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.
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.
Can I winterize my own RV?
Yes, RV winterization can be a DIY project with the right equipment and an easy learning curve. Make sure to consult your owner’s manual and refer to any manufacturer resources online. Also, check online for video demonstrations created by service centers and other RVers.
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.
What gear do I need to winterize my RV?
Aside from your owner’s manual, luckily, you do not need a lot of gear to winterize your RV. Mainly, you need RV antifreeze. Important note: This is not the same as regular antifreeze. Regular antifreeze is highly toxic and has an ethylene glycol base, while RV antifreeze is non-toxic and often uses a propylene glycol base. This is important since you do not want toxic residue left in your water lines.
RV antifreeze is usually pink in color, earning it the nickname “the pink drink.” You can find RV antifreeze at auto parts stores, big box stores, hardware shops, and more. Most RVs use around two to four gallons. It’s always better to buy more than you expect to use since you can save it for the next year.
Here are a few supplies to have on hand for winterizing and storing your RV:
- RV antifreeze
- A water heater bypass kit, if your system isn’t equipped with one
- Sealant to repair any holes or cracks
- UV-protected and mildew-resistant RV cover
- Tire covers
- RV levelers
- Basic toolkit (screwdrivers, pliers, etc.)
- Flashlight
- Depending on your setup, you may need a short hose to use when pulling the RV antifreeze into your system
How do I winterize my RV’s water and plumbing systems?
Each RV is different, so you will need to double check your owner’s manual for the exact valve and system settings.
- Drain and clean your black and gray holding tanks and the freshwater tank. If you don’t have a blacktank flush, consider purchasing a flexible tank wand.
- Flush out your water lines, open low-point drains on your RV’s exterior, and empty your water heater.
- Bypass your water heater. It’s not good for antifreeze to go throught the water heater.
- Apply RV antifreeze to your plumbing system using a siphoning kit, and allow all faucets, showerheads, and spigots to run until you visibly see the antifreeze. Don’t forget your outdoor shower, as this is sometimes overlooked.
- Pour RV antifreeze into your sink and shower p-traps and toilet basin to protect the seals. Flush the toilet several times to move the antifreeze through the flush valve.
What other steps should I take before storing my RV for the winter?
- Give your interior a thorough cleaning and remove food and other items that could perish or freeze in cold temperatures. 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 (unless you are able to plug your RV into an appropriate outlet at your house). Learn more about battery maintenance.
- 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.
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?
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.
Frequently Asked Questions About RV Winterization
- Once I’ve winterized, can I use my RV? If you want to go out for some winter camping or head south, the good news is that you can still use your RV. Some travelers simply camp without using the water and plumbing systems. Many year-round campgrounds offer comfort stations you can use. Or, if you are traveling to a warmer location, you can always de-winterize your RV and re-winterize it when you return it to storage.
- Do I need to winterize my freshwater tank? No. Your freshwater just needs a good draining for the winter. You shouldn’t allow antifreeze to enter the tank. The most important step of freshwater tank care happens in the spring, when you sanitize it for the new camping year.
- Do I need to winterize my RV appliances? While not many RVs have washing machines or refrigerators with ice makers, if yours does, these appliances may need special care for the winter. Check your owner’s manual for more details.
- When should I de-winterize my RV? Most owners eagerly watch the spring forecast as they plan their first trips. Watch for daytime temps to warm above freezing before de-winterizing. If you de-winterize in early spring, keep an eye on the forecast for cold snaps, as you may need to re-winterize or take special precautions.
