TIPS AND TRICKS FOR WINTER STORAGE OF YOUR BOREAS CAMPERS XT

Winter's icy grip may be enchanting in its own way, but if winter camping in your Boreas Campers XT is not your thing, it's best to tuck it away for a cozy hibernation. Proper winter storage is key to preserving your rig's condition and ensuring it's ready for your next adventure when the snow melts and the temperatures rise. Here are the essential steps and considerations to safeguard your XT during the winter months.

Start by selecting the right storage spot. Storing your XT indoors will always be the most ideal situation. Luckily the XT fits in a standard garage! If indoor storage isn't available, consider outdoor storage with a weather-resistant cover designed for RVs and campers. Boreas Campers sells a specific cover for XTs, ATs, and MXTs. Find it here.

Before storing your XT, it's crucial to clean it meticulously, inside and out. Remove all food items and thoroughly clean the kitchen and cabin areas as removing crumbs will deter rodents from seeking them out. Vacuum and clean surfaces to prevent mold and odors.

Critters seeking warmth and shelter can wreak havoc on your XT during the winter. While the cabin and kitchen areas are sealed from anything bigger than an ant, rodents can and will find your external wiring below the camper and chew it if it’s readily available. Consider strategically placing some mouse traps or some other pest control measures to mitigate this problem.

To prevent freezing and potential damage to your plumbing system, winterize it thoroughly. Start by draining all water from the tanks, pipes, faucet, and shower. Use RV antifreeze to protect against residual water in the lines, following Boreas Camper’s winterizing instructions carefully. This can be found in your user manual or in the blog section of our website here.

To preserve your XT's batteries, you will need to maintain some sort of charge to the battery system. Start by making sure your battery kill switch is turned off as well as any inverters or accessories that would unnecessarily drain power from the battery system. If you are going to leave the rig uncovered make sure the camper’s solar panel is facing towards the direction of the sun to maximize the shortened winter days, however we don’t recommend leaving the XT uncovered for long periods of time. If you are covering your XT with a cover then you will need to either supplement your power with a portable solar panel or plug the unit in to shore power every 2-3 weeks for at least a couple hours. Removing the batteries is an option, but uninstalling and reinstalling them is much more difficult than the options mentioned above and is not recommended. Try not to let the voltage fall below 11 volts to maintain battery health.

Proper tire maintenance is crucial during winter storage. Inflate the tires to the recommended pressure, and if possible, cover the tires to protect them from UV rays and harsh weather. Applying long term UV protective tire coatings is also an option, but those will have to be reapplied about every 6 weeks in outdoor conditions.

Inspect the XT’s roof and seams for any signs of damage or wear. Repair any cracks or gaps with appropriate sealant to prevent moisture from seeping in and causing damage over the winter months. OSI Quadmaxx Black Caulk 003 is ideal for repairing exterior seals on your XT. The seals are only covered under warranty for 2 years and covering them with a UV cover will help to maintain their integrity and also prevent you from having to repair them often.

While your XT is in storage, make a point to visit it periodically. Check for any issues that may have arisen, such as leaks or pest intrusions. Address these issues promptly to prevent further damage.

By following these steps and properly storing your XT during the winter months, you'll ensure that your rig remains in top condition and is ready for your next adventure as soon as spring returns, allowing you to hit the road with peace of mind and excitement.

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