The Ultimate January RV Maintenance Checklist for Nebraska RV Owners

How to Protect Your RV From Deep Freezes, Cracked Fittings, Winter Damage & Expensive Spring Repairs

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January in Nebraska is no joke.

Average lows across Omaha range between 9°F and 15°F in mid-winter, with frequent dips below zero (Source: National Weather Service – https://www.weather.gov). For RV owners, these temperatures can turn small winter oversights into major repair bills — cracked fittings, burst PEX lines, split faucets, ruined water pumps, frozen tanks, and damaged appliances.

But the good news?With the right January maintenance checklist, you can keep your RV protected all winter long — whether you’re storing it, living in it full-time, or traveling occasionally.

This guide is written specifically for Nebraska’s winter climate, based on years of mobile RV repair work throughout Omaha, Gretna, Papillion, Bellevue, Elkhorn, and Council Bluffs. These are the real issues I see every January… and the steps that prevent them.

Let’s dive into the ultimate January RV maintenance checklist — tailored to Nebraska’s extreme cold.

❄️ Section 1: Why January Is the Most Important RV Maintenance Month

January is when Nebraska sees:

• the coldest nights of the year

• extreme freeze/thaw cycles

• brittle plastic and rubber components

• rodent activity in stored RVs

• low sun exposure and condensation inside RVs

The result?

This is the month when the most freeze-related RV failures occur, including:

• cracked water heater tanks

• split elbows behind showers

• frozen low-point drains

• broken city-water inlets

• pump diaphragm ruptures

• tank valve failures

• sagging underbellies from ice buildup

• LP system pressure issues

If something was borderline in November or December, January is when it fails.

That’s why a mid-winter maintenance check is essential for Nebraska RV owners.

❄️ Section 2: January RV Maintenance Checklist Overview

This guide includes:

✔ Freeze Protection

✔ Electrical System Health

✔ Battery Care

✔ LP System Winter Checks

✔ Roof & Seal Monitoring

✔ Moisture & Condensation Control

✔ Pest Prevention

✔ Tire & Chassis Protection

✔ Safety System Checks

✔ Full-Time RV Living Adjustments

✔ Storage RV Checks

✔ Bonus: January Travel RV Tips

Each category contains specific Nebraska-optimized steps.

❄️ Section 3: Freeze Protection — Your #1 Priority in Nebraska Winters

Whether your RV is stored or lived in, freeze prevention is the most important winter task.

🧊 1. Verify Water System Winterization (If Stored)

If you winterized in October or November, January is the month to:

• Inspect the water heater bypass

• Check for antifreeze settling in low lines

• Inspect under sinks for leaks

• Confirm low-point drains are closed

• Ensure no water accidentally re-entered your plumbing

Even a teaspoon of water left inside a plastic elbow can freeze, expand, and crack it.

This is the #1 cause of January leaks.

🧊 2. Check the Water Heater Drain & Anode

Look for:

• missing drain plug

• cracked plug

• dripping from threads

• rod corrosion (Suburban heaters)

If water froze inside the water heater tank, you could see:

• bulging

• deformation

• hairline cracks around fittings

Catch it now rather than discovering it in April.

🧊 3. Inspect All Exterior Water Ports

This includes:

• city-water inlet

• black tank flush inlet

• outside shower

Look for:

• cracks

• bulges

• small drips when warmer

• freeze rings around fittings

City-water inlets are one of the most commonly replaced parts in January because residual water freezes inside them.

🧊 4. Protect Sewer Hoses & Tank Valves

Freezing temperatures can cause:

• stuck tank valves

• cracked seals

• frozen sewer hoses

If you are hooked up full-time:

• elevate sewer hoses

• insulate the section closest to the ground

• keep valves CLOSED until dumping

• ensure the termination cap is tightly sealed

This prevents ice dams and breakage.

🧊 5. Check Underbelly for Ice Buildup

Look for:

• sagging underbelly material

• drainage leaks

• ice around tank areas

If water got into the belly, it can freeze and expand — damaging:

• tank fittings

• insulation

• belly wrap fasteners

🔋 Section 4: January Electrical System Health (Cold = Weak Power)

Cold temperatures cause voltage drops, brittle wiring, and higher amp draws. Here’s what to check:

🔌 1. Test Battery Voltage Monthly

Batteries lose 30–50% of their capacity in freezing temps (Source: Battery University — https://batteryuniversity.com).

Check:

• 12.6V = full

• 12.2V = 50%

• <12.0V = damagingly low

If stored:

• keep on a smart charger

• disconnect negative terminal

• avoid trickle chargers (overcharging risk)

If full-time:

• ensure converter is functioning correctly

• check for warm/reduced performance from furnace fan

🔌 2. Inspect Shore Power Cords & Adapters

Cold cracks insulation on:

• dogbone adapters

• extension cords

• 30A or 50A main cables

Look for:

• exposed copper

• melted ends

• burn marks

This prevents electrical fires when temps warm.

