RV Winterization Guide
The Ultimate Step-by-Step Plan for Winterizing Your RV
Preparing your RV for winter travel or storage requires thoughtful planning. Here are the essential steps for properly winterizing your RV. Follow our guide to find some peace of mind in the off-season!
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Preparing your RV for winter travel or storage is essential for preventing costly damage from freezing temperatures and neglect.
Proper RV winterization protects your investment, and combining it with an RV extended warranty gives you even greater peace of mind.
Winter is often the best time to secure warranty coverage in order to avoid rising costs, as prices increase in the new year.
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How to Winterize Your RV
As winter approaches, RV owners face the important task of preparing their rigs for harsh weather. This process, known as RV winterization, is an incredibly important part of RV ownership. Whether you plan to store your RV or brave the cold, taking these essential steps can prevent unnecessary damage and ensure your vehicle remains in prime condition. Here’s a comprehensive guide combining winterization and maintenance tips to keep your RV safe and functional throughout the winter months.
1. Drain & Dry
Start the RV winterization process by draining all the water from the freshwater holding tank by opening the petcock. Next, drain and flush the black and gray holding tanks at a proper dump station or sewage facility. Open the valves on all faucets, including the sink, shower, and toilet. Then, flush the toilet until the water is all gone. Use a compressed air adapter or blowout plug to push air through the water lines at 30psi, ensuring they are completely dry.
2. Remove Perishables & Personal Items
Before storing your RV for the winter, remove all perishable food items from your refrigerator and cabinets to prevent decomposition, mold growth, and unwanted critters. Doing so will also prevent unpleasant odors! Remove all valuable items from the RV, including jewelry, tools, and appliances, to avoid theft or damage.
3. Perform Necessary Repairs
Address any repair or maintenance concerns before winter to prevent further damage. Park your RV on blocks to relieve tire pressure, extending their lifespan and reducing the risk of blowouts.
4. Inspect Seals
Check seals regularly to prevent water damage, especially in colder conditions. Cracks and openings in sealants can allow water to seep in. Inspect slide-outs, windows, lights, doors, latches, and hookups for signs of wear and tear. Seals that are cracked or dry to the touch may need to be repaired or replaced. Address any issues immediately to protect your RV from moisture, which is particularly prevalent in winter.
5. Treat Roof
The roof of your RV needs special attention before winter. Clean it thoroughly using a mop and bucket, then treat it with a high-quality cleaner and treatment product. Address any mold or mildew with diluted bleach and vinegar. Inspect vent and skylight covers for cracks, and replace them if necessary to prevent water damage.
6. Winterize RV Plumbing
This step is essential for RV owners who plan to operate their rig in freezing temperatures. Your RV plumbing system requires special care before winter. Prevent freezing damage by running antifreeze through your plumbing system. Water expands when it freezes, which can rupture narrow pipes, pumps, and lines. There are three main methods to accomplish this:
- Using a water pump from the inside
- Utilizing a hand pump from the outside
- Bypassing the water heater to save antifreeze
Whichever method you prefer, be sure to familiarize yourself with the proper procedure. Always consult your owner’s manual to complete this step. If you’ve never used antifreeze in your RV plumbing system before, consider referencing a detailed online guide or YouTube tutorial from a reputable source. Many RVers choose to outsource this step as well. Consider finding a local RV repair facility or mobile tech who offers winterization services.
7. Stabilize Fuel
Regular gasoline has a shelf life of 3 to 6 months. Diesel can be stored between 6 and 12 months. Fuel undergoes chemical changes when it sits for too long. If your motorhome will be stationary for the winter, add a fuel stabilizer to your fuel tank to prevent the gasoline from breaking down and causing operation problems. After adding the stabilizer, run the engine for a few minutes to ensure it circulates through the system. Stabilizer increases the shelf life of fuel by slowing chemical breakdown.
8. Store Electronics
Extreme temperatures can damage electronic devices. Remove any electronics that aren’t built into the RV and store them in a climate-controlled environment. For built-in electronics, consider using moisture-absorbing products to protect them from humidity.
9. Lubricate Moving Parts
Lubricate all moving parts, such as hinges, locks, and slide-outs, to prevent them from freezing and rusting. Use a silicone-based lubricant for the best results in cold weather.
10. Protect the Exterior
Check and inflate tires if needed in order to prevent flat spots. RVs are incredible heavy, which causes strain on the tires. If possible, lift your RV on jacks to relieve pressure. Additionally, cold weather can cause tires to lose air pressure, so check them regularly. Cover all vents and holes with mesh to keep out small creatures seeking shelter from the cold. After preparing the exterior, store the RV beneath a shelter or cover. If you cover your RV, ensure the material is breathable to prevent mold growth or rusting.
11. Consider RV Extended Warranty Protection
An RV extended warranty policy can protect your vehicle and wallet from costly repairs. Secure coverage before winter to avoid new-year price increases and ensure your RV is protected even when stationary. This policy can cover repair costs for unexpected breakdowns and failures, offering peace of mind during the cold months.
RV Winterization FAQs
Can I winterize my RV myself?
Yes; winterization can definitely be a DIY project. Being thorough is key in order to prevent damage, so it will require time and a basic RV tool kit.
When storing an RV, should you leave your water pump on?
It is recommended to turn off your water pump when storing an RV for extended periods. Leaving water in the lines may expose leaks you may be unaware of, which could lead to water damage, mold, or flooding. However, if you are not connected to a water hookup on short trip, there is generally no issue with leaving it on because the pump only draws power while actively running.
Do I need to winterize my RV?
RV winterization is only necessary for those storing their RV or traveling in areas that drop below freezing temperatures during the winter. Keep in mind that if you plan to store your RV for an extended period, properly preparing your RV is essential regardless of weather conditions.
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