HOW TO WINTERIZE YOUR RV - Welcome to the Colton RV & Marine Blog!

Winterizing Your RV and Storage Ideas

Essentially, winterizing is getting the water out of the pipes and tanks so that when it gets cold enough to freeze water, your RV won’t be damaged from the expanding ice.

There is more to winterizing an RV than just getting the water out of the pipes, like battery storage etc. , but protecting the plumbing system from freezing is where it begins.

Preparing Your RV for Storage

You’ve had a great year in your RV and now it’s time to store it for winter. Follow the guide below to properly winterize and prepare your RV for long or short term storage.

Step-by-Step Guide to Winterizing Your RV.

The following are general suggestions. Read your owner’s manual for winterization methods specific to your RV. Note: For winterizing ice maker, dishwasher and washing machine, please see appliance manual or contact RV service center.

Key Points to Remember:

• Work from highest to lowest point
• Flush toilet just before you drain water heater
• Drain water heater last

1. Disconnect the outside water source. DO NOT DRAIN THE WATER HEATER until after you have filled your pipes with antifreeze.

2. Bypass your water heater. Bypass the Water Heater and follow all steps before continuing. Bypass any in-line or under- sink water filtration systems.

3. Open the petcock to drain as much water from your pipes as possible. Open the water taps and flush the toilet to drain any remaining water from the system.

4. After draining as much water as possible, it is recommended a Blow Out Plug be attached to the Water Intake Fitting. Apply air pressure from an oil-less air compressor to drain the remaining water. Although blowing out the remaining water is not required, the remaining water will dilute your antifreeze. Close all faucets and petcock when complete.

5. You can add antifreeze either from the inside using a Water Pump Conversion Kit or from the outside using a hand pump. Be sure to check your progress by opening up one faucet at a time, starting from the highest and working to the lowest point in the fresh water system. Begin with the kitchen faucet. Open the HOT side of the kitchen faucet ONLY. Pump antifreeze until flow from the faucet becomes very pink. This will indicate that all water has been flushed from your system. Close faucet. Repeat on COLD side. Continue to the next lower fixture. This is normally the bathroom sink, then the shower and toilet and finally the outdoor shower.

6. Pour at least 2 pints of antifreeze into all sink and shower drains. The ice maker, washing machine and external shower will also need to be winterized. Look for this information in your appliance manuals.

7. Flush the toilet until antifreeze appears. Pour a cupful of antifreeze down each drain. Pour some RV antifreeze in the toilet and flush it into the holding tank to prevent any water in the tank from freezing. If your water heater has an electric heating element, turn it off. This will protect the element if the unit is plugged in while in storage. Make sure all faucets are closed.

8. Open drain plug/valve on water heater and leave open.

9. Finally, leave antifreeze in lines until spring. Do not drain.

First Dumping Tanks

Dump All Holding Tanks and Flush

Open Fresh Water Tank Drain

How To Bypass Your Water Heater

Bypassing the water heater can save you money by not having to fill the water heater with antifreeze, saving as much as 6 to 8 gallons of antifreeze. Some RVs come with a by-pass system pre-installed but many do not.

Before you start:

1. Make sure to turn off all power to the water heater (the electric water heaters usually have their own power on-off switch).
2. Disconnect the water supply.
3. Make sure the water heater gas pilot is NOT lit.

Make sure your water heater remains full of water. If you have a by-pass system in place go to step 3.

1. If you need to install a by-pass system, disconnect hot and cold lines going into and out of the water heater.
2. Connect by-pass. (See package instructions.) Be sure to use 3 to 5 turns of Teflon tape when attaching each connection.
3. Close off hot and cold lines going into and out of the water heater.
4. Open the by-pass.

Supreme By-Pass Kits, Permanent

Simple, permanent installation of either below by-pass kits allows you to easily drain your water heater for winterizing.
Kits include brass valve to allow free flow* and crimp-resistant nylon reinforced hose.

With 8″ tube for 6 gallon tank
With 12″ tube for 10 gallon tank

* Not designed for using fresh water systems while water heater is bypassed; some seepage into hot water tank is normal and poses no problem with the winterization process or the level of protection your unit receives.

Choices of RV Antifreeze

There are several choices of RV antifreeze on the market that you can use to winterize your RV and all three provide adequate freeze protection when used according to label instructions. There are different levels of freeze protection and you will want to pick one based on the average winter temperatures in your area.

