Winterization Tips for Your RV
The easiest way to winterize your RV before for the winter months is to have your service technician do it for you. Luckily for those who live in Florida and other warmer climates you don’t need to worry about winterizing your travel trailer or motorhome.
But if you live or plan on staying in colder climates and insist on DIY winterizing there are a few things to remember that will make your job go smoother. Winterizing your motorhome is an annual task that will not only help protect your motorhome or RV from the harsh winter elements but will also help prolong its life.
Using a few winterization supplies, which you can find at most RV parts stores, will do wonders for the sustainability of your RV. If your RV is stored throughout the winter months, it’s a good idea to check on it periodically; i.e. running the motor and generator to keep the fuel from varnishing.
What is Winterization?
Winterization essentially consists of draining all the water from your plumbing system, holding tanks and appliances, then adding RV antifreeze for protection. Doing this helps prevent freezing and cracking water lines when temperatures drop below freezing. Freezing water can cause leaks and cracks when it expands.
Whether you are traveling to cold winter destinations or storing your RV for the off season, winterizing is a must if the RV is in a location that consistently shows temperatures at or below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. If you are traveling to colder locations, you can winterize your rig and still use it.
If storing, winterization is a bit more work. Draining the water out of the holding tanks, and draining and flushing the water heater, and then bypassing it before introducing RV antifreeze, are a few requirements to winterize your stationary RV. You’ll also need to drain the refrigerator, washing machine and dishwasher water lines.
Winterization Tools and Supplies
- Two Gallons of Non-Toxic RV Antifreeze
- Regulated Compressed Air Supply Set To 50 PSI
- Blowout Plug
- Flashlight
- Sewer Connection
Drain Your Water System
The first step is crucial, turn off your water heater and let the water cool. It may take up to two hours from when you turn off your water heater for it to cool. Waiting for the water to cool is critical to keep you safe when you drain your water heater.
Turn on your refrigerator and disconnect your coach from city water.
Drain the fresh water holding tank by turning on your water pump and opening all hot and cold faucets, including outdoor faucets and your kitchen sprayer. Do not let the water pump run dry. As soon as there is no more water, turn it off.
Your gray and black tanks also need to be drained. Open the black tank valve first, then the gray. If you have a macerator hose, empty it as well.
How To Blow Out Your Water System
The following steps involve draining your water heater tank and blowing air into the system.
First, remove and bypass any inline water filters, including the refrigerator and drinking water filters. Check your water pump to make sure it is off.
Double-check the time to ensure enough time has passed since you turned off the water heater. Remember that water needs to be cool so that you do not hurt yourself. Close valves to the water heater and open the bypass valve. Remove the water heater tank drain plug. Stand back because all the water in the water heater will come rushing out.
Open the low point drains for the hot and cold water, usually in the water compartment. Connect the regulated air supply to the city water fill inlet using a blowout plug to run air through the system. While the air supply is connected, turn on every faucet one at a time for at least ten seconds. Don’t forget to also do this for the hot water spigot with low point drain and the tank fill valve.
You can now disconnect the air supply.
How To Add Antifreeze to Your Water System
Before you do anything else, close the low point drains. Otherwise, all the antifreeze you add will just go straight through your system, through the low point drains, and onto the ground.
If you have a whole house filter canister, remove it, dump the remaining water, and reinstall it.
Find the “A” and “B” winterizing valves in the water compartment. Rotate “A” valve clockwise to close it. Rotate “B” valve to counterclockwise position to open it. Locate the winterizing hose and remove the plug. Insert the hose in the antifreeze container and turn on the water pump. You will see the antifreeze flow through the clear hose to the RV water lines.
Open each hot and cold faucet throughout the coach until antifreeze is detected. Don’t forget to also do this for the outdoor faucets and hot water spigot with low point drain. Next, flush your RV toilets, and use the toilet sprayers until you see antifreeze-tinted water flow. Lastly, pour antifreeze directly into all drains.
Don’t forget about your appliances. Your dishwasher, refrigerator, and washing machine all need to be winterized as well. For detailed steps involved you’ll find plenty of “how to” videos on the internet pertaining to your type of trailer or motorized RV.
Independence RV – We’re Here to Help
The winterization process may seem a bit complicated, even to experienced RV’ers. Never fear, Independence RV Parts and Service Departments are here to help you accomplish your winterizing goals. Our staff of experienced parts specialists will give advice on the best products and methods to use. Our service advisors are always right there to answer your questions as well.
Independence RV has received Newmar’s coveted Diamond Award for the third year in a row. This award is received by scoring higher than a 95% customer satisfaction for their sales process, warranty service, and vehicle delivery presentations. The dealership is one of only three Newmar dealers in the country to receive such high praise from their loyal customers, many of whom are repeat buyers. Independence RV is the only Newmar dealership in the southeast U.S. to have received this prestigious award for its outstanding service to their customers.
Located in Winter Garden, Florida, Independence RV has been in business since 1985 and is a family-owned and operated company.