Read time: 3 minutes

It’s easy to be in denial about the end of summer. No one wants to say goodbye to long, warm days and relaxing vacations with family and friends. Maybe that’s why you’ve told yourself you don’t have to deal with your travel trailer just yet. Maybe you’re even holding out for one more weekend on the road.

While that’s understandable, waiting too long can cost you. To make sure your travel trailer is in good shape next summer, you’ve got to take care of it now – before the colder months have a chance to do their worst.

To help you prep your travel trailer for the winter, we talked with our personal auto underwriting team, and they shared their top tips for safe, smart storage.

     1. Give your travel trailer a deep clean.

Before you store your travel trailer, give it a thorough cleaning. Clear out any debris, wash the exterior and check for signs of rust or damage. Catching issues early can save you time and money down the road.

Don’t forget the inside, especially the kitchen. Leftover snacks, crumbs or even unopened drinks can attract pests looking for a place to stay this winter. Clearing everything out now helps keep unwanted guests away.

     2. Check your tires and prevent flat spots.

When your travel trailer sits in one place for too long, the tires can develop flat spots. To help prevent that, check for wear and make sure they’re properly inflated before storage.

If possible, move the travel trailer occasionally or set it on blocks to take pressure off the tires. You can also use tire covers to protect them from damage during the off-season.

     3. Protect your travel trailer from the weather.

A garage, storage unit or pole barn is the ideal place to store your travel trailer. These protect against harsh weather like hail, snow and ice, and may also reduce the risk of theft or vandalism.

If that’s not an option, don’t worry. Carports, canopies or a quality trailer cover can still do the job. Just make sure your travel trailer is on level ground, securely parked and clear of any low-hanging branches or debris.

     4. Seal it up to keep out moisture.

Check the windows, doors, vents and seams to make sure everything is sealed tightly. This can help prevent costly problems later, like mold, rot or water damage. It's also a good idea to inspect the weather stripping and roof to ensure it's in good shape.

     5. Disconnect the battery and inspect the wiring.

Before putting your travel trailer in storage, disconnect the battery and consider placing it on a charger. Leaving it connected can slowly drain the battery, and in some cases, it may not fully recover.

While you're at it, take a moment to inspect the wiring. Look for signs of wear, damage or pest activity to help prevent electrical problems down the road.

     6. Check in on your travel trailer during the winter.

It’s easy to put your travel trailer in storage and forget about it during the colder months, but checking in from time to time can help you catch a problem before it becomes something more serious in the spring. Stop by occasionally, especially after a storm or heavy snow.

     7. Drain and winterize the water system.

Don’t forget about the fresh water tank, water heater or water lines. Any leftover water can freeze in cold weather and lead to cracked pipes. If you live in a colder climate, it’s especially important to drain the system completely and add antifreeze to help prevent damage.

     8. Turn off and remove propane tanks.

If your travel trailer has a propane tank, make sure to either remove it or fully close the valve. Leaving it open during storage is not safe. Disconnecting the propane tanks and storing them properly can reduce the risk of accidents or damage.

     9. Keep your gear organized.

Store important items like your keys, registration, hitch parts and accessories in one clearly labeled bin. When spring rolls around, you’ll save yourself the frustration of digging through drawers or storage compartments. Future you will be glad you planned ahead.

     10. Take photos and videos as you go.

As you winterize your travel trailer, take photos or videos to document the process. It’s a helpful way to remember what you disconnected, how you set things up and where everything goes.

Photos and videos can also be useful in the spring if you need to troubleshoot or reassemble anything, and they’re a great reference for next season.

Want a quick way to remember all these tips? Download our free end-of-season travel trailer checklist to help you stay organized and ready for winter.

Taking a few extra steps now can make a big difference later. Whether you use your trailer daily or seasonally, proper storage helps prevent damage, reduce repair costs and give you peace of mind. With just a little preparation, you can help ensure your trailer stays in great shape and is ready to roll when you are.

Disclaimer: This article is not expert advice. The analysis of coverage is in general terms and is superseded in all respects by the Insuring Agreements, Endorsements, Exclusions, Terms and Conditions of the Policy. Some of the coverage mentioned in this material may not be applicable in all states or may have to be modified to conform to applicable state law. Some coverages may have been eliminated or modified since the publishing of this material. Discounts may not be available in all states. Limitations and conditions may apply. Premiums will be based on benefits chosen. Please check with your local Independent Auto-Owners Insurance Agent for details.

Copyright Auto-Owners Insurance Company © 2025. All Rights Reserved