Georgia winters are mild compared to northern states, but that comparison often leads vehicle owners astray. "It doesn't get that cold" becomes the justification for skipping winterization—until a cold snap drops temperatures into the teens and water in unprotected systems freezes and cracks. Winter storage in Georgia requires appropriate preparation, even if it's not Minnesota-level intensive.

Typical conditions (Atlanta area):

• Average winter lows: 30-35°F
• Several nights per season below 20°F
• Occasional nights in the teens
• Rare but possible single-digit temperatures
• Extended cold snaps (2-4 days below freezing) every few years

What this means:

• Water will freeze multiple times per winter
• Vehicles need freeze protection
• Not as aggressive as northern storage, but not ignorable

One hard freeze can:

• Crack engine blocks
• Destroy water pumps
• Split plumbing in RVs and campers
• Damage water heaters
• Ruin boat engines

The repairs often exceed $1,000-5,000+. Winter preparation costs $20-150.

Winter concerns:

• Battery health (cold reduces capacity)
• Fluid condition (older fluids lose protection)
• Tire pressure (drops in cold)
• General starting reliability

Preparation:

• Battery check/maintainer
• Fresh antifreeze mix (verify protection to -20°F)
• Appropriate oil for cold weather
• Fuel stabilizer if storing over 30 days

Winter concerns:

• Water system freeze damage (major risk)
• Battery drain
• Rodent intrusion (seeking warmth)
• Roof/seal integrity during freeze-thaw cycles

Preparation:

• Full winterization of water system (see below)
• Battery disconnect or maintainer
• Rodent prevention measures
• Roof/seal inspection

Winter concerns:

• Engine freeze damage (critical)
• Water system freeze damage
• Battery health
• Fuel degradation

Preparation:

• Engine winterization (run antifreeze through cooling)
• Drain/winterize freshwater systems
• Fuel stabilizer
• Battery maintenance

Drain-only method:

1. Drain all fresh water tanks
2. Open all faucets
3. Drain water heater
4. Leave faucets cracked open

Limitation: Residual water in low points can still freeze. Risky for hard freezes.

Full antifreeze method (recommended):

1. Drain fresh water system
2. Bypass water heater
3. Run RV antifreeze through all faucets until pink
4. Add antifreeze to drains and holding tanks

Cost: $10-20 in antifreeze

1. Flush with fresh water
2. Run antifreeze through cooling system
3. Fog engine (optional but recommended)
4. Stabilize fuel

Cost: DIY $20-40; Professional $150-300

Cold reduces battery capacity. A marginal battery in summer may fail completely in winter.

Preparation:

• Test battery before winter
• Use a maintainer or disconnect
• For batteries removed: store in cool (not freezing) location

Winter considerations:

• Full exposure to cold and weather
• Ground can become muddy or icy
• Vehicle needs full winterization

Appropriate when:

• Vehicle is fully winterized
• Budget is primary concern
• Vehicle is frequently used

Winter considerations:

• Protected from precipitation
• Still exposed to cold temperatures
• Still requires full winterization

Appropriate when:

• Want protection from ice/snow accumulation
• Vehicle sits for extended periods
• Reasonable budget available

Winter considerations:

• Temperature fluctuates but more stable than outdoor
• Protected from precipitation entirely
• Still gets cold; still requires winterization

Appropriate when:

• Want maximum protection without climate control cost
• Vehicle is valuable enough to justify indoor cost

Winter considerations:

• Temperature maintained above freezing
• May not require full winterization (but still recommended)
• Premium cost

Appropriate when:

• Storing high-value or collector vehicles
• Want to skip winterization (still drain water systems)
• Budget allows

Most facilities operate year-round. Winter demand is often lower than summer, which may mean better availability or negotiation opportunity.

What to look for:

• Good drainage (avoid muddy lots)
• Covered options available
• Accessible during winter weather events

Purpose-built for RVs and larger vehicles. Staff often understand winterization needs.

What to ask:

• Do you have covered spaces available?
• Any winterization services or recommendations?
• Access during ice/snow events?

Facilities in Conyers, Covington, and Oxford typically have:

• More space and better drainage than cramped urban lots
• Lower costs than inside-I-285 facilities
• Purpose-built RV/vehicle storage options

The slightly rural location can actually be an advantage in winter—less traffic, simpler access, more predictable conditions.

• Complete winterization before first hard freeze
• Don't wait until freeze is forecast—do it early
• Confirm storage space availability

• Check on vehicle periodically if possible
• Monitor for any issues (leaks, pest intrusion)
• Battery maintainer check

• Flush antifreeze systems
• Check for any winter damage
• Test all systems before using

Oxford RV Storage stores vehicles through Georgia winters with outdoor and covered options. The facility provides secure storage; winterization and preparation are the owner's responsibility.

For RV and camper owners, winter storage with proper winterization prevents the expensive freeze damage that catches many Georgia RV owners off guard.