Motorhome: How to Winterize a Motorhome in Fairhope, AL: Gulf Coast Storage Checklist

If you are searching for how to winterize a motorhome in Fairhope, AL, you do not need a snow-country checklist copied word for word. You do need to protect the plumbing from a short freeze, and you also need to deal with Gulf Coast humidity, fuel, batteries, tires, generator maintenance, and the way the coach will be stored for the next several months.

This checklist is built for motorhome owners in Fairhope, Daphne, Spanish Fort, Foley, Gulf Shores, and the rest of Baldwin County.

Start With the Plumbing

A short freeze can still crack a fitting, faucet, valve, or supply line if water is trapped inside.

1. Drain the fresh water tank.
2. Open the low-point drains.
3. Open every faucet and the outside shower.
4. Turn off the water heater in both gas and electric modes.
5. Let it cool and release pressure before draining it.
6. Set the water heater bypass valves.
7. Remove the water filter cartridge and drain the housing.
8. Run the pump briefly to clear the suction line.
9. Connect compressed air at the city water fill and keep pressure at or below 30 PSI.
10. Blow out each fixture until it runs dry.
11. Add non-toxic RV antifreeze to each drain, P-trap, and the toilet.
12. Dump and flush the holding tanks and replace the caps.

That is usually the part people mean when they say "winterize a motorhome," but on the Alabama Gulf Coast it is only the first part.

Protect the Engine and Fuel System

Motorhomes can sit for months between trips, so do not ignore the chassis.

For a gas coach, fill the fuel tank and use the stabilizer or storage treatment recommended for the vehicle.

For a diesel coach, a full tank also helps reduce the amount of humid air inside the tank. Water and condensation can create fuel-system problems when the coach sits.

Check the chassis coolant and make sure the freeze protection and overall condition are where they need to be.

Maintain the Chassis and Coach Batteries

Motorhomes usually have two battery systems, and both can lose charge during storage.

Use an appropriate maintainer if power is available. If the batteries need to be removed, store and charge them according to the battery and chassis recommendations.

A dead battery in the spring is annoying. A battery that sits discharged for months can become an expensive replacement.

Exercise the Generator

The generator needs regular attention even when the motorhome is not being used.

Onan guidance commonly recommends exercising an RV generator for about two continuous hours each month under at least a 50 percent load. A meaningful load helps the generator reach operating temperature, circulate lubricant, and remove moisture.

Put it on a recurring calendar reminder instead of relying on memory.

Check the Tires Before Storage

Set tire pressure to the coach specification before parking it. Protect tires from prolonged UV exposure when possible. If the coach will sit for a long time, follow the tire or chassis manufacturer guidance for reducing flat spotting and long-term loading.