How to use the list

When
Late summer or early fall, before the first hard freeze
Time
Roughly an afternoon for most rigs
Aim
Remove what feeds smell, then reduce moisture and animal access
Confirm
Winterization and fluids details from your owner's manual or a technician

Inside the living space

  • Remove all food, including sealed cans and spices that attract insects.
  • Empty and clean the refrigerator and prop the door open.
  • Take out towels, bedding and clothing, or store them in sealed bins.
  • Clean the sink, stovetop and microwave.
  • Wash or vacuum upholstery and carpet.
  • Prop cabinet doors open to let air move.
  • Remove trash and wipe the bin.

Water and drains

  • Drain fresh, gray and black tanks according to the manual.
  • Rinse tanks and flush lines as appropriate before winterizing.
  • Use the winterizing method recommended for your system.
  • Confirm drains are not dripping into the cabinets.
  • Check that traps are filled as recommended for your system.

Openings and entry points

  1. Walk around the rig

    Look for gaps at pipes, wires and the underside.

  2. Seal what you can

    Use appropriate materials for small gaps, and avoid blocking exhaust or intakes.

  3. Cover vents correctly

    Use covers that allow airflow while keeping debris out.

  4. Check roof seals

    Inspect sealant lines for cracks before snow arrives.

The goal is not to make the rig sterile but to remove what attracts and feeds smell. Food and damp fabric are the two biggest contributors, and the refrigerator is the single most common offender. Mice need only small openings, so a careful walk-around is worth the time. Storage conditions vary, from a covered facility to a driveway, so adjust for how exposed the rig will be.

Different storage setups need different emphasis. A rig parked outdoors faces snow load, hail and wind-driven moisture, so roof and seal checks matter most. A rig stored in a building faces still air and sometimes a higher chance of rodent traffic, so food removal and sealing gaps matter more. Either way, a spring opening is easier when the autumn work was done thoughtfully, and a written list helps because details are easy to forget after a few months.

Common questions

Should I run a dehumidifier all winter?

Only if you have a safe power source and a way to keep it draining. Many owners rely on airflow and leaving surfaces dry instead.

Do mothballs help keep mice out?

They are not a dependable deterrent and have a strong smell of their own that is hard to remove from fabric.

General information for the Denver area, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.