May in Yuma is a bittersweet time. The snowbird season is winding down, the temperatures are beginning to climb, and soon it'll be time to either pack up and head north or settle your RV in for a long, hot Arizona summer. Whether you're driving home or leaving your rig parked at the resort, a little preparation now can save you from expensive surprises later. Here's your complete guide to summerizing your RV the right way.
Most RVers are familiar with winterizing — draining the pipes and protecting your rig from freezing temperatures. Summerizing is the summer equivalent, and in the Sonoran Desert, it's just as important. Interior temperatures inside a parked RV in Yuma can exceed 140°F on hot summer days. That kind of heat can crack seals, warp materials, drain batteries, destroy tires, and wreak havoc on anything left inside. A proper summerize checklist protects your investment and ensures your RV is ready to roll when snowbird season comes back around.
Leaving your rig parked at a resort or storage facility is a popular option for snowbirds who fly back north. Here's what to do before you go
If you're heading back north, May is a great time to hit the road before summer heat peaks across the Southwest. Before you pull out of your site, run through this checklist:
If possible, plan your driving days to avoid the hottest part of the day. Tires, engines, and AC systems all perform better in the cooler morning hours. Try to be parked or at least off the highway by early afternoon when pavement temperatures peak. Not only is it safer, it's a far more pleasant way to travel.
Whether you're tucking your rig in for the summer or pointing it north toward home, a little extra care in May makes all the difference come October. The good news: Yuma's warm winters and welcoming community will be right here waiting when snowbird season rolls around again.
Shangri-La RV Resort is already taking reservations for the 2026–2027 season. Visit shangrilarv.com to secure your spot before the best sites fill up — because once word gets out, they go fast.
