Dickinson, ND winters are among the most extreme storage environments in the United States — and boat and RV owners who do not properly winterize before storage consistently discover in spring that what seemed like an optional preparation step was actually the protection standing between a functional recreational vehicle and thousands of dollars of freeze damage.
Dickinson boat and RV owners who have lived through a North Dakota winter understand what sub-zero temperatures do to water-containing systems without protection — and first-time owners often learn this lesson the expensive way. Temperatures of -20°F and below cause water to freeze and expand with extraordinary force — enough to crack cast iron engine blocks, burst copper and PVC water lines, split freshwater tanks, and destroy every plastic fitting and valve in a vessel's water system simultaneously. North Dakota's extremely dry winter air compounds this by pulling moisture from rubber seals and gaskets at an accelerated rate — causing components that appeared fine at the end of the season to be cracked and unusable by spring. And battery cells left uncharged in North Dakota's extreme cold suffer permanent and irreversible capacity loss. Storage Unit of Dickinson provides the secure organized storage your boat or RV needs through the off-season — but the winterization preparation described in this guide is what actually protects your investment from the winter that surrounds it. Call (701) 690-5512 to discuss available space.
Engine winterization — non-negotiable in ND: Flush the engine thoroughly with fresh water to remove any sediment or mineral deposits from North Dakota's lakes and rivers. Change the oil and filter — this is especially important for a long North Dakota winter storage where used oil has months to corrode engine internals. Add fuel stabilizer to a full tank and run the engine for at least 15 minutes — longer than in milder climates — to fully circulate the stabilizer through the entire fuel system including carburetors or fuel injectors. Fog the engine cylinders with fogging oil through the spark plug holes or air intake — North Dakota's dry cold creates rust on unprotected cylinder walls faster than almost any other storage climate in the country. Water drainage — zero tolerance for residual water: Drain every water-containing system completely — bilge, livewell, baitwells, any freshwater plumbing — and treat this step as if your boat's life depends on it because in North Dakota's winters it does. Use compressed air to verify that all water passages are completely clear. Apply non-toxic RV antifreeze to any water passage that cannot be verified completely dry. In Dickinson's winters there is no middle ground — the water is either gone or it freezes and causes damage. Batteries: Remove all batteries from the boat and bring them inside to a heated location for storage. Connect to a quality battery maintainer throughout the winter. Batteries left in a boat through a North Dakota winter — even in a storage unit — frequently do not survive to spring. Exterior: Clean and wax the hull. Apply a quality rubber and vinyl protectant to all exterior seals trim and components — North Dakota's dry cold is especially hard on rubber. Use a heavy-duty breathable cover designed for northern climates.
Freshwater system — the most critical step: North Dakota winterization is unforgiving — every drop of water in every part of the RV's plumbing system must be eliminated or protected with antifreeze before the first hard freeze. Drain the freshwater tank completely. Open every faucet, showerhead, and outdoor shower and hold open until fully drained. Drain and bypass the water heater. Use an RV water pump to push non-toxic RV antifreeze through every line, faucet, toilet, and showerhead until pink antifreeze flows from every outlet. Do not skip any outlet or fitting — a single plastic valve with residual water will crack and need replacement by spring. Sewage systems: Empty and flush both black and grey tanks at a dump station. Add RV antifreeze and tank treatment to prevent any residual moisture from freezing. Engine and mechanical: Change the oil and filter before winter storage — this is critical for a long North Dakota winter. Add fuel stabilizer and run the engine for 15-20 minutes to fully circulate it. Check and top all fluids using winter-grade ratings appropriate for North Dakota temperatures. Inflate tires slightly below maximum pressure — extreme cold increases tire brittleness. Place on tire cradles to prevent flat-spotting during the long storage period. Interior preparation for North Dakota: Remove all food without exception — North Dakota's winters drive rodents into any warm space and an RV with food inside is an extremely attractive target. Clean the refrigerator completely and prop the door open. Seal every possible exterior entry point with steel wool or expanding foam — rodents can enter through remarkably small gaps. Place multiple moisture absorbers throughout the interior to control the humidity fluctuations that accompany North Dakota's seasonal transitions.
Storage Unit of Dickinson offers secure, accessible, and flexible boat and RV storage in Dickinson, ND — the right off-season home for your recreational investment through North Dakota's most extreme winters. Call (701) 690-5512 with your boat or RV dimensions to confirm available space before the season ends. Proper winterization and proper storage are what protect what you have invested — call (701) 690-5512 today.