As the temperatures drop, you will need to prepare your RV camper for the freezing weather. Properly winterizing your vehicle protects it from the harsh elements, preventing costly damage and keeping it ready for your first trip next spring. The process involves parking your RV camper in a safe spot and protecting its intricate systems, especially the plumbing water lines, from freezing and bursting.
Learning everything you need to know about winterizing your RV is a crucial part of responsible ownership. By following these steps, you can relax knowing your home on wheels is secure throughout the cold season. Let’s walk through the essential tasks to get your RV ready for winter.
What Does It Mean to Winterize an RV?
Winterizing an RV means preparing it for cold weather storage. The main goal is to prevent damage from freezing temperatures, moisture, and pests. This involves draining all water from the plumbing, freshwater system and adding non-toxic RV ‘freeze-ban’ fluid to protect ALL the plumbing and pipes. It also includes cleaning the interior and exterior, inspecting slide out seals, and taking steps to protect the tires and batteries.
Why Should You Winterize Your RV?
You should winterize your RV to protect your investment. Water left in the plumbing system can freeze, expand, and crack pipes, tanks, and fixtures, leading to expensive repairs. Beyond the plumbing, winterization protects the battery, tires, and engine from the effects of prolonged cold and disuse. It also helps prevent mold, mildew, and pest infestations, keeping your RV clean and safe for future adventures.
When Should You Winterize Your RV?
You should winterize your RV before the first freeze of the season. The exact timing depends on your local climate. As a rule of thumb, start the process when you anticipate temperatures will consistently drop near or below 32°F (0°C). Do not wait until the last minute, as an unexpected cold snap can cause severe damage.
What Supplies Do You Need to Winterize an RV?
To prepare your RV for winter, you will need a few essential supplies. Having these items on hand will make the process smoother and more effective.
- Non-toxic product named RV/Marine Freeze-Ban: You will need two to five gallons, depending on the size of your RV’s plumbing system. Never use automotive antifreeze in your RV’s freshwater plumbing system, as it is highly toxic!
- A water heater bypass kit: If your RV does not already have one installed, this kit will save you from filling the water heater with freeze-ban.
- A hose wand to clean out holding tanks: This tool helps you thoroughly rinse your black and gray water tanks.
- Basic hand tools: You will need various wrenches and screwdrivers to access drain plugs and panels.
- A water pump converter kit: This allows you to pump antifreeze directly into your plumbing system via a three-foot-long suction hose that drops into a gallon jug of Freeze-Ban
How Do You Drain the Water System?
First, you will drain your fresh, gray, and black water holding tanks. Open the petcock or plug for the freshwater tank to empty it completely. Locate and open the hot and cold “low point” water drains (can be ½” plugs or valves). Opening all the faucets (shower, kitchen, lavatory, and toilet) will allow the water to drain from those fixtures. To drain the gray and black tanks, take your RV to a dump station. Open the big dump valve for the black tank first. After a few minutes, open the gray tank dump valve. Use a tank-cleaning wand on the end of a water hose to rinse the black tank thoroughly to remove any remaining debris. When water stops draining out of these tanks, close the dump valves and remove the sewer hose.
Next, drain the water heater. Turn off the 12-volt power switch AND 120vac breaker for the water heater at the panel. Opening the faucets mentioned earlier will ensure the water heater is not under pressure. If the drain plug of the water heater is hot to the touch, wait until it cools or wear appropriate protective gear. Remove the water heater drain plug to allow the water to drain completely. DO NOT open the temperature pressure relief valve on the water heater. Half the time they do not reseal, and you will have to replace it next Spring. After all the water has drained from the unit, turn the water heater “by-pass” valves to their bypass positions. If there is not a “by-pass” kit for your water heater, have one installed. Finally, close all the faucets, shower, toilet, and low point drains but leave the water heater plug out and in a safe place until Spring.
How Do You Add Antifreeze to the Plumbing System?
Once the water system is drained and water heater is bypassed, you can add the non-toxic RV/Marine freeze-ban.
Next, using the water pump converter kit, drop the hose into a gallon jug of Freeze-Ban and turn on the water pump. If the gallon jug empties before you can get inside, just drop the hose into another gallon jug. Now go to the furthest faucet and turn on the hot water side until you see the ‘PINK’ Freeze Ban. Shut off the hot side of the faucet. Now turn on the cold side until you see PINK. Allow the pink to run into the drain. Now flush the toilet until you see PINK. Repeat this process throughout the RV at each faucet and outside shower faucet. Be sure to turn off each faucet and keep checking your gallon jug of Freeze-ban as you displace all fresh water. Use remaining Freeze Ban in each sink and shower drain. Remove the suction hose and turn the converter kit valve off. Your RV camper is now ready for 0 to -10 degrees.
How Do You Prepare the Interior for Winter?
Preparing the interior involves cleaning and removing items that could attract pests or be damaged by the cold. Remove all dry goods, food, drinks, and anything with a scent, such as toiletries. Clean the refrigerator and freezer and prop the refrig. doors open to prevent mildew. Wash all linens and consider storing them at home. Close your window blinds to prevent the sun from fading your interior fabrics and upholstery.
How Do You Prepare the Exterior for Winter?
Start by washing and waxing the exterior to protect the paint and finish from moisture and dirt. Inspect all roof seams, body seams, and window seals for any cracks or gaps. Reseal any areas that need attention using the proper sealant to prevent leaks. If you plan to store your RV outdoors, invest in a quality, breathable RV cover to protect it from the elements while preventing moisture buildup.
How Do You Protect the Tires and Battery?
To protect the tires, clean them thoroughly and apply ‘303 protectant’ to the sidewalls of the tires. Only use NON PETROLIUM based products to protect the tires, EPDM, TPO roofs and slide out seals. Inflate tires to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure. If possible, park your RV on a surface that won’t hold moisture, such as concrete or gravel, and use tire covers to shield them from sun damage.
For the battery, disconnect the negative cable to prevent it from draining over the winter. For optimal care, remove the battery entirely and store it in a cool, dry place where it won’t freeze. Periodically check its charge and top it off as needed with a battery tender or trickle charger
What Are Some Final Winterization Checks?
Before you consider the job done, perform a few final checks. Make sure all faucets are closed and all tank valves are shut. Double-check that your water heater is bypassed, and its drain plug is safely stored. Walk through the interior one last time to ensure no food or scented items remain. Following this detailed process covers everything you need to know about winterizing your RV and gives you peace of mind.
Your Trusted Partner in RV Care
Proper winterization is key to a long and happy life for your RV. While many owners handle these tasks themselves, sometimes professional help provides extra assurance. A trusted RV repair shop will offer expert assistance with more complex maintenance. At Blue Moon Mobile RV, we are here to ensure your home on wheels receives the best care possible, so you can enjoy many more years of adventure.
