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Here’s Everything RV Owners Should Know about RV Winterization

Read Stephanie Puglisi's tips and tricks on winterizing your RV!

As the temperatures begin to dip around the country, RV owners in colder climates reluctantly prepare to give their rigs a rest until the next camping season. Before you tuck your RV away for the winter months, there are a few things you need to do to ensure your camper is properly prepped for storage and ready to hit the road come spring.

Whether you tow a trailer or drive a motorized RV, winterization is a vital component of regular RV upkeep and helps you protect your investment while it’s not in use. From flushing your water lines to adding RV antifreeze to your plumbing, this process can be a weekend DIY project or easily handled by a dealership or mobile service technician. Either way, winterizing your RV helps prevent costly damage while your rig isn’t in use.

But what exactly does it mean to winterize your RV? Here’s everything you should know about RV winterization and how you can easily get your rig ready for colder months.

What is RV winterizing?

 

RV winterization provides owners with peace of mind knowing their campers are prepared (inside and out) to take on colder weather and extended time in storage. The key element to RV winterization is preventing your water pipes and lines from freezing or bursting in the winter months. If you live in an area where your RV will encounter temperatures near or below freezing for more than 24 hours, chances are you’ll need to winterize your rig.

Since protecting your RV’s plumbing system from frigid weather is the primary focus of this maintenance routine, it entails things like bypassing your water heater and draining your tanks—all of which can sound intimidating to first-time RV owners. But don’t let these tasks overwhelm you, RV winterization is truly a straightforward process that also includes cleaning, removing food items that might perish or explode under freezing temps, sealing cracks and holes to deter rodents and pests, and other attainable to-dos.

Here's a list of key items you–or a service tech–should cover when winterizing your RV:

• Drain and clean your black and gray holding tanks and the freshwater tank.

• Flush out your water lines, open low-point drains on your RV’s exterior, and empty your water heater.

• Bypass your water heater.

•  Apply RV antifreeze to your plumbing system.

• Give your interior a thorough cleaning and remove food and other items that could perish or freeze in cold temps. You should also remove any clothing or valuables you don’t want to sit in your rig all winter.

•  Place mothballs, mouse traps, or other rodent and pest deterrents in your RV while it’s in storage.

• Remove dirt and grime from your RV’s exterior by washing and waxing your rig before storage.

• Inspect your roof, window and door seals, and the underbelly of your RV for any cracks or holes that need to be resealed or repaired.

• Remove your propane tanks and your RV battery for safe storage. It’s best to keep your battery in a warm location where you can charge it in the off-season.

• Cover your RV with a UV-protected and mildew-resistant RV cover, especially if you’re storing your rig outside. Consider purchasing separate RV tire covers if your cover does not protect your tires.

Can I winterize my own RV?

Yes, RV winterization can be a DIY project with the right equipment and an easy learning curve. You’ll need things like RV antifreeze, a water heater bypass kit (if your system isn’t equipped with one), sealant to repair any holes or cracks, and some basic tools to open and close drains and access your water heater valves. Make sure to consult your owner’s manual and refer to any manufacturer resources online.

If this sounds like too much to take on yourself, have no fear: you can also have your RV winterized by a professional at your preferred RV dealership and service center or hire a mobile service technician to handle the job. This route saves you time and gives comfort in knowing your RV is squared away before heading to storage. 

When should I winterize my RV?

Ideally, you’ll want to have your RV winterized before temperatures dip below freezing for more than 24 hours to avoid damage to your rig’s plumbing system. After your last camping trip of the season, you should start taking steps to prepare your RV for the winter months. If you’re hiring a professional, this means scheduling your winterization as early as possible as this service can book quickly once cold weather arrives.

What happens if I don’t winterize my RV before temperatures fall?

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Don’t panic. If a cold snap hits or you’re at the campsite when freezing temperatures set in, there are easy ways to protect your RV in a pinch. Keeping things warm is key to preventing damage to your plumbing. Run your heat continuously on low and keep cabinets and drawers open to allow for air circulation. Empty your holding tanks. Disconnect your hose from the water source, or use a heated water hose. You can also wrap your pipes with heat tape to add an extra layer of protection.

Where should I store my RV after winterization?

You have several options when it comes to storing your RV for the winter. While a covered or enclosed storage bay will help protect your RV from the elements, there are plenty of owners who safely store their campers outside in the offseason.

If you’d prefer an indoor storage facility, you’ll want to make arrangements well in advance to ensure your RV has a reservation. You should also keep in mind that indoor facilities (especially those that are heated) can be significantly more expensive than other storage options. So, take your budget into account when deciding how and where to store your camper. For those storing their RVs outside, investing in a durable cover is best for protecting it from the wear and tear of snow, rain, UV rays, and frigid temps. This route can also save you from hefty storage fees, especially if you have space on your own property to keep your rig.

