How to Protect Your RV Exterior Before Winter
Updated October 9, 2026 5 min readBy Dominick, owner of Slums Mobile Detailing
Most RV damage happens while it sits. What you do in the fall decides what you find in the spring.
How do you protect an RV exterior for winter?
Wash off road grime and bugs, apply a wax or sealant to the gelcoat or paint, clean and treat the roof, inspect and reseal seams and windows, and store under a breathable cover or roof. Dirt left on all winter oxidizes the finish and stains the fiberglass.
Fall checklist
- Full wash including roof
- Wax or polymer sealant
- Inspect roof sealant and window seals
- Clean and dress rubber seals
- Breathable cover — never plastic tarps
- Tire covers against UV
What it costs
Slums prices RV work by linear foot: Basic Wash $6/ft, Premium Wash $8/ft (adds roof cleaning, conditioner, UV protectant, hand-polished wheels), Wash & Wax $17/ft (adds RV wax and brightwork polish), and Restorer $35/ft (adds machine oxidation polishing and gelcoat restoration). UV Roof Treatment is a $100 add-on, and Polymer Paint Sealant is $10/ft with Wash & Wax.