Whether your RV is going into storage until spring or you simply won’t be traveling for a few months, winterizing is one of the most important maintenance jobs an RVer does all year. Water left in the plumbing can freeze, expand, and crack lines, fittings, and the water pump, and a rig sitting idle also faces battery drain, pests, and moisture problems. The good news is that you can winterize your RV yourself in an afternoon with a few basic supplies. Here’s how to do it, and what else deserves attention before the rig goes to sleep.
How to Winterize Your RV Plumbing
Start by emptying everything. Drain the fresh water tank, then dump and flush the gray and black tanks. Let the water heater cool, then drain it by removing the drain plug and opening the pressure relief valve. Open every faucet, both hot and cold, along with the low-point drains, and let the lines empty. Next, bypass the water heater using the bypass valves, or install a bypass kit, so you don’t fill the tank with antifreeze. Pour non-toxic RV antifreeze into the winterizing inlet or a clean tube fed from a jug, and run the water pump until pink fluid reaches each faucet, the shower, the outdoor shower, and the toilet. Don’t forget the outdoor shower and any ice maker or washing machine connections, which hold water and are easy to overlook. Add a cup of antifreeze to every drain trap. Some owners blow out the lines with low-pressure compressed air instead, using a regulator set around 30 psi.
Protect the Batteries, Tires, and Propane
Plumbing is only part of the job. When you winterize your RV, power and rolling gear need attention too. Fully charge the batteries, switch off the battery disconnect, and use a maintainer if the rig will sit for months. Follow the manufacturer’s storage guidance for lithium batteries, since the requirements differ from lead-acid, and check the manual for the correct storage setting on any solar controller or inverter. Close the valves on the propane tanks and cover the regulator. Inflate the tires to the recommended pressure and cover them from the sun to prevent cracking, or park on pads or boards if the surface is dirt. Remove any items that can freeze or spoil, such as drinks, cleaning supplies, and canned goods.
Seal Out Pests and Moisture Before You Winterize Your RV
Mice and insects love a quiet, sheltered rig. Take out all food, wipe down cabinets and counters, and empty the refrigerator, then prop the door open so air can circulate. Inspect the underbelly and the areas where pipes, cables, and hoses enter the body for gaps, and plug them with steel wool or sealant rated for the purpose. Check for signs of rodents before you leave, such as droppings or chewed wires, and fix any problems right away. Place deterrents in cabinets and storage bays, and use moisture absorbers in closets and the bathroom. Cover the furnace and air conditioner vents if recommended, and crack a roof vent with a cover so humidity can escape without letting rain in.
Check the Roof, Seals, and Exterior
Storage is a good time to look for small problems before they become expensive ones. Inspect the roof sealant and seams, the seals around windows and slide-outs, and the sealant around vents and skylights. Walk the roof carefully, or hire someone to, since small cracks in sealant are far cheaper to fix than water damage. Clean the exterior, treat rubber seals, and wax if the finish needs it. As you winterize your RV, retract the awning and slides unless the manufacturer says otherwise, and choose a breathable fitted cover rather than a plastic tarp, which traps moisture. A professional inspection before storage can catch roof and seal issues that might otherwise cause water damage over the winter.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When should I winterize my RV?
Before the first hard freeze. Even mild regions such as the Gulf Coast can see an occasional freeze, so watch the forecast and don’t wait for a cold snap.
Can I use automotive antifreeze?
No. Use only non-toxic RV or marine antifreeze made for potable water systems. Automotive antifreeze is poisonous and can’t be used in drinking water lines.
Do I still need to protect the plumbing if I’m using the RV in winter?
Yes. Heated underbellies, heat tape, skirting, and a heated water hose can provide freeze protection, but you’ll still want a backup plan if temperatures drop sharply.
Is blowing out the lines enough?
It can work if done carefully at low pressure, but many RVers use antifreeze as well for added protection against trapped water in low spots.
How do I get the RV ready again in spring?
Reconnect the water heater bypass, flush the antifreeze from the lines, sanitize the system according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and check for leaks before you travel.
RV Home Inspections provides RV inspections in Houston, Texas. Contact us to schedule an appointment.