RV Winterization Checklist
For most RV owners, winter is the season when the RV is parked…either in a warm, sunny spot for the snow bird season or tucked away in storage awaiting the camping season to come back around. If you will be resting your RV during the winter, you are going to need to take a few steps to ensure it is properly winterized. This winterization checklist will help you prepare your RV for cold temperatures.
1. Check the Owner’s Manual
Each RV will have specific winterizing guidelines. Check the owner’s manual for these guidelines before you start. If something on this list is different than the owner’s manual, go with what the owner’s manual says.
2. Remove the Water
One of the most important steps in winterizing your home-on-wheels is removing the water from the various lines in the RV, including all of your interior plumbing. If the water is not removed and it freezes, the lines could break. To remove the water, you will need to:
· Remove inline water filters and bypass this system.
· Drain the water holding tank.
· Drain the gray and black holding tanks, then flush them. You can use a product to flush the lines if the RV does not have a built-in flushing system.
· Check the water heater to see if the water is hot or under pressure. If it is not, drain the water heater. If it is, remove the pressure and allow it to cool before doing this step.
· Turn on the faucets, including the toilet valve. This will allow any remaining water in the system to drain out.
· Pump the water from the low point drain lines, turning off the pump as soon as the system is completely drained.
· Close the faucets.
This process will ensure there is no water remaining in the water lines, protecting your system from freezing temperatures.
3. Fill the Water System with Antifreeze
Removing the water is the first step. Once it is removed, you will want to fill the system with antifreeze to ensure nothing is allowed to freeze. Purchase a few gallons of RV-specific antifreeze, then perform the following steps:
· Bypass the system from the water heater so none of the antifreeze dumps into it.
· Disconnect the inlet side of the water pump.
· Connect clear tubing to the inlet side of the water pump on one end and an RV-specific antifreeze on the other.
· Turn on the water pump so the system will pressurize, then open the hot and cold faucets, allowing it to run until antifreeze appears. Start with the faucet closest to the water pump, then move through the RV. Pay attention to the level of antifreeze, and replace the container as needed.
· Flush the toilet several times until you see antifreeze.
· Once all of the outlets have antifreeze in them, turn the water pump off and release pressure by opening a faucet.
· Pour one cup of antifreeze in each drain, as well as the toilet. Flush the toilet to push the antifreeze into the holding tank.
This process will ensure that all of the RV’s water outlets and drain lines are full of antifreeze, so they will not freeze over as temperatures drop.
4. Turn off the Water Heater
Many RVs have water heaterswith electric heating elements. Turn this off, so the system will not accidentally switch on when not in use.
5. Check the Seals
Before you close up your RV for the winter, check the seals around windows, doors and RV vents. You want these to be properly sealed to keep moisture and pests out while your RV is stored. If you notice any problems, replace or repair them before parking the RV.
6. Check the Lock
A parked RV is easily forgotten, but it can be a target for a thief. Make sure your RV lock is properly functioning so your RV and its contents are protected. Consider upgrading your lock to prevent potential theft.
Winterizing your RV is critical to protecting it throughout the winter. By taking these steps now, you will be confident that your RV will be ready to serve you well when the temperatures start to increase.
