Winter Checklist for Your Four Wheel Camper
Published Date: October 23, 2025
By Sarah Daniels
A little prep goes a long way!
Whether you’re parking your truck camper for a few months or chasing powder all winter, a little prep keeps your Four Wheel Camper ready for whatever’s next. These lightweight campers handle cold weather impressively well, but if winter camping just isn’t your thing, this quick checklist will ensure it’s clean, dry, and road-ready when spring rolls around.
Winterize the Water System
Even though your Four Wheel Camper is built for cold conditions, it’s important to protect your water system when temperatures drop below 39°F. Freezing water can damage pipes, faucets, and appliances, leading to costly repairs. If you plan to camp through the winter, you can still use your truck camper comfortably – just keep the water system winterized and operate without running water until temperatures rise again.
- Drain the freshwater tank by opening the drain valve, faucet, and outside shower (if equipped), staying nearby to avoid running the pump dry. Park on a rear decline to help water drain faster.
- Open sink faucets to release remaining water, then turn off the water pump once flow stops.
- Turn off the water heater and pump, depressurize the system, let it cool, and remove the inlet filter from the exterior panel to drain. Store the filter in the access panel and close the bypass valve. Never use compressed air or antifreeze in the water heater.
- Leave all drains, faucets, and showers open. Attach the blowout plug to the city water connection, then use short bursts of compressed air to clear any remaining water from lines, alternating between hot and cold settings.
- Remove and store the water pump filter cap and leave faucets open during storage to allow for expansion.
Clean and Dry the Camper Interior
Moisture and trapped air can cause mold, mildew, and unwanted odors over the winter. Cleaning and drying the interior keeps your Four Wheel Camper fresh and ready to roll when adventure season starts up again.
- Pop the top to clean and ventilate the camper
- Clear refrigerator and freezer. Store with refrigerator door open for ventilation
- Move mattress to a dry, interior location if camper is stored in wet conditions. If the mattress must be stored in the camper, remove from top cabover area and store in camper standing area to ventilate
- Periodically check on camper, batteries, and air out.
Unload the Camper (If Applicable)
If you’re removing your Four Wheel Camper from your truck for the season, proper unloading helps protect both the camper and your vehicle.
Required tools: 4x Mechanical camper jacks w/ hand crank or drill bit adaptor, drill (optional), 9/16 socket, 9/16 wrench, lever (screwdriver), floor support for camper storage and a friend (optional)
- Choose a flat, solid surface to unload.
- Remove all turnbuckles or bolts inside the camper using a wrench or screwdriver as needed.
- Attach all four jacks securely to the corner brackets.
- Lower jack pads to firm ground for stability.
- Raise the front and rear alternately until the camper clears the truck bed by 4–6 inches.
- Check for obstructions, then slowly pull the truck forward about 16 inches.
- STOP your truck and disconnect wiring. Slowly pull forward until the camper is no longer above the truck.
- Lower the camper close to the ground onto a solid base such as sawhorses or a cart, keeping jacks for support.
- Do not store the camper elevated on jacks alone.
Clean Camper Exterior Hard and Soft Sides
Your Four Wheel Camper’s durable hard and soft-sided construction are built to handle the elements, but keeping them clean extends their life. A simple wash and protectant treatment once or twice a year helps your lightweight camper look its best for the long haul. A Four Wheel Camper that is well cared for can last for decades to come.
- Wash hard sides of the camper with a mild soap like Aerospace 303 multi surface cleaner
- Clean the soft sided/pop up portion of the camper with a mild soap like Aerospace 303 multi surface cleaner
- For extra tough marks, spot clean using a cleaner like Bixler’s Orange Off, a magic eraser and some elbow grease
- Treat vinyl inside and out with 303 (30306) Marine and Recreation Aerospace Protectant once a year to protect from UV damage
- Before long term storage ensure vinyl is dry
- NOTE: Do not use Armor-All, the oil can damage vinyl
Check Electrical System
Your truck camper’s power system is made for off-grid use, but it also needs a rest when not in use. Turning off power and unplugging electronics helps prevent unnecessary battery drain and keeps your lightweight camper’s system safe and ready to fire up when you’re ready to head out again.
- Turn off the 12v master kill switch
- Turn off all electrical items
Final Tip: Keep Adventuring if You Want To
Winter doesn’t have to mean it’s the end of camping season. Four Wheel Campers are known for their low-profile design, superior insulation, and efficient heating systems, making them capable truck campers for cold-weather adventures. Whether you’re heading for a ski lot in Oregon, chasing sunsets in the desert, or storing your camper until spring, a little care now will keep your lightweight camper performing like new for years to come.
If you’re planning to camp through the colder months, adding our Thermal Pack can make a huge difference. It acts as an insulating liner for the pop-up walls, helping your lightweight camper retain warmth, reduce condensation, and stay comfortable even when temperatures dip below freezing.
So, whether you’re chasing snow in the mountains or simply parking your camper until spring, a little prep will keep your Four Wheel Camper ready for every season of adventure.