The warm summer months have come and gone and fall is here. The changing leaves and cooler weather also means that winter is right around the corner. If you aren’t a full-time RVer and plan on heading to a warmer climate, you’re probably getting ready to winterize your RV. We’re going to walk you through a few steps to help you pack up and get ready for the colder months. Before getting started, you’ll want to read the owner’s manual of your RV to see if there are any specific needs your RV has for winterizing. Depending on if you have a fifth wheel, travel trailer, or motorhome, there will be different requirements for each.
Drain the Water
Begin by draining the entire water system and all of the water from your pipes, cold and hot water lines, and fresh water tank. Be sure to also open all faucets, showers, and flush the toilet to remove any remaining water. Your next steps will be to drain the water heater and by-pass it. This can get tricky as some RVs come with a by-pass system, but others do not. By-passing your water heater can save up to 10 gallons of anti-freeze.
Add Anti-freeze
Next, you will start adding anti-freeze. The most efficient way is to start with the kitchen sink and work your way to the bathroom(s). Continue to pump anti-freeze until the flow has become a shade of pink. Once it is pink, you know that all remaining water has been flushed. You’ll want to make sure that the hot and cold water lines fully get anti-freeze and that there is no water being trapped. Don’t forget to put anti-freeze in all sink and shower drains. You’ll end this step by closing all faucets and valves. The last step is to drain and dump the gray and black water tanks.
Remaining Steps
A few remaining steps you’ll want to take before your RV is ready for winter include removing any food that may be left behind and cleaning the oven, stove, refrigerator, and storage areas. It’s also important that you check all seals around doors, windows, and click here the roof for damage or leaks. Park your RV out of direct sunlight and make sure it is on level and stable ground. Finish up by cleaning the outside of your RV by washing everything down with a hose and you’re all set! Your RV is ready to be stowed away for the winter.
Have Questions?
Have questions about winterizing your RV? TerryTown RV in Grand Rapids, MI is happy to help! Give us a call at (616) 455-5590 and let one of our RV experts answer your questions and concerns. At TerryTown RV, we know RV’s as we have the largest indoor showroom in Michigan! Whether you’re looking for a fifth wheel, motorhome, travel trailer, or truck camper, you name it, we’ve got it! You can also fill out our form online and someone will be in touch shortly.
