When that final trip of the season is complete, and you know there’s little or no likelihood of squeezing in one more, it’s time to be grateful for the enjoyment and adventures you’ve experienced, then get your Teardrop ready for its long winter hibernation. More-or-less in order of action, here’s what happens.
First, it gets a thorough exterior wash on a breezy day which will help it dry more quickly.
Then, the Teardrop gets moved to its long-term parking spot, where I have two patio stones for the wheels instead of them being right on the grass. I chock behind the wheels and, using the trailer jack, raise the tongue slightly above level. This way, in the unlikely event of some type of leak, water will flow to the rear instead of sit.
(I’ve wondered whether I should jack it up and set the axle on stands so that the tires or not pressing against the patio stone in the same place for 5 months and possible creating a “flat spot” on the tire. And/or should I reduce pressure in the tires over winter. Use comment form to reply with your thoughts.)
Everything gets removed from the galley and sleeper cabin (Yes, some of it could be left in place over winter but it’s a good occasion to clean them and inspect that all is in good working order.) then those areas get a thorough Shop-Vac.
Up front in the trailer box, I shut off the solar panel input then disconnect and remove the batteries. Most of what is loose and not screwed-down in the trailer box gets removed. Then a quick Shop-Vac for good measure. The batteries are stored indoors, in the basement, and put on the Genius charger every 6 weeks or so.
Once the trailer has been emptied, I hope for a breezy, dry day to open the doors, galley hatch and trailer box to ensure the interior is dry as it can be.
Finally, two covers go onto the trailer:
- The first is an automobile cover which is a soft, breathable, water-resistant material. I’m not sure what that material is but it is described as “three-layer, non-woven fabric (110 GSM)”. For my little Teardrop, the 14.5’ cover designed for a compact car is ample. It has loops and an elastic around the bottom to cinch it in.
- On top of the automobile cover goes a tarp which covers the roof, front trailer box and most of the sides. This is secured with bungees running under the trailer. The tarp is an extra protection against snow and other effects of weather.
So, that’s how I do things with my Teardrop Trailer but by no means the full story or the best way. What about you? Add your own methods, ideas and experiences using the comment box below for the benefit of all readers.
Teardrop Trailer Travels 
I agree with your winter setup, it is solid advice. I bought a shelter logic storage tent, often on sale at Cdn. Tire, and park my teardrop there year round when not in use, let’s face it, I was only on the road 6 weeks last year so that leaves a lot of idle time for pollution, UV exposure on the tires plus tree sap and bird droppings, and sometimes I like to just slip out, catch an afternoon nap or read in that cozy setting. I jack mine up with blocks on the frame for the winter, resting the tires I hope plus I spin the tires perodically thinking to keep the bearing grease from settling. Don’t know if there is any good to lowering tire pressue in the winter, I don’t but who knows. One question I do have, since the teardrop only weighs about 1000 lbs, is it necessary to run the tires at the 50 psi max rating when traveling, a softer ride might cut down on some of the bouncing. We know that low tire pressure is the most common cause of trailer tire blowouts.
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That is a good idea about getting one of those shelters, and it would allow me to go out there in winter if I need to check on something, make a measurement (for some Teardrop trailer project plan haha) or whatever. Mine has standard 12″ wheels and there the recommended psi is 80! I back off a bit from that but sure doesn’t do much to lessen the bouncing… everything needs to be strapped down before getting on the road.
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