How to Winterize Your RV Camper: 12 Simple Steps [by RVers]
12 Easy Steps to Winterize Your RV Camper (DIY)
Freezing temperatures mean trouble for your recreational vehicle’s freshwater tank, black tank, RV water system, and batteries. The sight of frost warnings on a 10-day weather forecast is a call for us to winterize our fifth wheel. Our 12 easy steps to winterize your RV travel trailer or fifth-wheel camper will build your confidence for this critical job!
Winterization is a proactive process to safeguard the freshwater and black/gray tanks of your RV travel trailer or fifth-wheel from the cold of winter!
As colder temperatures start to show up in the forecast, Sara and I make sure we plan a few minutes to winterize our Keystone Cougar. When I see low temperatures forecast approaching the low 30-degree mark, I know it’s time to winterize. We use a combination of the compressed air method and RV anti-freeze.
Although winterizing your RV Camper may initially appear complicated and intimidating, with repeated practice following the steps, you’ll soon become proficient. Our RV travels extend into the late fall and early winter, necessitating winterization procedures 3 or 4 times per year. Leveraging our comprehensive 12-step guide will simplify the winterization process. Take your time and do it right.
With each subsequent winterization, the process will become less daunting and more of a routine maintenance task, ensuring the longevity and readiness of your RV Camper for the seasons to come.
After reading our guide, if you’re not comfortable with the process, consider taking your RV to a dealer or hiring a mobile RV technician to winterize your RV. Alternatively, if you have acquaintances or friends experienced in RV camping, don’t hesitate to seek their assistance.
It’s imperative to ensure the winterization is performed accurately to prevent any potential damage to your RV’s systems during winter storage. Whether you opt for professional service or ask for help from friends, the primary goal is to safeguard your RV effectively against the winter elements.
12 Easy Steps to Winterize RV Campers
Winter is coming, and it’s time to prepare your RV for the colder months. This guide focuses specifically on winterizing your RV’s water systems. For a complete RV winter checklist, check out our comprehensive post.
Step 1: Drain Water Tanks
What You Need
- Gloves
Instructions:
- Hopefully, the last place you camped had full hook-ups or a dump station, and your Black and Gray water tanks are empty. If not, use RV Dump Sites to find a local dump station.
- On the freshwater tank, simply open the drain valve and let any water dump out. If you’re expecting cold weather, this is a critical step to avoid freezing temperatures causing damage to your system.
- Don’t forget about water filters.
- Outside – We have a Beech Lane water filter system. Make sure to remove the filters and empty the water. Check out Amazon for great deals on this awesome Beech Lane water filter.
- Inside – We use the Waterdrop Under Sink Water Filter System to improve the taste of our water.
Pro Tip: Mark your calendar now to sanitize your RV Fresh Water tank in the spring. We recommend Camco TastePURE Spring Fresh Water System Cleaner, a pre-mixed solution to sanitize.
Step 2: Release Water from “Low Point Drains”
What You Need
- Ball valves
- Wrench
Instructions:
- During the summer, we replaced the low point drain plug with simple ball valves on our hot and cold low-point drains.
- Each valve has a lever so you can easily release all the water.
Pro Tip: If you don’t release the water from the low point drains when blowing out the water lines, it takes longer to evacuate the system and might be harder on it.
Step 3: Empty Your Hot Water Tank
What You Need
- 1 and 1/16th-inch socket
- Gloves
Instructions:
- Turn off your hot water heater and wait for it to cool. This can take hours!
- After the tank cools, the next step is to open the pressure relief valve, and remove the anode rod using the socket. (This allows the hot water tank to drain.)
Caution: The hot water will be under pressure and can be extremely hot. Be cautious!
Step 4: Go to Farthest Faucet
What You Need
- No equipment needed
Instructions:
- Walk to the faucet that is furthest from the city water inlet in your RV.
- Open the faucet to start releasing water.
Pro Tip: Starting from the farthest faucet ensures most of the water in the lines gets blown out when you connect the air compressor.
Step 5: Connect the Air Compressor to Blow Out Lines
What You Need
- Air Compressor
- Blow-out valve
Instructions:
- Connect your air compressor to the city water inlet using a blow-out plug.
- When using the compressed air method, start with a low-pressure setting—about 40psi is ideal.
Warning: High air pressure can damage your RV’s water system. Keep it around 40psi.
Upgrade Option: If you’re looking for an easier experience, consider using a water heater bypass kit along with RV Winterizing Blow-out Adapter with Shut-Off Valve. It lets you winterize your RV solo!
Use Amazon to Check the Latest price on the RV Winterizing Blow-Out Adapter.
