Keep an Eye on Your Teardrop Over the Winter!

As winter brings the coldest temperatures of the year and a pandemic continues to rage, it’s understandable that your Teardrop might be parked in storage and tucked away undercover. But before we hit spring, we’ll have to endure some of the coldest temperatures of the year. This is an excellent reason for you to check in on your sleeping beauty.

A properly winterized and stored teardrop or travel trailer certainly minimizes the risks that come with winter. Yet, out of sight and out of mind is not the best strategy for your home on wheels. Periodic check-ins are essential for stored vehicles, especially in the colder months when Old Man Winter is known for leaving surprises at the doors of those that fail to keep a watchful eye.

Frequent exterior checks during winter can help identify problems quickly and are crucial to minimizing damage from water and other outside elements. Check the overall exterior to look for moss or mold that may be forming in cracks and crevices. Catching any signs of moisture early is key to preserving your rig.

Winter Damage
Winter storms can bring hail, wind, and freezing temperatures that could cause minor or significant damage to your Teardrop. Fallen tree branches could lead to damage, broken skylights and windows, leading to leaks or providing openings for critters seeking a warm place to stay. Take a periodic look carefully for damage that may create a point of entry. Seemingly abandoned rigs can also attract humans with nefarious intentions, so it’s good to periodically check exterior locks and latches on doors and windows to protect yourself from squatters or theft.

Make sure to keep an eye on the Northside of your Teardrop. This is where ice dams can be most common. An unchecked ice dam can defeat even the very best waterproof seal.

Stowaways
It’s also important to keep an eye on lines and cables throughout winter, often; a frequent chewing target by nesting rodents or other animals. Propane lines emit a smell that attracts certain spiders, which lay fuzz covered egg sacks in gas lines, so be sure to give them a quick check-up to make sure they remain unaffected. Check exterior cubbies to make sure critters haven’t gained access – RVers have commonly reported finding everything from mice to skunks, and even a litter of kittens where a mother cat managed to enter an exterior storage
space!

Battery Check!
If your Teardrop has batteries aboard, make sure to check their charge. You may need to add a “trickle charge” to ensure they stay charged. Batteries that go entirely flat may not come back.

Wheels
Rigs that sit for a long time can cause damage to tires, especially as they lose air and become flattened. Ensure tires are filled to sufficient air pressure and are not at risk of going flat and becoming dry or cracked. Check (and turn, if possible) tires and wheels to keep them in shape so you can effortlessly roll out your spring travel.

Take a Peek Inside
If all checks out well on the exterior, examine the interior anyway! Examine the ceiling and walls for any signs of water entering the rig. Check floors, cabinets, and cubbies for any signs of nesting rodents, such as chewing, piles of debris that could be nests, or droppings. Inspect interior lines for signs of insects. Give the rig a good sweeping and wipe surfaces with disinfectant wipes, which will deter animals and bugs. Make sure mattresses and cushions show no signs of bugs or chewing critters. Examining your rig frequently throughout winter will provide peace of mind as you identify potential issues before they turn into expensive problems.

Get a Service Appointment Now
Everyone saw record sales and use in 2020. And while we are thrilled to see so many getting out and enjoying the great outdoors, this also means that service departments across the country will be overwhelmed with service calls and appointments. Best to make your reservation and appointment now to make sure you can get the service you need.

The days are getting longer, and there IS light at the end of the pandemic tunnel. So, get out and inspect your Teardrop now and clear the way for the good times yet to come. Your nomadic spirit will thank you when it awakens in spring!