🔌 3. Check GFCIs & Outlets

Moisture causes mid-winter trips and failures.

Reset each GFCI and test outlets with a plug-in tester.

🔥 Section 5: LP System Winter Checks

Propane behaves very differently in extreme cold.

🔥 1. Check Regulator Function

Ice buildup can prevent:

• tank switching

• proper pressure

• ignition for furnace or water heater

Knock lightly on the regulator cover — if it rattles, ice may be inside.

🔥 2. Ensure Proper Furnace Venting

Look for:

• snow blockage

• ice around furnace exhaust

• mud dauber nests (even in winter!)

Furnaces in Nebraska work HARD in January — airflow matters.

🔥 3. Inspect Furnace Operation

Let it run:

• 10–15 minutes

• listen for slow startup

• check for cold air during cycle

• note any odd rumbling

A failing sail switch or burner tube issue often shows up mid-winter because the furnace usage is highest now.

💧 Section 6: Condensation Control — The Silent Destroyer of Winter RVs

Cold outside + warm inside = moisture everywhere.

You must control condensation to prevent:

• mold

• soft walls

• cabinet warping

• window frame rot

💧 January Moisture Checklist

✔ Run a dehumidifier daily (small RV units work great)

✔ Crack windows briefly during warmest part of the day

✔ Check inside cabinets for moisture

✔ Use moisture absorbers (DampRid)

✔ Inspect mattress backs for condensation

✔ Run vent fans briefly during cooking/showering

Condensation is the MOST common issue I see in full-time winter RVs.

🐭 Section 7: Pest Control — January Is Prime Rodent Season

Mice LOVE warm RVs.

Check:

• drawers

• under sinks

• furnace access area

• water heater compartment

• behind refrigerator

• underbelly gaps

Look for:

• droppings

• shredded insulation

• chewed wiring

Rodent damage is costly and VERY common in Omaha winter storage lots.

🚐 Section 8: Tires, Axles & Chassis (Winter Breaks These Fast)

🚐 1. Check Tire PSI Monthly

Cold weather drops tire pressure by 1–2 PSI per 10°F decrease (Source: AAA – https://www.aaa.com).

Low PSI = blowouts when towing in spring.

🚐 2. Protect Tires From Dry Rot

Check for:

• cracking

• sidewall wrinkles

• bulges

Cover tires even in storage — UV rays reflect off snow and intensify damage.

🚐 3. Inspect Stabilizers & Jacks

Look for:

• ice buildup

• rust on exposed metal

• sagging due to soft ground

Snow melt can loosen jack pads — important for stability.

🔥 Section 9: Safety System Checks (Critical in Winter)

January is a great time to test:

• CO detector

• LP detector

• smoke alarms

• fire extinguisher charge

• emergency exits

• furnace safety shutoffs

• propane leak checks

Low temps + high furnace usage increases the importance of safety system health.

🏕️ Section 10: Full-Time RV Living — January Adjustments for Nebraska

If you’re living in your RV year-round, winter requires extra steps:

✔ Insulate or skirt the RV

✔ Use a heated water hose (or fill tank and unhook hose nightly)

✔ Keep gray tank closed to prevent ice blockages

✔ Add insulation to cabinets housing plumbing

✔ Run small fans in vulnerable areas

✔ Keep furnace as primary heat source (propane heat warms underbelly)

✔ Watch propane levels weekly

Space heaters alone won’t protect your plumbing.

🛻 Section 11: Storage RVs — What You Must Check in January

If your RV is in storage:

✔ Inspect exterior monthly

✔ Brush off snow from roof (gently)

✔ Check seals for mid-winter cracks

✔ Look for icicles around slide boxes

✔ Inspect inside for pests

✔ Rotate or move tires slightly

✔ Verify battery charging status

Storage is NOT “set it and forget it.”

🧭 Section 12: January Travel Tips for Nebraska RV Owners

If you plan to camp in January:

✔ Keep furnace on while towing (if safe for your RV)

✔ Don’t travel with frozen tanks

✔ Use RV-friendly antifreeze in traps

✔ Wrap water hose connections

✔ Keep a heat gun or small space heater for emergencies

✔ Bring extra propane

Nebraska winter travel can be amazing — IF you prepare correctly.

⭐ Medium CTA — Book a January RV Winter Check-Up (Mobile Service)

If you’re in the Omaha metro and want to:

• prevent freeze damage

• catch hidden leaks

• protect your plumbing

• ensure your furnace, LP system, and electrical are safe

• avoid expensive spring repairs

…I offer a full mid-winter RV check-up, including:

✔ Leak inspection✔ Plumbing freeze assessment✔ Furnace test✔ Battery voltage test✔ Electrical outlet test✔ Roof & seal check✔ LP safety test✔ Condensation/moisture evaluation✔ Personalized winterization adjustments✔ Pest inspection

Mobile service — I come to your driveway, storage unit, or full-time campsite.

👉 Call or text to schedule your January RV Winter Check-UpAppointments fill quickly due to cold-weather demand.