When the cold weather sets in, it’s time to start thinking about winterizing your RV. If you’re parking your motorhome or travel trailer for a few months, winterizing is an important series of steps you’ll need to take to prevent costly damage to your plumbing, appliances, and interior.
If you’ve never winterized an RV before, it may seem intimidating. But by following these simple steps, you’ll be able to keep your RV or trailer in great shape, no matter how cold it gets outside.
Step 1: Gather All Necessary Tools and Supplies
Before getting started on the winterizing process, make sure you have everything you need first to avoid last-minute hardware store trips—it’ll save you some time:
- RV antifreeze: Most RVs need at least three to four gallons per winterization.
- Toolkit: Including a cordless power drill, socket wrenches, open-end wrenches, pliers, screwdrivers, and a flashlight.
- Water heater bypass kit: If your RV doesn’t already have one, now is a great time to install it. It allows you to draw antifreeze directly into your plumbing system, saving you gallons of antifreeze every time you winterize your RV.
- Siphoning kit: If you don’t have a permanent pump siphon kit installed yet, a hand siphon will help you circulate antifreeze throughout your whole water system.
- Cleaning supplies: Always have paper towels on hand to clean up any spilled antifreeze. Plus, it’s a good idea to give your RV a good cleaning before storing it for the winter. Make sure you have surface cleaning products and a vacuum ready to go.
Step 2: Drain the Water System
Water sitting in your RV’s pipes and tanks can freeze during the winter, resulting in the pipes and other components expanding, cracking, and bursting. That leaves you with an expensive mess to deal with come springtime.
You’ll need to remove all water from your RV’s system. Before starting, disconnect your system from any external water source.
Next, open all the taps, turn on the shower, and flush the toilet to remove all water from your RV’s pipes. Once your onboard fresh water supply is empty, drain your water system using the low-point drains underneath your RV.
Step 3: Drain the Water Heater
Turn off your water heater and let it cool completely. Never try to drain your water heater when it’s hot; there may be built-up pressure, and the heat could cause burns.
Using a wrench, remove the drain plug and open up the pressure relief valve. Allow the water to drain out completely.
Step 4: Empty the Gray and Black Water Tanks
Wastewater should always be disposed of at a dump station. Drain your gray and black water tanks, and flush and clean both with holding tank cleaning products. You should be able to find what you need at your local RV parts store.
Step 5: Bypass the Water Heater
At this point, your RV’s plumbing should be dry, but there’s still moisture that you’ll need to take care of before finishing the job.
Adding antifreeze to your system now, though, would mean filling up your water heater with gallons of antifreeze. Avoid this unnecessary cost by using a bypass kit. A bypass will pump antifreeze only where it’s needed in your pipes and fixtures.
If your RV already has a bypass kit installed, turn the valves so water will be routed around the heater.
If not, most RV parts and accessories stores have kits available for you to install yourself. If you feel unsure, RV service centers can also install one for you.
Step 6: Add Antifreeze
It’s finally time to protect your water lines from freezing.
First, ensure that all drains and faucets are closed. Then, add antifreeze from your RV’s outside water intake with either a hand pump or an installed pump siphon. This will draw antifreeze through your plumbing lines.
One at a time, open each faucet until you see pink liquid flowing steadily. Don’t forget to close each faucet afterward.
Flush the toilet until you see pink antifreeze appear.
If your RV is equipped with accessories like an outside shower, washing machine, or ice maker, ensure that they are drawing antifreeze too.
Lastly, pour a cup of antifreeze into each drain and toilet bowl to ensure that P-traps stay protected from freezing and damage all winter long.
Step 7: Clean Your RV, Inside and Out
Winterization is more than just protecting your plumbing. Now is also a great time to give your RV one last thorough cleaning.
- Empty and clean the fridge to avoid unwanted pests and mold.
- Remove bedding and linens and store them in a dry indoor place.
- Place moisture-absorbing packs inside cabinets to reduce humidity.
- Wipe down, vacuum, or clean all surfaces, including floors, countertops, and cabinets.
- Seal openings to prevent mice and other pests from entering.
- Wash and wax your RV’s exterior.
- Inspect your exterior for damage or worn parts and replace or repair as needed.
- Invest in an RV cover, especially if you’re planning on storing outdoors with no overhead roof.
Step 8: Remove the Battery
Cold temperatures and inactivity can quickly drain your RV’s battery. If you’re planning on storing your vehicle for several months, keep your battery in good condition by disconnecting and removing it. Store it in a cool, dry place, such as on a shelf in your garage.
If you prefer to leave your battery in your RV, you can use a maintenance charger to keep it fully charged through the winter.
Get Your RV Ready for Winter Today
Winterizing an RV is one of the most important tasks you’ll do all year long. While it takes several hours of work, properly protecting your vehicle now saves you from headaches and costly repairs when spring weather rolls around again.
If you’re overwhelmed looking at this checklist and aren’t comfortable doing maintenance yourself, get help from the professionals. At Albany RV in Albany, Oregon, we offer reliable service and repair for all sizes and models of RVs. Our skilled technicians will get the winterization job done quickly so you can enjoy winter and get going on your next road trip when warmer weather returns.
