How to Prepare Your RV for Winter Storage in Wichita

To prepare your RV for winter storage, you need to winterize the plumbing, clean out food and moisture, protect the tires and batteries, seal up entry points so rodents can’t get in, and store it somewhere that shields it from Kansas wind, ice, and snow. Skip any one of those and you’re likely to find a problem waiting for you in the spring.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to getting your RV ready, plus what to look for in winter storage around Wichita.

Your RV Winter Storage Checklist

• Winterize the water system
• Remove all food and clean the interior
• Defrost the fridge and prop the doors open
• Seal gaps where rodents can get in
• Inflate tires and keep them off bare ground
• Fully charge the batteries, then disconnect them or use a maintainer
• Inspect the roof and seals
• Choose the right storage spot
• Check on your RV once a month

Step 1: Winterize the Plumbing

This is the step that matters most. Any water left in the lines, tanks, or water heater can freeze, expand, and crack fittings and fixtures. In Wichita, overnight freezes can show up in October, so winterize before your RV goes into storage, not after.

If you’d rather have it done for you, our RV winterization special is available at our Wichita-area shop through October 31, 2026.

Step 2: Clean Out the Inside

Remove every bit of food, including sealed snacks and spices. Wipe down cabinets, counters, and floors so there are no crumbs left behind.

Defrost the refrigerator and freezer, dry them out, and leave the doors propped open so mold and odors don’t build up. A few moisture absorbers placed around the RV help keep the interior from getting musty over the winter.

Step 3: Keep Rodents Out

Mice look for warm, quiet places to spend the winter, and a parked RV is ideal. Once inside, they can chew through wiring, plumbing, and insulation. According to Allstate, mice and squirrels can do serious damage to an RV’s wiring and rubber components, and one of their favorite ways in is where the power cord passes through the wall.

Walk around your RV and seal any gaps you find around pipes, wires, and vents. Getting rid of food in Step 2 is your first line of defense, and sealing entry points is your second.

Step 4: Protect the Tires

RV tires carry a lot of weight, and months of sitting in one spot can cause flat spots and cracking. Before storage:

• Inflate tires to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure
• Park on boards or tire pads instead of bare dirt or concrete
• Use tire covers if your RV will be parked outside, since sun exposure breaks rubber down even in winter

Step 5: Take Care of the Batteries

Batteries slowly lose charge while sitting, and a drained battery can freeze in cold weather. Charge them fully before storage, then either disconnect them or hook them up to a battery maintainer. If you remove them, store them somewhere dry that won’t drop below freezing.

Step 6: Check the Roof and Seals

Small gaps in roof seams and window seals are easy to miss in the fall and expensive to deal with in the spring. Snow and ice can sit on your roof for weeks, and any water that finds its way in has all winter to cause damage. Look over the roof, seams, and seals before storage and have anything that looks cracked or worn repaired first.

Our winterization special includes complimentary courtesy checks of your roof, awning, tires, and batteries, so you can take care of Steps 1, 4, 5, and 6 in one visit.

Choosing the Right Storage in Wichita

Where you store your RV makes a big difference in how much it goes through over the winter. Kansas is known for strong winds, and winter can bring ice and snow that’s hard on an RV’s roof, seals, and paint.

Indoor storage offers the most protection, covered storage keeps snow and ice off the roof, and outdoor storage is the most affordable but leaves your RV fully exposed to the weather. Whichever you choose, look for a facility that’s secure and easy to access when you want to check on your RV.

Central Body offers RV storage in Wichita KS at our location just east of town in Andover, so your RV can be stored at the same shop that services it.

Check On It During the Winter

Even a well-prepared RV benefits from a quick visit once a month. Check tire pressure, look for signs of rodents or leaks, and make sure your batteries are holding their charge. Catching a small problem in January is a lot easier than finding a big one in April.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I put my RV into winter storage?

Once you’re done camping for the season and before overnight temperatures start dropping below freezing. In the Wichita area, that usually means October.

Do I need to winterize my RV if it’s in storage?

Yes, unless it’s stored in a heated building. Covered and unheated indoor storage can still drop below freezing.

Should I take the batteries out of my RV for the winter?

You can either remove them and store them somewhere that stays above freezing, or leave them in and use a battery maintainer. Either way, make sure they’re fully charged before storage.

How do I keep mice out of my RV in storage?

Remove all food, clean thoroughly, and seal any gaps around pipes, wires, and vents. Checking on your RV monthly also helps you catch a problem early.

Can I store my camper or travel trailer at Central Body?

Yes. We offer camper storage in Wichita for RVs, campers, and travel trailers at our Andover location, and our team also handles trailer repair in Wichita if anything needs fixing before storage.

Get Your RV Ready for Winter

Preparing your RV for winter storage now saves you time, money, and frustration when spring comes around. Contact our Wichita team to winterize your RV, schedule a pre-storage check, or ask about storage.