Newsletter December ​2014
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It's wise to winterize

Winter is here, so it may be time to put your RV in storage for a few months. But before you store, winterize.

Steps to take to put your coach into hibernation so it will be ready for you when spring arrives:

Clean the coach.

  • Clean the coach interior thoroughly.
  • Empty the cabinets of all food and anything that may smell like food.
  • Vacuum everything: floors, cabinets.
  • Vacuum and consider cleaning all carpets and runners.
  • Wipe all surfaces with an appropriate cleaner.
  • An outside wash is also a good idea.

Keep it dry.

Keeping the inside of your coach dry will help prevent mold and mildew and prevent wood drawers and cabinets from swelling and warping. This is especially important when storing it in humid areas.

  • An easy and inexpensive way to keep the interior dehumidified is to use a product like Dri-Z-Air. Use at least three units inside the coach (front, kitchen/living area, and bedroom). Periodically empty the water in the collection containers.

Protect it from the sun.

When storing in warm dry areas, prevent sun damage by using shades that deflect light from the windows. You can also make your own from cardboard and aluminum foil.

Flush tanks and drain fluids.

When water freezes it turns to ice, which means it expands. When it expands, it causes tanks to rupture, pumps to fail, and pipes to split.

To prevent damage to your coach from frozen water:

  • Dump holding tanks and thoroughly flush them.
  • After dumping the black tank, add a small amount of water and holding tank chemical to prevent odors.
  • Drain your water system: hot water tanks and freshwater tanks.
  • Open the low-point drains (This drains all the lines inside the motor home or trailer.) until all water is out of the lines, to prevent bacteria growth. After all the water is drained, close the low-point drains.
  • Locate the bypass valve (usually behind the water heater). Turn the valve to “bypass”.
  • Pump a non-toxic anti-freeze through the system, including sinks and toilet.
  • Turn off the water pump.

Inspect the roof.

Whatever type of roof your RV has, it should be checked periodically, even while in storage.

  • Do it yourself or have Leale’s do it for you<./li>
  • Check the sealant around seams, roof vents, antennas, satellite and air conditioning units, etc. for splitting, peeling, or cracking.

Batteries and fuel.

  • Make sure the water level in the batteries is full.
  • Battery terminals need to be clean.
  • It’s always good to keep diesel tanks at least one half full or more.

Check on your stored coaches in rainy weather.

Due to the recent rainy weather we’ve been experiencing, it is especially important to check your coach if it’s stored outside. Take a trip to your motor home to check the interior for water leaks. Discovering leaks early will help eliminate costly repairs.

Tires too.

  • Check and adjust tire pressure.
  • Especially in sunny areas, apply tire protectant or RV tire covers.

Power off.

Before you walk away, turn off the coach power, as well as the LP-gas supply.

 

When not sure what to do, call Leale’s so that one of our technicians can advise you.


You can winterize your coach yourself, or let Leale’s do it for you!



It's all about parts

Remember blades and tires.

If you plan to enjoy traveling in your RV during the winter months, make sure to pay attention to two very important things that will help keep you safe: tires with good tread and wiper blades that work well to keep your windshield clear.



RV Attention RV Clubs!

It’s time to rally! Our rally season at Leale’s is about to begin. If your RV club is interested in a rally here, just let us know.

 

Rally at Leale's

There is no rally like a Leale’s rally, so come rally with us. All RV clubs are invited to visit the Leale’s facility, take a tour, and share important information.

If your club is interested in hosting a rally at Leale’s, please contact Babette Shelton.

(408) 286-5353
babette@leales.com



RV Camping Tip

Prevent an ant invasion.

ANTS! Those pesty little buggers! They love to get into your stuff, especially RVs that are sitting in one place for awhile, like in winter storage. The best thing to do is prevent an invasion. But, if they do get in, there are things you can do to get rid of them.

Keep them out (or don’t let them in).

  • Use Boric Acid Powder (You can even get it at a dollar store.)
  • Put it under the sinks, in back of the plumbing. Also put it under bottom drawers.
  • When your RV is parked, put it around the areas you think might give ants access to your coach (wherever it has contact with the ground).
  • You can also spread salt around access spots.
  • Baby powder does the trick too.

What do you do when you are invaded?

  • Find out where they’re coming from and how they’re getting in. ​Places to check for ant access:
    - Tires and mud flaps touching the ground
    - Storage bays
  • Wipe out their little bodies with damp cloths and apply one of the access inhibitors listed above.



And now……a word from our customers.

"Excellent service, friendly staff that kept me informed on their status. Best RV center I have ever used."

- Dean M.

Leale’s RV
2070 S. Seventh St.
San Jose, CA 95112

PHONE:
(408) 286-5353

FAX:
(408) 286-5252