You may already have spent more money on your RV. There are still things that you would want to do to make sure that it stays healthy and happy during the cold and winter storage period. That way, it will be ready when taking it out to be used during the spring season. By considering RV winterizing, you will be reaping off the benefits it can offer you with. RV winterizing should never be ignored. It is not something that you will need to skip if you will be storing your RV in the cold weather.

By following the steps to RV winterizing, you won’t be facing big issues. When you decide to take shortcuts, you only will face big-time issues like water damage and broken pipes. There will as well be damage brought about by condensation. If you will leave the liquid in the drain lines, those will only crack in the cold. There will also be damages to the sink and toilet valves, drain traps, and water pump. Winterization is a case wherein you can pay me later or pay me now.

Few Items You Will Need to Have

Before you finally get started with RV winterizing, there are a few items that you will need to have. The items will mostly be found in RV parts stores online just like ours.

  1. A water heater by-pass kit
  2. A wand that can clean out the holding tanks.
  3. A water pump converter kit, or a tubing that can get connected to the inlet side of the water pump.
  4. Non-toxic RV anti-freeze.
  5. Basic hand tools that can remove the drain plugs

Steps That Best Apply to the RV

As you already have the items to winterize the RV water system to safeguard it from freezing, read the owner’s manuals for the specific winterizing guidelines. Consider the steps below that best apply to your RV.

  1. Remove the inline water filters and bypass before starting.
  2. Drain the tank that is holding the freshwater.
  3. Drain and flush the black and gray holding tanks. If there is no tank flushing system in the RV, clean the black tank out using a wand. There also is a product that can be used to clean both the gray and black tanks. Now, lubricate the termination valves.
  4. Follow it by draining the water heater. Remove the drain plug. As much as possible, open the pressure relief valve. Just do not drain the water heater if it is under pressure or is hot.
  5. Open the cold and hot faucets. Never forget the outside shower and the toilet valve.
  6. Find and open the low point drain lines. There is one intended for the cold and hot water lines. Use the water pump to help force the water out. Turn it off after the system is drained already.
  7. Recap the drains and close the faucets.
  8. By-pass the water heater. If there is no by-pass kit installed, it is when the water heater will fill up following antifreeze. This is also even before it goes to the water lines and wastes 6 gallons of anti-freeze.
  9. Install the water pump converter kit. Or, get the inlet side of the water pump disconnected. Get the piece of clear tubing connected to the inlet side of the pump. Put the one end into a 1 gallon of a container of non-toxic anti-freeze for RV.
  10. Pressurize the water pump system after turning it on. Start with the closest faucet. Open the hot and cold valves until finally, the anti-freeze appears. And then, replace the antifreezer container as needed.
  11. Turn the water pump system on. Pressurize the system as well. Begin with the nearest faucet. Open the hot and cold valves until finally the antifreeze appears. Next, replace the antifreeze container as needed.
  12. Repeat the process on all of those faucets from the nearest to the farthest. Never forget the outside shower.
  13. Flush the toilet until the anti-freeze already appears.
  14. Turn the water pump off. Open the faucet to get the pressure released. Go to the outside of the city water inlet. And remove the small-sized screen right over the inlet. Push in on the valve using a small-sized screwdriver. This is also until you observed an anti-freeze. Replace the screen.
  15. Pour a cup that is full of antifreeze down every drain. Pour cups in the toilet. Flush them into the holding tank.
  16. If the water heater has its electric heating element, make it sure that it is turned off. This will best protect the element if ever the unit is plugged in. This is also while it is being stored.
  17. Get faucets closed.
  18. Consult the owner manuals for the washing machines and winterizing icemakers.
  19. Winterize the unit.

Follow the basic guide above that will assist you when it comes to winterizing the RV. It can also be impossible to cover the RV. It is, therefore, necessary that you read the manuals for specific winterizing guidelines. See how beneficial this guide can be for you. The needed steps above will help you to properly prepare the RV for winter storage!