Propylene Glycol Based

This type of antifreeze is non-flammable, non-toxic and safe for all RV plumbing. Propylene glycol is a lubricant and will actually work to extend the life of the seals in your faucets and valves. This type of antifreeze is the safest to use if you are pumping antifreeze through the entire plumbing system.

Propylene/Ethanol Blend

This product is non-toxic and generally safe for RV plumbing systems. However, it is unknown what concentration of ethanol it would take to cause any unpleasant tastes or smells in RV plumbing systems and or dry out plumbing seals. This type of anti-freeze would be used when blowing out the plumbing system with air. The anti-freeze would only be used in p-traps, toilet and tank drain valves etc.
Ethanol (alcohol) Based
Ethanol is extremely flammable; and has been known to cause unpleasant smells or taste in plumbing systems and should only be used with certain types of water lines, such as Pex tubing. Since it is made from alcohol, it can dry out the rubber seals that are used in faucets and gate valves. I would only use this type of antifreeze when blowing out the plumbing system with air, the anti-freeze would only be used in p-traps, toilet and tank drain valves etc.
(Never use automotive antifreeze in your RV plumbing system! It is highly toxic and requires proper disposal.)
*Always read the label before using any RV antifreeze and follow listed directions.*

WINTERIZING YOUR RV

Supplies You May Need To Winterize

• 2–4 gallons of Antifreeze – Amt. may vary
• Antifreeze pH test strips
• By-Pass Kit
• Cleaners (Exterior, Roof, Awning)
• Wheel Chocks
• Caulk
• Antifreeze Hand Pump
• Antifreeze Pump Converter Kit
• Blow-out Plugs
• Anode Rod
• Door Clips
• Battery Maintainer
• Set of hand tools for small repairs
• Mouse Repellent
• Towels, Paper Towels
• Trash Can
• Pipe Insulation
• Full RV Cover
• Tire Covers
• Air Conditioner Covers

Winterizing Your RV Checklist

Winterizing Your RV and Storage Ideas

Preparation:

• Disconnect outside water line.
• Bypass your water heater.
• Turn on water taps to drain water.
• Flush toilets.
• Attach Blow Out Plug to intake fitting and attach air compressor.
• Close all water taps once you have drained as much water as possible.

Antifreeze:

Use ONLY nontoxic antifreeze specifically designed for RVs.

Leave antifreeze in lines until spring. Do not drain.

Kitchen sink:

• Open Hot side of kitchen sink faucet ONLY.
• Pump antifreeze until flow from faucet becomes very pink.
• Close Hot side faucet. Open Cold side of kitchen sink faucet ONLY.

• Bathroom sink
• Tub
• Toilet
• Shower
• Ice maker
• Washing machine
• Exterior showers
• Pour at least 2 pints of antifreeze into all sink and tub drains.
• Water Heater: Open drain plug on water heater. Leave open till spring.

General maintenance:

• Stabilize RV. Make sure it does not rock when you walk inside it.
• Apply emergency brake and use wheel chocks.
• Remove any food that can spoil.
• Clean storage areas, oven, range, refrigerator, and areas around dinette.
• Inspect roof, roof vent covers, plumbing vents and roof seams.
• Wash and wax

Some quick winter storage reminders.

• Shut off the propane at the tank/tanks.
• Make sure that your tires are properly inflated, clean and covered to protect from UV rays. Sun and air pollutants can also cause deterioration of the rubber compound, causing dry-rot in your tires.
• Apply dielectric grease to 7 way cord connections to prevent corrosion while in storage.
• Remove any water filters before winterizing and install filter plug or by-pass line. You will not be able to remove all of the water from the filter when using air to winterize and you do not want them full of RV antifreeze if you are using it to fill and protect water lines.
• If your water heater is gas and electric make sure the electric heating element is turned off. This will protect the element if the unit is plugged in while being stored or before water is put back into system next spring.
• Leave the fridge and freezer doors open. To help dry out the refrigerator and freezer compartments prior to storage, crumple up newspaper and put in freezer and lower refrigerator compartment for 24 to 48 hours to absorb moisture and then remove papers.
• Remove all food items, paper and cardboard from closets and cabinets. You don’t want to encourage winter guests (rodents).
• Leave cabinet, closet and cabinet doors open when storing for better circulation and humidity control.
• Wash your RV before storing, especially the roof. Washing the roof will let you inspect for any water leaks, loose or cracked sealants or any damage to AC covers or vents. If you see anything damaged or looks questionable get it corrected before putting in storage.
• Lubricate all joints, pivot points and gears on your steps and stabilizer jacks.

