Ultimate Fall and Winter RV Maintenance Checklist: What You Need to Know to Stay Safe Living In Your RV

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August 28, 2025

As the crisp air of fall rolls in and the first hints of frost appear, full-time RVers know it’s time to get our rigs ready for the colder months. Whether you’re chasing snow-covered landscapes in Canada, taking a scenic fall foliage tour through New England, or spending the winter in the southwest (even Quartzsite, AZ can dip below freezing at night!), proper maintenance is the key to staying safe, warm, and stress-free.

Here’s your ultimate fall/winter RV maintenance checklist to keep your travels running smoothly and your home-on-wheels cozy and safe all season long.

1. Inspect and Protect Your RV Exterior

Cold temperatures, ice, and road salt can be tough on your RV’s exterior.

Checklist:

Seal windows, doors, and roof seams to prevent drafts and water intrusion. Watch HERE to see how I seal my windows with Dicor.
Check your roof for cracks and repair with RV-safe sealant like FlexSeal) . Check out this video HERE of how I sealed my roof.
Wash and wax your exterior to protect against salt and grime buildup on winter roads.
Lubricate hinges and locks to prevent them from freezing shut.

2. Prepare Your Water System

Freezing temperatures can cause costly damage to pipes and tanks if not properly winterized.

Checklist:

If traveling in freezing areas, insulate exposed pipes and hoses with heat tape or foam tubing.
Use a heated water hose for campground hookups.
Carry non-toxic RV antifreeze for gray and black tank protection if you’ll be in sub-zero areas.
Drain and flush your water heater before adding antifreeze (if fully winterizing).

3. Check Heating Systems

Nothing’s worse than realizing your furnace is out when it’s 20°F outside.

Checklist:

Test your RV furnace and replace filters if needed.
Clean vents and ensure proper airflow (Pro tip: a leaf blower works great for this!).
Carry a backup heat source (like a diesel heater, electric space heater (for when you have shore power) or a Mr. Heater)
Have your propane system inspected for leaks and fill tanks before heading out.

4. Battery Care in Cold Weather

Cold weather drains battery capacity faster, so it’s important to be prepared.

Checklist:

Check battery charge levels regularly.
Keep house batteries fully charged using a quality charger, solar generator or solar system.
Clean battery terminals and connections to avoid power loss.

Consider battery powered heated apparel for extreme cold conditions.

5. Tires and Brakes

Snow and ice require reliable traction and braking.

Checklist:

Inspect tire tread and replace worn tires before winter roads.
Check tire pressure often—cold weather can cause pressure to drop.
Carry tire chains where required (especially in Canada and mountain passes).
Inspect brake pads and fluid before long trips.

6. Emergency Preparedness

Winter travel means unpredictable weather—be ready for anything.

Checklist:

Pack a winter emergency kit: blankets, gloves, extra food, heated winter jacket, bottled water, flashlight, and first-aid supplies.
Keep an ice scraper and snow brush handy.
Carry road salt or kitty litter for traction in icy parking areas.
Download offline maps in case of poor cell service.

7. Interior Comfort & Condensation Control

Moisture buildup can be a problem in cooler months.

Checklist:

Use vent fans to reduce condensation when cooking or showering.
Place moisture absorbers in cabinets and closets.
Add thermal curtains or window insulation film for extra warmth.
Keep rugs or mats by the door to trap snow and dirt.

8. Route Planning for Cold Weather

Your RV can handle winter, but your route should too.

Checklist:

Research seasonal road closures in the U.S. and Canada.
Use apps like DriveBC(BC, Canada) or 511.org for real-time road conditions.
Plan for shorter travel days in case of weather delays.

Know where to find propane refills along your route. Pro tip: use an app like iOverlander or AllStays to find camping and services.

Bonus Section: Extra Tips for Canadian Winters

Traveling in Canada during the colder months can be breathtaking, but it also comes with unique challenges. Here’s how to stay safe and comfortable in the Great White North:

Prepare for Extreme Cold

Temperatures in some regions can drop well below -20°F (-29°C). Keep extra propane on hand and consider insulating your RV’s underbelly if it’s not already.

Know the Law on Winter Tires

Provinces like British Columbia require winter tires or chains on certain highways between October and April. Quebec has mandatory winter tire laws for all vehicles from December 1 to March 15.

Plan Fuel Stops Carefully

In remote areas, gas stations may be scarce in winter. Fill up before leaving major towns.

Watch for Wildlife

Snow-covered roads can increase the chances of spotting deer, moose, and elk—especially at dawn and dusk. Slow down in known wildlife zones.

Check Ferry Schedules

If you’re heading to Vancouver Island or other coastal areas, remember that some ferry routes may have reduced winter schedules.

Final Thoughts

Full-time RV life in fall and winter can be magical! Most of the seasonal travelers are home and you can enjoy cozy evenings by the fire and waking up to snowy mountain views in total solitude! But comfort and safety come from preparation. Use this checklist before you hit the road, and you’ll spend more time enjoying your adventures and less time worrying about repairs.

Pro Tip: Keep a printed version of this checklist in your RV’s maintenance binder so you can reference it each year without starting from scratch.

For more winter RV Life tips check out these videos:

3 Must-Haves for Winter RV Living

My Best Tips and Tricks for Thriving in your RV all Winter Long

Surviving in FREEZING Temps Off Grid in an RV

Easy and Cheap RV Winterizing on the Go (see below)

Other Helpful Resources from Carolyn’s RV Life:

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Carolyn’s RV Life and Carolyn Higgins share her experiences, thoughts, opinions and ideas in this blog post and on this website for entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, instruction or guidance. Viewers/Readers should consult with professionals before pursing any actions or behaviors exhibited in this video. Carolyn’s RV Life or Carolyn Higgins cannot be held liable in the event of any accident or injury that may occur as a result of application of procedures and information provided in this video.