No matter how you winterize your RV or where you store it for winter, once warm weather returns, you’ll be happy you took all the necessary steps to keep your rig protected and prepared to hit the road for another year of travel and adventure.

Planning on winterizing the RV yourself? Here are some more tips from RV expert Mark Polk.

Settling Your RV in for the Winter

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The weather is cooling off, schools are back in session, and your PTO needs some time to recharge. The blissful months of summer have to come to an end eventually, and when it’s time to return to the old routine, you should make sure your RV is ready for downtime.

An RV provides an unmatchable outdoor experience. You have the perfect blend of the immersive, toes-in-the-dirt feeling of classic camping with the comfort of having an enclosed place to rest and sleep, away from bugs, wildlife, and the elements. Giving your RV the proper care is essential for prolonging its lifetime, and properly preparing your RV for long-term storage can make a world of difference.

What Happens If You Don’t Winterize Your RV?

Freezing pipes and tanks can be disastrous if your RV is not correctly winterized. When the temperatures dip below freezing, water expands and can put pressure on the internal systems of your RV, potentially causing them to burst. With such an investment as an RV, you need to give it the right care to avoid expensive repairs.

Even if you live in a warmer climate, winterizing an RV isn’t a bad idea if you know it’s going to be sitting for an extended period of time. It’s also good for the sake of regular maintenance and upkeep. Plus, should a cold front come through, you won’t have to rush to get it ready to withstand the frigid conditions.

When Is It Time To Winterize Your RV?

Pay attention to your area’s regular weather patterns. If you’re approaching your first winter in a new state, ask a local friend or coworker what to expect. 

A key indicator that it’s time to winterize your RV is when the temperature is going to be near or below freezing for longer than 24 hours. But remember, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. If you’re asking yourself, “Should I winterize my RV?” the answer is probably going to be “yes.”

How To Winterize an RV

Many RV dealerships offer winterizing and de-winterizing services, but knowing how to winterize your RV yourself can save you money. You’ll also get to know the inner workings of your RV, which can be an essential knowledge base should you ever encounter a problem with your RV while you’re away from civilization.

You don’t have to be a maintenance expert to do your own RV winterization, either. It can be done in a few easy steps with only a handful of tools and supplies.

How Long Does It Take To Winterize an RV?

The first time you’re winterizing your RV can take a couple of hours. With practice and the right tools on hand, you can winterize your RV in 30 to 45 minutes.

Tools and Supplies To Winterize an RV

In order to properly winterize your RV, these are the tools and supplies needed to winterize your RV:

• Flashlight
• 2-3 gallons of nontoxic RV antifreeze
• Water heater bypass kit (if your RV is not already equipped with one)
• Water pump converter kit
• Tank-cleaning wand
• External flushing system (if needed)
• Air compressor and adaptor (if using the compressed air method)

Step 0: Choose Your Method—Antifreeze vs. Compressed Air Method

There are two popular methods for winterizing an RV, and both have advantages and drawbacks. It’s up to you which method you ultimately choose. The antifreeze method uses more antifreeze, which is more expensive and can leave a lingering taste after you de-winterize your RV, but it’s more effective and is especially well suited for RVs staying in a colder climate. 

Alternatively, the compressed air method is more environmentally and budget-friendly, but blowing air into your RV’s system increases the risk of contamination. If not done properly, water can still collect in low points of your RV’s systems and therefore still pose a risk of cracking your pipes. 

Regardless of which method you choose, you will still need antifreeze, so be sure to pick some up before the stored sell out.

Step 1: Clean Your RV

Get ready to use some elbow grease. When the temperatures drop, pests get cold, and your unattended RV starts to look especially comfortable for them. Always refer to your instruction manual first for specific measures, but you’ll want to make your RV as uninviting as possible. 

Eliminate all traces of food and water from your RV, wipe down all surfaces, sweep, mop, vacuum, and remove bedding and linens to thoroughly wash and store them. Clean and seal both sides of windows, doors, and any cracks or small openings you find. Give the exterior of your RV a good wash as well, including the roof and undercarriage.

Step 2: Drain All Tanks and Systems

Gray and Black Tanks

Locate a dump station. Many Rjourney RV Resorts have dump stations available. 

First, remove water line filters and take this opportunity to inspect them. Decide if replacements are needed, and if so, add them to your list.

Then open up and let it all out. Disconnect and drain your freshwater tank, then empty your black and gray tanks. Leave the hose connected for longer than you might usually to ensure everything comes out, then give the tanks a good flush. If your RV doesn’t have a built-in flushing system, use a cleaning wand and an external flushing system.

