Tips for Winterizing your RV

When winter rolls around and you're ready to put away your motorhome or travel trailer there are a few things you need to do first in order to insure your home on the road is ready to go at the first signs of spring. Camp Site RV understands how daunting this task may seem. So we have put together a list of steps you can take to prevent costly damage to your RV. If you have any questions about the process or need help with any repairs or finding the right parts, our RV Service Department is available and ready to help. Camp Site RV is located in Cresco, Iowa near Cedar Falls, IA, Rochester, MN and La Crosse, WI.

Empty Holding Tanks

When winterizing any plumbing system, the primary goal is to neutralize the expanding effect of water when it freezes, so you can prevent any damage to your pipes. The most obvious way to prevent damage from water is to remove as much as you can from your plumbing, so your first step will be to drain your holding tanks. Your fresh water, gray water, and black water tanks will all need to be emptied. You will also need to flush your black tank before you store your RV, so take advantage of your RV’s black tank flush if you have one, or use a black tank wand to wash out the holding tank.

After your holding tank has been emptied, you will still need to drain your water heater. Remember: never try to drain your water heater while it is under pressure, or heated. To drain you water heater open the pressure relief valve, and pull the drain plug to let the water run out. Close the valve and replace the plug when you’re done.

Drain Pipes

With your holding tanks and water heater emptied, you now need to get the water out of the pipes in your RV. Find the low point drain plug, and remove it. Open the faucets and valves in your RV, and then turn on the water pump to pressurize your plumbing. When water is no longer flowing out of the low point drain, turn off the water pump, replace the plug, and close your faucets again.

Water Heater Bypass

A water heater bypass is an important component to have installed if you need to winterize your RV, because this piece of equipment prevents you from having to fill your entire water heater with antifreeze before the rest of the plumbing is reached. Many newer RVs come with a bypass pre installed. If your RV doesn’t have a water heater bypass, come in and see our service department and we’ll be happy to get you set up with the parts that you need. With your bypass installed, turn the valve to restrict flow to the water heater.

Prepare for Antifreeze

You’ll need to install a water pump converter kit, or put the inlet tube of the water pump directly into your jug of antifreeze. Make sure you’re using RV antifreeze (not the kind you put in your car). The red RV antifreeze is safe for use in potable water systems, never use green antifreeze in your RVs plumbing.

Pumping Antifreeze into your Plumbing

Turn on the pump and go to the faucet closest to the water pump. Open the faucet until you see antifreeze start to flow. Make sure you get both the hot and cold valves for each faucet. When the antifreeze has come through both valves, move to the next closest faucet. Repeat this process until you’ve seen antifreeze come out of all of your faucets. Flush your toilet until you see antifreeze flow there as well. At this point you can turn off your water pump. Flush a cup of antifreeze down the toilet. Pour an additional cup of antifreeze down each drain in your RV. Double check that you’ve closed all the faucets.

The Last Touches

Your last step will be to identify and winterize any other water using appliances in your RV. this can include a washing machine, or ice makers in a freezer. Follow the instructions provided in the owner's manual for these respective appliances, and you’ll be all set!

We hope this guide to winterizing your Travel Trailer, Fifth Wheel, Camper or Motorhome has been helpful! And Remember, feel free to call or stop on by our dealership anytime and we’ll be happy to take care of all your RV maintenance and service needs and get your RV ready for winter! Camp Site RV proudly serves the areas of IA, Rochester, MN and La Crosse, WI from our dealership here in Cresco, IA.