Tips for Storing Your Solar Powered Camper in the Winter

Winterizing your Solar Powered Camper

It’s summertime and the open road is calling —days are carefree, full of adventure, and your solar powered camper is your home base. But what happens when the temperatures drop and it’s time to tuck your rig away for the winter? Sometimes, even the most ambitious traveler needs to take a seasonal pause. To protect your investment and ensure your camper is ready for action when spring returns, here are five essential tips for winterizing your RV.

1. Cleaning and Inspecting

The first step in winterizing your solar powered camper is to clean and inspect your solar panels. Dirt, dust, and debris can accumulate over time, reducing efficiency and potentially causing long-term damage. Give your panels a thorough cleaning, then check for cracks, loose wiring, or signs of corrosion to ensure everything is in working order before storage.

While you’re at it, this is also a great time to inspect your tires and suspension system. Make sure your tires are properly inflated. Additionally, check the bearings, suspension components, and overall undercarriage for wear or damage.

To keep your camper cleaner and better protected throughout the winter months, consider using a weatherproof cover. It helps shield your solar powered camper from snow, ice, and dirt exposure—especially if it’s stored outdoors.

2. Disconnect or Maintain Your Batteries

At ABC Upfitters, we build custom off-grid systems using high-quality Mastervolt components, and we know just how important proper battery care is during the winter months. No matter what your battery set up is, storing your system correctly can protect your investment and extend the life of your batteries.

When putting your RV in storage for the winter, we recommend taking your batteries offline. This is done through the yellow safety relay associated with the system. We recommend charging your batteries to at least 80% prior to this procedure to prevent any risk of battery damage. To take your batteries offline for storage, turn all of your loads off, and turn off your main battery disconnect, then rotate the locking collar of the yellow relay to take the batteries offline. The collar acts as a physical lockout so it will need to be rotated back to its original position before the relay can be engaged again. Once the batteries are offline, they should only lose a few percent state of charge per month (give-or-take). To bring your batteries back online, all you need to do is push the yellow button back in on the relay and turn your battery disconnect back on.

If you are having difficulty preparing your Mastervolt system for storage, give us a call. We’re always happy to walk you through it and make sure your system is ready for hibernation.

3. Drain Water Systems and Plumbing

To avoid frozen lines, and damaged tanks, it’s essential to drain all water systems before storing your solar powered camper for the winter. Even a small amount of residual water can freeze, expand, and cause expensive damage.

Start by draining your water tanks completely. Open all faucets, including interior and exterior shower lines, to allow any remaining water to escape. Don’t forget to run the water pump briefly to clear out the lines.

Taking the time to take these steps in your plumbing system now means fewer headaches, and zero unpleasant surprises when it’s time to hit the road again in the spring.

4. Seal Up Your Camper

To prepare your solar powered camper for winter, it’s important to check for gaps where animals, moisture, or cold air can sneak in. Even the smallest opening can lead to pests or water damage over time. Seal up doors, windows, and access points with weatherproof materials or screens where appropriate. Once sealed, proper ventilation is just as critical to prevent mold and condensation inside your RV.

Here’s a few ventilation tips to help keep your camper dry and fresh all winter:

Crack a roof vent to allow air circulation
Use moisture absorbers like baking soda containers in enclosed areas like cabinets or under beds.
Leave interior doors, cabinets, and drawers open so air can move freely throughout the camper.
Avoid sealing the camper airtight unless it’s stored in a climate-controlled space. A little air movement will go a long way when preventing humidity buildup.

5. Choose the Right Storage Location

At ABC Upfitters, we know that where you store your solar powered camper can make a big difference in how well it weathers the off-season.

Start by deciding between a covered or uncovered storage space. Covered options offer protection from outdoor elements, while uncovered storage might be more accessible or affordable. There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here—only you know what’s available in your area and what best fits your lifestyle and camper setup.

If you plan to keep your solar system active during winter, for system monitoring, or powering small devices, you’ll need to ensure the camper has access to sunlight during shorter winter days. Position the camper for optimal solar exposure if possible, and avoid shaded areas or spots where snow tends to accumulate.

Additional things to consider when selecting a location:

Security: Choose a spot that’s safe, well-lit, or monitored
Snow load: If uncovered, make sure your camper and solar panels are clear of heavy snow that can block sunlight if you’re planning to leave your batteries online through winter.
Accessibility: Think ahead to whether you’ll need access during the off-season – for maintenance, monitoring, or a quick winter getaway.

Final Thoughts

Proper winter storage is essential to protecting your solar powered camper and ensuring all your systems are ready to go when warm weather rolls around again. Think of winter not just as downtime, but as the perfect opportunity to prep your rig for a smooth, powerful spring launch. When the snow melts, you’ll be ready to hit the road without any issues!

If you’re unsure how winter storage might affect your system, we’re here to help. Give ABC Upfitters a call and we’ll guide you through setup for optimal off-season performance.

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About ABC Upfitters: ABC Upfitters provides premium, customer-focused, upfitting services to RV clientele who are looking for the ultimate off-grid experience. The close-knit company originated from the rising demand for aftermarket Li-Ion battery upgrades for recreational vehicles. By using Mastervolt components, ABC can meet this need and provide an unmatched level of integration and quality for their customers. Contact one of the ABC team members today to learn about their services!