6 Proven Winter Storage Tips for Lance Campers and Trailers
Lance campers are well-made and highly popular. However, it is still important to give your travel trailer a little love and care when it isn't going to be used for a while. These 6 winterization tips will give you a good idea of what needs to be done, and why these steps will extend the life of your RV.
Protect the Roof
When the time comes to park for the winter, it is a good idea for Lance campers to be stored under some sort of roof. A hard roof is the best, but even a high awning or a large tarp will shield the camper from weather and pests. The roof is the most vulnerable part when your RV is parked because it can be cracked or punctured by falling limbs.
Protect the Tires
Setting your Lance travel trailer on jack stands during the off-season helps protect the tire from dry rot. For best results, put the vehicle on jack stands and then reduce the air pressure in the tires. Taking the pressure off is another way to help the rubber get through cycles of wet, cold, and dry. You can put wheel covers on if you wish, but those are more of a security measure than a seasonal protection.
Winterize Holding Tanks
Deep clean your gray and waste water tanks. Drain your freshwater tank. Blow all water out of your lines. Seal all valves and caps. For best protection, fill tanks and lines with antifreeze, but simply storing dry lines should work for most people. Frozen water lines can cause a lot of interior damage, so the extra effort of winterizing them is time well-spent.
Remove Dry Goods
There is not much reason to store dry goods over the winter, and removing the bait for mice, roaches and other vermin will help protect your stored Lance camper. Keep in mind that roaches and mice cause damage beyond eating the food, and rodents are known to chew into wiring while ripping out insulation for nesting.
Treat Windows
Treating your windows with a protective sealant such as Rain-X will prevent dust and grime from accumulating in the imperfections of the glass. This will make it easier to clean the glass in the spring by reducing the number of contaminants that settle on the glass over the winter.
Additional Winter Maintenance
Inactive periods are always a great time to give your camper a thorough going through. Freshen the linens, change the curtains, and spruce the place up a bit. In the process, take note of loose fasteners, fixtures that need to be adjusted, or other minor repairs that need to be made.
Lance campers are made to last for years, and the better you care for one, the longer it will last. Keep everything clean and lubricated, prevent sensitive equipment from freezing, and protect the exterior against stormwinds and falling limbs while the RV is unused.