Before we winterize, I like to do deep clean! Here is what I do to switch seasons in our RV.

Prepping Your RV for Winter in the Deep South

Living in Mississippi, our winter prep looks a bit different than it does in places with heavy snow and freezing temps. Instead of draining water lines and battling sub-zero temps, we focus on deep cleaning, restocking, maintenance, and keeping rodents at bay. If you're a Southern RVer like us, it’s time to get your RV ready for the cooler months ahead!

Here’s an updated guide on how we prep our RV for winter to ensure it’s ready to roll next season.

Defrosting the freezer is an easy task that is necessary. I do this a couple of times a year!

1. Deep Clean for a Fresh Start

After a busy camping season, your RV deserves a top-to-bottom refresh. A deep clean ensures you’re not greeted by dust and grime come spring.

Interior: Scrub countertops, wipe down cabinets, and clean air conditioning vents.
Appliances: Defrost the fridge and leave it propped open to prevent mildew. Clean your microwave, stovetop, and oven.
Bedding: Launder linens and pillows, or store them in vacuum-sealed bags to keep them fresh.
Floors: Vacuum and mop thoroughly to eliminate crumbs that might attract pests.

Between seasons is the best time to restock on essentials like toilet paper and tank treatment solutions.

2. Check Supplies and Restock Essentials

Winter is the perfect time to assess your inventory and restock what’s needed.

Replace or Restock: Inspect first-aid kits, batteries, and any other perishables that may have expired.
Organize: Sort through kitchen staples and toss out old spices, snacks, or non-perishables.
Maintenance Supplies: Make sure you have enough tire sealant, water filters, and fuses.

This is also a good opportunity to make a list of anything you want to upgrade or replace for next season.

Propane sensors in most RV's lasts for 5 years. Ours expired this summer, and I just replaced ours.

3. Inspect and Repair

Winter downtime is ideal for making repairs and updates to your RV.

Seals and Caulking: Check around windows, doors, and roof seams to ensure everything is watertight. Reseal where necessary.
Propane System: Test your sensors and ensure your propane tanks are secure.
Appliances: Run a quick check to make sure everything—like water pumps and air conditioners—are working so you’re not surprised next season.

Fresh Cab Rodent Repellent smells great and gets the job done!

4. Rodent Prevention: Keep Pests Out

In the South, cooler temperatures mean critters start looking for cozy hideaways. Prevent your RV from becoming their winter home.

Fresh Cab Rodent Deterrent: These botanical pouches are an easy, effective way to repel mice and rats without chemicals.
Steel Wool & Screens: Block any entry points around plumbing or wiring.
Remove All Food: Even sealed snacks can attract critters—take it all home for the winter.

5. Weather Prep: Expect the Unexpected

Though Mississippi winters are mild, we can still experience cold snaps. Here’s how we prepare:

Space Heater: Keep a small electric heater on hand for any cold nights on the road.
Insulated Window Covers: Help keep your RV warmer by covering windows and vents during a trip.
Dehumidifier: Even in winter, humidity can build up in your RV. Running a small dehumidifier will prevent mold and mildew.

6. Cover and Store Smart

If you store your RV for the winter, protect it from the elements:

RV Cover: Use a breathable cover to prevent moisture buildup.
Tire Covers: Protect tires from sun damage to extend their life.
Disconnect Batteries: If your RV will be sitting for a long time, disconnect the batteries to prevent drain.

The AC vents get so dusty over the summer. Give everything a scrub with warm, soapy water.

By following these simple steps, your RV will stay in great shape all winter, ready to hit the road when the next adventure calls! Prepping your RV doesn’t have to be overwhelming—focus on maintenance, cleanliness, and rodent prevention, and you’ll start the new season stress-free.

I've created a winter prep checklist that you can print and reference to get it all done.

This checklist can be saved and printed to make sure you don't miss anything before you winterize!

Do you have any winter prep tips or favorite products? Let us know in the comments or tag us on social media—we’d love to hear from you! Happy winterizing! 🚐🌲

Looking for more RV tips? Check out our original winter prep post here.

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