Water Heater

Turn off your water heater and let it completely cool before attempting to drain and verify that the pressurized system is turned off as well. Once cool, open the pressure relief valve, remove the anode rod, or drain plug, and stand back as the water may come pouring out rather quickly.

While you’re waiting, check the quality of your anode rod to see if it also needs replacing. You can also clean your hot water tank with a vinegar solution or a rinsing wand. If using the antifreeze winterizing method, replace the rod or drain plug once the tank is empty. If you’re using the blowout method with compressed air for RV winterization, do not replace the rod or drain plug yet.

Interior Lines

Next, open all faucets both hot and cold, and remove all drain plugs inside and outside of your RV. Don’t forget the shower or toilet.

Locate low-point water drains and open them. Turn on your water pump and let it completely force out any remaining water, but only allow it to run for a few seconds, as running the pump with such low water pressure can cause damage. 

At this point, all sources of water should be effectively emptied. Close the faucets once again.

Step 3: Bypassing the Water Heater and Freshwater Tank

Before proceeding with any further steps, you want to close all valves and bypass the water heater and freshwater tanks. Your RV may already have bypass kits installed, so refer to the owner’s manual if you’re unsure.

Water Heater

If your RV has a kit already installed, follow the instructions and the diagram in the owner’s manual for how to locate and operate it. If there is no kit, you can purchase one and attach it fairly easily. This bypass prevents you from wasting antifreeze.

Freshwater Tank

Once again, refer to your manual to see if your RV already has a winterization valve installed. If so, turn it to the correct position according to the manual’s instructions. 

If a valve is not installed, you can purchase a water pump converter kit to install yourself.

Regardless, the end of the system will need to be connected to an antifreeze jug. 

Step 4 (Antifreeze Method): Flush Your Systems With Antifreeze

Once both tanks have been successfully bypassed, turn on your water pump once again. It will draw antifreeze into your RV’s lines from the connected source. Then, one at a time, open every faucet in your RV, hot and cold. Wait until the pink antifreeze comes through, then turn off the faucet. This also applies to the toilet, which you should flush until you see pink. If the connected bottle runs out, connect another.

Using another bottle, pour antifreeze down every drain, roughly one cup for every drain. The toilet needs at least two cups, which can then be flushed. From both the toilet and sink drains, both the gray and black tanks should receive enough antifreeze to make it through the winter. Turn off the water pump when finished.

Step 5 (Compressed Air Method): 

Grab a friend or family member if you want to speed this process along. Instead of filling your lines with antifreeze, you’ll use an air compressor set to 30 or 40 psi to rid the system of any traces of water. For the water heater, don’t replace the anode rod or drain plug, and be sure to close the hot water heater’s pressure relief valve. 

First, attach the blowout plug and pump the hot water lines. Reinstall the anode rod, or drain plug, with plumber’s tape. Then turn on the bypass, run all faucets on “warm” until they run dry, and then connect the air compressor to the water inlet to pump air throughout the interior lines. 

This is when a second person will come in handy. Verify that the water pump is turned off and low-point drains are open. Send one person inside to make sure every faucet is turned off before turning each faucet on one at a time, both hot and cold. The other person will blow the air, and the person inside will alert when water no longer blows through before proceeding to the next. Work your way from the closest faucet to the outdoor plug to the farthest.

After every faucet has been blown, hold the toilet valve until water has completely cleared. At this point, your RV’s system should be good and dry. You will still want to pour antifreeze down every drain to protect P-traps, so while this method is not entirely antifreeze-free, it uses quite a bit less. 

Step 6: Prepare Your Engine, Battery, and Exterior

Now that your RV’s systems should be good to go into the cold of winter, you can check on the other components of your RV. Top off the engine oil, transmission fluid, coolant, and wiper fluids as needed. You can also add some fuel stabilizer before filling the tank, then run the engine for five minutes to let the stabilizer work through. 

Disconnect and store the battery in a warm, dry location, always starting with the negative side first. Get the oil changed on the engine and the generator, and check the air filters and replace if necessary. 

You can also protect the exterior of your RV by purchasing covers for the whole vehicle and the wheels. 

Step 7: Plan for Your Next Trip To Stay at an Rjourney RV Resort

Don’t let the end-of-summer blues get you down. Now that you know how to winterize an RV, give yourself something to look forward to and start making plans for your next big RV adventure. Rjourney RV resorts can be found in states all across the country near some of the most beloved destinations.

Our resorts are designed specifically for RV camping and are loaded with features to benefit you and your RV, such as dump stations, laundry facilities, on-site convenience stores, and plenty more. Many resorts also have options for tent-pitching and cabin-living, if that’s the way you want to stay.

Find the Rjourney RV Resort near your next adventure and reserve your spot today!

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