How to Winterize an RV in Montrose: Motorhome Engine, Generator and Plumbing Checklist
MONTROSE RV WINTERIZING GUIDE
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A motorhome has more to winterize than a towable: an engine, a chassis battery, a generator and fuel on top of the plumbing. Here is a Montrose checklist for the whole rig, plus how to choose covered, gravel or pull-through storage across our Montrose locations.
Engine, generator and plumbing done, the motorhome is ready to sit for the season.
I
f you are putting a motorhome away for a Montrose winter, the simple answer is: winterize the plumbing, stabilize the fuel, exercise and then shut down the generator, disconnect or charge both battery banks, and protect the tires before it sits.
A motorized RV has an engine and a generator that a travel trailer does not, and both need attention before a cold season. Montrose Self Storage
has RV storage across Montrose, including covered parking, gravel parking and large drive-up units. Call (970) 249-5511
or compare our Montrose locations.
Key Points:
•Keyword focus: how to winterize an RV in Montrose
•Plumbing: drain, bypass the water heater, then antifreeze or air
•Engine and generator: fuel stabilizer, then run both so treated fuel reaches the lines
•Batteries: chassis and house banks both need a charger or a disconnect
•Covered parking at our 9th Street and Fruit Park locations, plus gravel and open parking
•Drive-up units up to a 12x40 pull-through at 9th Street for rigs that need a door
Montrose winters are milder than the high country around it, but nights still drop well below freezing, and a rig can sit for months. A towable mostly needs its plumbing protected. A motorhome also has an engine, transmission, chassis battery, generator and fuel system, and each one can cause trouble in spring if it is put away carelessly.
Motorhome winterizing checklist
Fuel and stabilizer
Fill the tank most of the way to limit condensation, add a fuel stabilizer, then drive or idle so treated fuel reaches the engine.
Generator
Run the generator under load for a while after adding stabilizer, then shut it down. Follow your generator manual for storage.
Engine fluids
Check antifreeze strength and top off fluids. Consider an oil change before storage so used oil does not sit all winter.
Two battery banks
Charge the house and chassis batteries fully, then use the disconnect or remove them and keep them on a charger.
Plumbing
Drain all tanks and lines, bypass the water heater, then add RV antifreeze to lines and traps or blow them out with air.
Tires and seals
Set tire pressure, use tire covers against sun, and check roof and slide seals before winter weather.
Choosing RV storage across Montrose
Covered parking
Our 9th Street and Fruit Park locations have covered parking with an overhang that keeps sun, hail and most snow off the roof. Covered spaces are popular, so check availability early.
Gravel and open parking
9th Street also has gravel parking, Fruit Park has open parking up to 10x40, and Spring Creek has 10x30 open parking. These suit a well winterized rig and a tighter budget.
Drive-up units
For a smaller motorhome or a rig you want behind a door, 9th Street has drive-up units up to a 12x40 pull-through. Fruit Park also has large drive-up and shop units.
Close blinds to reduce sun damage, remove food, leave the fridge door propped open, and set rodent deterrents. Turn off the propane, and leave a copy of the winterizing list on the dash so you know where to start in spring. Storing a hunting trailer or ATVs as well? See our trailer and ATV storage guide.
Montrose RV Winterizing FAQ
Do I need to winterize an RV in Montrose?
Yes. Montrose nights regularly drop below freezing in winter, which is enough to split water lines and fittings in an RV that has not been winterized.
Should I run the generator during storage?
Many manufacturers recommend running it under load periodically. Check your generator manual and follow its storage steps.
Which Montrose locations have covered RV parking?
Covered parking is available at our 9th Street and Fruit Park locations. Availability changes, so check live listings or call.
Can I store a motorhome indoors?
9th Street has drive-up units up to a 12x40 pull-through. Measure length and height, then call (970) 249-5511
to confirm the fit.
When can I get my RV out?
Any time. Every location has 24/7 gate access. Questions? Call (970) 249-5511.
An hour of careful winterizing saves a lot of spring repairs. Take care of the engine, generator and plumbing, then pick the storage that suits your motorhome. Montrose Self Storage
is ready to help. Call (970) 249-5511
or compare our Montrose locations.
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