Winters in Minnesota are often harsh, with long stretches of sub-zero temperatures and plenty of ice and snow. Because of the weather, it's important that you properly winterize your boat or RV before you store it for the season. Glen's Precision Auto, the premier auto, RV, and boat repair facility in St. Cloud, explains what could happen if you don't.

How & Why to Winterize Your Boat and RV

Coolant Flush

Old coolant has contaminants like dirt, sand, and salt, all of which contain moisture. When the engine sits idle for several months, the accumulated moisture can start to corrode the coolant lines. You can avoid this by flushing the system and replacing the dirty coolant with a fresh batch.

Detach Battery

Cold weather will cause a battery to self-discharge. To extend its life, detach your battery cables from the boat or RV engine before storing it for winter. If possible, keep the battery somewhere above 50 degrees. Otherwise, you might return in spring to find you need RV or boat repairs.

Drain the Water Lines

To prevent the water lines from freezing, drain the water from the system. Open the hot, cold, and freshwater petcocks, and make sure to empty your hot water tank, as well. Attach a "blowout plug"—available at any hardware store—to the water intake and use an air compressor to force all water from the lines. Pour an ounce or two of antifreeze into each drain. Not taking these steps could allow the line to freeze, split, and flood your rig.

Cover Vents & Pipes

Roof vents and pipes act as tiny highways into your RV, which draw pests like birds and rodents. To prevent access, cover all vents and pipes with a plug or sturdy mesh covering. Not doing so could lead to messy nests and property damage, like chewed electrical lines.

The information above should help convince you how important it is to properly winterize your boat and RV for the off-season. If you need repairs before you put your vehicles in storage, contact Glen's Precision Auto, the most trusted recreational vehicle and boat repair shop in Benton County. They've been serving clients throughout the region since 1961, so they have a lot of industry experience and expertise. Check out their website to see a map and business hours or call (320) 251-4910 to schedule an appointment for boat repairs.