RV Winterization and Storage Prep Across Florida
System drain, antifreeze pump-through, battery disconnect, tire protection, mouse-proofing, and full storage prep. Plus de-winterization in spring.
Who: Florida snowbirds heading north for summer, full-timers heading to a long-term storage lot, or anyone storing their rig for 60+ days.
What: System drain, antifreeze pump-through, battery disconnect, tire protection, mouse-proofing, and full storage prep. Plus de-winterization in spring.
Where: Across Florida. We come to your storage facility or driveway. Call (844) 843-3766.
"Winterization" sounds funny in Florida, but it's the right word for what we do. Winterization here is really long-term-storage prep - the rig goes idle for 30, 60, or 180+ days, and the systems need to be put to bed properly so they're not a wreck when you come back.
Florida storage prep is different than New England winterization. We don't have to worry about freezing, but we do have to worry about humidity, mold, fuel varnish, tire weather-cracking, and pests. Different problems, same idea: get the systems shut down right and they'll come back fast in the spring.
Why Winterization Fails Faster in Florida
Three things go wrong in long-term Florida storage: humidity grows mold in soft surfaces, fuel varnishes in carbs and tanks, and rodents move in. The fix in all three cases is preventive: dry out the interior before storage, fuel-stabilize all tanks, and seal up entry points.
The other big issue is tire weather-cracking. Florida UV is brutal on sidewalls, and a rig sitting on the same tires for 6 months in direct sun comes back with cracked sidewalls that aren't safe to drive on. Tire covers and proper inflation matter.
What We Fix - Winterization
What Our Winterization Service Includes
Storage prep service starts with a walk-through. We talk about how long it'll be stored, where, and what your spring use will look like. Then we run through the full prep: drain the water system, run antifreeze through the lines if you want belt-and-suspenders protection, fuel-stabilize all engines and gen-set, disconnect batteries (or trickle-charge them), prep tires, set humidity controls, and seal pest entry points.
Most rigs we prep in 90 minutes to 2 hours. De-winterization (spring start-up) takes about the same.
Proper system drain
Full water-system drain plus optional antifreeze pump-through. Florida humidity makes the antifreeze step worth doing.
Battery prep
Disconnect or trickle-charger install. Lead-acid batteries need different care than lithium - we know the difference.
Tire & UV protection
Tire covers, weight-off-tire blocks if needed, and 303 protectant on rubber surfaces.
Mouse & pest seal
Identify and seal entry points. Set traps where appropriate. Florida rodent issues are real.
Common Winterization Repairs and Pricing
Here's what most calls actually run. We give you a phone-quote range before scheduling, and an exact written quote at your site before any work starts.
Typical Pricing - $145-$485
- Standard storage prep (90 minutes): $185-$285
- Full antifreeze pump-through: $145 add-on
- De-winterization (spring start-up): $185-$285
- Battery disconnect and trickle charger install: $145-$245
- Generator fuel stabilization and run-up: $145-$185
- Tire prep package (covers, weight-off blocks): $145-$285
- Pest-seal package (entry-point sealing + monitoring): $185-$385
- Full "long-term ready" package (everything above): $385-$485
Florida-Specific Winterization Considerations
Florida storage isn't about freeze prevention - it's about humidity, UV, and pests. Plan accordingly. The best Florida storage situations are covered, indoor, climate-controlled. The worst are open lots in direct sun. If you're stuck with the worst case, the storage prep matters more.
If you're a snowbird who comes back every November, schedule the de-winterization for the day before you arrive - we have everything running and tested when you get to the rig. About $185-$285 and it makes the spring weekend much nicer.
Emergency Winterization Service Across Florida
Storage prep isn't really emergency work - it's planned. The exception is "I'm leaving in 4 days and I haven't done anything" - call us and we'll fit you in. We do a lot of last-minute prep in late April and early May.
Spring de-winterization can also be an "emergency" if you're trying to leave on a trip and the systems aren't waking up. Same deal - call us and we'll prioritize.
Winterization Specialties We Handle
Common subspecialties under winterization - all done at your location, all in one visit when possible.
Standard Storage Prep
Water drain, fuel stabilizer, battery prep, basic interior dry-out.
Antifreeze Service
Optional but recommended in Florida humidity - pink RV antifreeze through every line, including ice maker and washer-dryer.
Battery Service
Disconnect, trickle charger install, or full removal for indoor storage of the battery bank.
Tire Protection
Tire covers, weight-off blocks, and inflation top-off. UV is the killer here.
Pest Control
Entry-point sealing, traps, and recommended treatment schedule. Critical in Florida.
De-Winterization
Spring start-up: flush antifreeze, recharge batteries, fire up appliances, test systems.
Winterization - Common Questions
Straight answers from our winterization call log.
Do I really need to winterize in Florida?
Not for freezing - for humidity, UV, and pests. Different problems, same logic. We do storage prep year-round. - Helena
How long can I leave my rig without prep?
30 days is the loose threshold. Under that, you're fine without formal prep (though disconnecting batteries is smart). Over 60 days, formal prep is worth it - you'll save on repairs in the spring.
Should I leave the fridge door open during storage?
Yes - and the freezer door, and any cabinet doors. Air circulation prevents mold. We can install propped-open hardware for the fridge as part of prep.
Will antifreeze hurt my plumbing?
Pink RV antifreeze (Camco, Splash, Star Brite) is fine for PEX. Don't use auto antifreeze - that'll wreck your seals. We always use pink-only. - Helena
Can you store my batteries indoors?
Yes - we remove and store them at our shop for $185-$285 depending on bank size. Worth it for high-value lithium banks especially.
How do I keep mice out?
Steel wool in penetration points, dryer sheets in cabinets, and a peppermint-oil mist on entry points. Plus seal up any holes you can find - mice can squeeze through a quarter-inch gap.
Will my tires be OK for 6 months?
If they're under 5 years old, yes - with covers and proper inflation. Over 5 years, plan on inspecting closely when you take them off. UV cracking is the killer.
Should I drain the gas tank?
No - keep it close to full and add fuel stabilizer. Empty tank = condensation = water in fuel = problems. Same applies to gen-set.
How much does storage prep cost?
Standard package $185-$285. Full "long-term ready" package $385-$485. Both worth it for 60+ day storage.
How long does de-winterization take?
90 minutes to 2 hours. We test every system as we bring it back online so you know what's working before you leave on your first trip. - Helena
Where We Provide Winterization in Florida
Tidepool RV Repair runs winterization jobs across these Florida cities. Click your closest one for local-specific info, response times, and campground coverage.