Imagine being excited for your first trip when you pull out your RV in the spring, only to discover a broken toilet and burst pipes. That is the result of improperly winterizing an RV. Protecting your RV’s water system and other components from freezing temperatures is known as winterizing. Water that is left in tanks or pipes will expand when frozen, resulting in costly damage. The good news? If you follow the correct procedures, you can accomplish this on your own, and it’s not as difficult as you might think.
When and Why to Winterize
Winterizing should happen before the first hard freeze hits your area. If you live somewhere with cold winters, don’t wait until temperatures dip below 32°F. A frozen pipe can crack overnight. As one RV tech put it, “Think of it like putting your RV to bed for the season, it keeps everything safe until you’re ready to roll again.” According to Do It Yourself RV, not winterizing can lead to burst lines, cracked tanks, and hundreds or even thousands of dollars in repairs.
Tools and Materials You Will Need
Before you begin, gather a few basics:
- 2 to 4 gallons of RV‑safe antifreeze (non‑toxic, usually pink)
- A water heater bypass kit (many RVs already have this)
- Hoses for pumping antifreeze
- A hand pump or ability to use your RV’s water pump
- Screwdriver or wrench (for drains)
- Optional: air compressor with blow‑out plug (if using the dry method)
Having the right tools makes the job smoother and ensures you don’t miss anything.
Step‑by‑Step Winterization (Antifreeze Method)
This is the most common and reliable method.
Step 1. Drain all water systems
- Empty your fresh water tank, gray water tank, and black water tank.
- Open the low‑point drains (usually two small valves under the RV).
- Drain the water heater, but make sure it’s not under pressure and has cooled down first.
Step 2. Bypass the water heater
Your water heater should not be filled with gallons of antifreeze. Instead, a bypass kit lets the antifreeze run around it.
Step 3. Add antifreeze
- Close all drains.
- Use a hand pump connected to the city water inlet or your RV’s water pump to draw antifreeze into the system.
- Turn on the pump.
Step 4. Open each faucet
- Start with the closest faucet, both hot and cold, and run until you see pink antifreeze flowing.
- Do this for every faucet, shower, and even the outside shower if you have one.
- Don’t forget to flush until the water turns pink.
Step 5. Protect drains and traps
Pour a little antifreeze into every sink drain, shower drain, and toilet bowl. This protects the P‑traps and seals.
Step 6. Finish up
- Shut off the pump.
- Double‑check that every faucet ran pink.
- Cap the drains and close valves.
Alternative: Blow‑Out (Dry) Method
Some RV owners prefer using an air compressor instead of antifreeze. Here’s how:
- Drain all tanks and open low‑point drains.
- Attach a blow‑out plug to the city water connection.
- Set the air compressor to about 30 PSI. Any higher can damage lines.
- Open each faucet one at a time until no water comes out.
- Pour antifreeze into drains and the toilet to protect P‑traps.
This method works, but many experts still recommend using antifreeze for extra safety.
Additional Winter Prep (Beyond Plumbing)
Plumbing is not the only thing that needs care. Think about the whole RV:
- Batteries: Remove them and store indoors on a trickle charger.
- Interior: Clean out food and anything that attracts pests.
- Seals and vents: Check for cracks and leaks; seal them to keep out water.
- Exterior: Wash, wax, and cover your RV. Skirting can help if it’s stored outside.
- Tires: Inflate to the right pressure and use blocks or pads under them.
As Extra Space Storage points out, winter storage is about protecting both the inside and outside of your rig.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
According to RV Travel, even experienced owners make slip‑ups. Here are the big ones:
- Forgetting to bypass the water heater to wastes gallons of antifreeze.
- Leaving water in low‑point drains or outside showers.
- Over‑pressurizing with air and damaging fittings.
- Using toxic automotive antifreeze (never use green car antifreeze).
- Skipping faucets or forgetting to pour antifreeze in drains.
Conclusion
Winterizing your RV is not just a chore, it is a way to protect your investment. By draining your system, bypassing the heater, and running antifreeze through the lines, you can store your RV with peace of mind. As one RV owner said, “Spending an hour winterizing saves me from spending thousands in spring repairs.” Do it once, do it right, and your RV will be ready to roll when the warm weather returns
FAQs About RV Winterizing
1. Do you put RV antifreeze in the freshwater tank?
No, you should never pour antifreeze directly into the freshwater tank. Instead, use a hand pump or your RV’s water pump to draw antifreeze into the plumbing system through the city water inlet or pump connection. This keeps your fresh tank clean and avoids unnecessary cleanup in spring.
2. How long does it take to winterize an RV?
For most RVs, winterizing takes about 1–2 hours if you have all your tools ready. Larger rigs with more plumbing may take a little longer, but once you’ve done it once, the process gets much faster.
3. How many gallons of antifreeze do you need to winterize an RV?
Most RVs use between 2 and 4 gallons of RV-safe antifreeze. Having an extra gallon on hand is a good idea, especially if you have multiple sinks, bathrooms, or an outdoor shower.
4. What liquid is used to winterize an RV?
Always use non-toxic, pink RV antifreeze that’s made for plumbing systems. Never use automotive antifreeze, it’s poisonous and unsafe for water systems.
5. What can happen if you don’t winterize your RV?
If you skip winterizing, water left in the pipes, tanks, and faucets can freeze and expand. This can cause burst pipes, cracked fittings, and a lot of costly damage. Repairs can easily run into the hundreds or even thousands of dollars by spring.
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