Batteries Storage for Winter

•Should I remove my batteries from my RV for the winter?

•Batteries will last longer if kept charged, and having the battery stored in a garage or workshop makes monitoring and charging the battery/batteries easier. Removing the battery also gives you the opportunity to have your battery tested (load tested at battery supplier) and inspected for any damage to the battery case (leaking fluid or bulging sides).
• You will also want to check fluid levels and fill as necessary with distilled water so top of plates are covered.
• It is also a good time to inspect battery terminals and cable ends for corrosion. Clean them with a wire brush and apply a protective coating to battery posts and cable ends.
• You can leave the batteries in your RV when storing if you keep them charged, this will require plugging unit in or hooking up to a charger at least monthly. Batteries should be fully charged when placed in storage and maintained to keep batteries from freezing.
• It is not recommended to leave unit plugged in when in storage.

Store Trailer On Gravel or Concrete

• Helps Protect Tires Better From Moisture
• Keep Tires Fully Inflated
• Parking in an area with tall grass or a wooded area can lead to unwanted visitors
• Never store where overhanging tree branches can fall
• Store in an area that you can keep an eye on trailer

Washing the Exterior: Washing and Waxing Tips

• Don’t Leave windows and vents open.
• Don’t Wash Trailer When Skin Is Hot
• Don’t Use abrasive cleaners
• Don’t Use Chlorine Products
• Don’t Use Hard Bristle Brushes
• Don’t Wipe against grain
• Don’t Forget to Pre-wash
• Don’t Use Pressure Washers closer than 30” & above 2500 PSIG with less than 40 degree fan tip

Pre-wash Exterior

Getting Ready

• Close vents, doors, windows, and range exhaust flap
• Rinse exterior to remove debris that may scratch surface

Important areas

• Don’t forget roof and underside

1.Start at roof and work down
2.Be careful and practice ladder safety

• Now is a great time to inspect for leaks and other damage to roof or underside

Always wash with the grain of the metal

Products

Washes & Waxes

Thetford Premium RV Wash & Wax

• Easy to use
• Cleans with minimal scrubbing
• Black streaks disappear
• Leaves a great shine

Voom RV Cleaner

• Cleans bugs on the bumpers
• Removes mildew from the bathroom
• Can be used on rubber, painted surfaces, aluminum, screens, carpets, and upholstery.

Supreme By-Pass Kits, Permanent

Simple, permanent installation of either below by-pass kits allows you to easily drain your water heater for winterizing. Kits include brass valve to allow free flow* and crimp-resistant nylon reinforced hose.

With 8″ tube for 6 gallon tank
With 12″ tube for 10 gallon tank

Antifreeze pH Test Strips

Test the pH of your antifreeze solution to indicate the level of corrosion protection.

Wheel Chocks

Keep your vehicle and trailer from moving. Keep the trailer in place and re-hitch with confidence. Solidly constructed of durable polypropylene with UV inhibitors.

Antifreeze Hand Pump

Pump antifreeze directly into your RV waterlines and supply tanks. Kit includes flexible connecting line with city water connection.

Antifreeze Pump Converter Kit

Winterize your RV annually with ease. This permanent kit installs with an adjustable wrench and comes complete with brass valve, siphon hose, Teflon tape, and pump adapters.

Blow-Out Plugs

Completely clear your water lines with RV blow-out plugs. Screw the plug into the city water inlet, open all drains and faucets, attach and activate air pump until all lines are clear.

Door Clips

No-Mold features a unique design that holds your refrigerator and freezer doors open, allowing ventilation to help prevent mold and odors from forming during storage. Works with various types of door latches to ensure that doors don’t close accidentally or swing back and forth dangerously if you move the RV.

Battery Charger/Maintainer

Battery maintenance made easy! Battery Doctor Fully Automatic, Portable Battery Charger. Keep your vehicle’s battery in top shape 24/7/365. A must-have item during periods of battery inactivity and storage.

Mouse Repellent

Fresh Cab pouches are made with a natural blend of plant fiber and botanical extracts that, while pleasant for you, will offend rodents. Simply place four pouches in your garage or other enclosed storage place to immediately start controlling your mouse problem.