. For your trailer, this equals water intrusion. Your roof seals, window caulking, and storage compartment gaskets are all prone to weather cracking over time.
- Check roof seams, skylights, and antenna mounts.
- Patch with RV-safe sealant where needed.
- Don’t ignore storage bay doors. It’s a prime place for moisture intrusion.
Repairs to avoid ignoring: Make sure to check for sagging or soft spots in the ceiling. It’s a sign that water has already made its way in. The best thing to do is seal it up and repair minor damage before it becomes a nightmare.
Battery Health: Weak Batteries Don’t Like Cold
Your RV batteries work double-time in the cold. And they tend to lose power faster too. One deep freeze is all it takes to kill an already weak battery. So making sure to check your batteries before you store your RV.
- Fully charge batteries before storage.
- Consider removing and storing indoors if your RV won’t be plugged in.
- Clean terminals and apply anti-corrosion grease.
Fix it before it fails: Swollen cases, corroded terminals, or batteries that won’t hold a charge are sure signs it’s time for a replacement.
Tire Check: Pressure, Wear, and Age
Your tires carry a lot of weight when it comes to hauling an RV. And while summer months can mean long trips, cold weather can mean deflated tires fast. Every 10°F drop can cost you 1–2 PSI. That means underinflated tires, worn tread, and sidewall cracks become a dangerous combo.
- Check tread depth, pressure, and sidewall condition.
- Inflate to manufacturer specs and use tire covers to reduce UV and temp damage.
Repairs to address: Uneven wear patterns, visible cracking, or bulges. These tires won’t survive the winter. It's time to get therm replaced
Furnace & Propane System: Keep It Safe and Warm
If you have plans to take your RV out this winter, you’ll want to stay warm. Your furnace and propane systems need to be in top shape.
- Test the furnace, check the blower, and make sure the igniter fires reliably.
- Check propane lines for leaks with a bubble test.
- Ensure your CO and propane detectors are working and not expired.
Repairs not to skip: If the furnace is slow to start, makes weird noises, or smells funny, it needs a service. Don’t gamble with safety.
Slide-Outs: Mechanically Sound & Sealed
Slide-outs make RV life roomy and comfortable. But they’re also another moving part that can be vulnerable in cold weather.
- Lubricate all slide mechanisms and inspect the gears.
- Check rubber seals for cracks or shrinking.
- Retract them fully during storage (unless your owner’s manual says otherwise).
Repairs to schedule: Grinding noises, misalignment, or seal gaps. These are signs your slide-outs need attention before cold sets in.
Generator and Electrical Systems
Even if you don’t use your generator much during winter, storing it improperly can kill it.
- Top off the fuel tank and add stabilizer.
- Run it under load for 30 minutes before winter storage.
- Check shore power connections, breakers, and inverter output.
Repairs you don’t ignore: Sputtering, hard starts, or fluctuating power levels. If you experience these get it diagnosed now so it’s ready when you are.
Interior Systems: Don’t Let Moisture Win
If there’s one thing that can make your RV unlivable, it’s water damage. Winter condensation builds up fast, especially if your RV isn’t well-ventilated. Before you tuck your rig away for the winter, be sure to:
- Clean HVAC filters, open cabinets, and leave vents cracked for air circulation.
- Use moisture absorbers to keep mold and mildew at bay.
Issues to handle now: Musty smells, visible mold, or warped cabinetry. These problems get worse fast in sealed-up winter conditions.
Trust Patriot Diesel Service to Winterize It Right
When it comes to winter in Cheyenne, you have to prepare for anything. Whether you’re storing your RV until spring or planning cold-weather camping trips, now is the time to handle these critical repairs and maintenance tasks.
At Patriot Diesel Service, we handle full RV winterization, including:
- Plumbing & water system prep
- Furnace and propane inspection
- Roof and sealant repairs
- Battery testing and electrical diagnostics
- Generator servicing
- Tire inspections and replacements
Keeping Your RV Ready in All Weather
Skipping winterization repairs now could mean massive headaches come spring. Whether you’re a full-timer or a seasonal traveler, taking the time to prep your RV, to fix what’s broken, and prevent any future damage, pays off big time when the snow melts.
Give Patriot Diesel Service a call today and get your RV winter-ready the right way.