Step 6: Walk to Each Faucet to Blow Out the Water
What You Need
- Air compressor (already connected)
Instructions:
- Begin by opening the cold side until the air is blowing out, then close it.
- Repeat on the hot side.
- Do this for each faucet, including the kitchen, toilets, outside showers, and indoor showers. For peace of mind, make sure to get all the plumbing lines cleared.
Don’t Forget: It’s essential to get to each faucet, ice maker, and appliance that uses water to ensure your RV’s plumbing system is fully winterized.
If you need an air compressor, we really like our Ridgid Air Compressor from Home Depot.
Step 7: Walk to the Last Faucet and Turn Off the Air Compressor
What You Need
- No equipment needed
Instructions:
- Once you’ve opened and closed all the faucets, head to the last faucet in your RV camper’s wet bay.
- Open both the hot and cold faucets one last time to blow out any remaining water.
Final Step: With the lines clear, turn off the air compressor and disconnect it from the city water inlet.
Step 8: Charge the Fresh Water System with RV Anti-Freeze
What You Need
- RV Anti-Freeze
- Hose
Instructions:
- Connect a hose to the “winterize” inlet in the wet bay.
- Insert the other end of the hose into the RV Anti-Freeze container.
- Turn on your RV’s water pump.
Pro Tip: Walmart tends to have the best price on RV Anti-Freeze.
Note: Using the antifreeze method in the freshwater lines ensures all water is purged from the freshwater pump.
Step 9: Turn on Closest Inside Faucet to Draw Anti-Freeze Through the Lines
What You Need
- No equipment needed
Instructions:
- Go inside your RV and turn on the closest faucet to your water pump.
- Once you see the pink RV anti-freeze coming out, turn off the faucet and then turn off the water pump.
Why This Step: This step helps protect your water pump and ensures that anti-freeze has made it through all the lines.
Protecting your RV during winter storage is crucial. Adding a high-quality hitch lock to your winterization checklist can deter theft and provide peace of mind. For top-rated options, consider the Ft. Knox Lock Coupler Lock. We love how the Ft. Knox Locks keep our Keystone Cougar 364 safe!
Secure your RV this winter by adding a reliable hitch lock to your storage preparations. Explore our top picks to keep your investment safe.
Step 10: Pour RV Anti-Freeze into Holding Tanks
What You Need
- RV Anti-Freeze
- Funnel (to add to the fresh tank)
Instructions:
- Pour about ⅓ of a gallon of RV Anti-Freeze into your black water tank.
- Add some to the toilet to keep the seals moist.
Remember: A small amount of RV Anti-Freeze in your toilet and holding tanks can prevent unwanted odors and protect seals.
Step 11: Remove Your RV Batteries
What You Need
- Wrench
- Battery storage box
Instructions:
- Carefully disconnect and remove the batteries from your RV. Store them, along with your propane tanks and lead-acid batteries, in a cool, dry place where the temperature is relatively stable.
- Store them in a cool, dry place where the temperature is relatively stable.
Timing: It’s advisable to remove the batteries when temperatures are consistently below 50 degrees.
Step 12: Final Check
What You Need
- Checklist (Our FREE Checklist)
Instructions:
- Review all the steps to ensure you haven’t missed anything.
- Double-check all valves and faucets to make sure they are in the correct positions.
Last Words: It’s always better to be safe than sorry. Take a few minutes for this final check.
Why Is Winterizing My RV Camper Important?
Picture a warm summer day on one of our recent RV trips. The sun is shining, the birds are chirping, and we’re all set for a good time. We pull up to the campsite, but as we swing open the RV door, a wave of heat greets us. It’s like opening a preheated oven!
Now, fast forward to winter. Only this time, it’s not a wave of warmth waiting behind that door, but a burst of bone-chilling cold.
That’s where winterizing your RV Camper steps into the spotlight. As the mercury dips outside, it’s a chilly affair inside too. And let’s not forget about the water in our cozy abode on wheels. Oh yes, the water. It’s having a party in the RV pipes, hot water tank, faucets (inside and outside), shower, toilets, you name it. But, as temperatures drop, the party freezes up, literally!
And trust me, frozen pipes are not the kind of ‘cool’ we want.
What Damage Can Happen By Not Winterizing My RV Camper?
Water can cause major problems in RVs. From leaks causing damage to burst pipes, cracked faucets, and even major problems in the RV water heater, water pump, and holding tanks.
The aftermath? A hefty bill that could skyrocket into hundreds or even thousands of dollars. And the big kick to the shin? Our RV would be in the repair shop instead of on the road with us, crushing all the awesome spring adventures we’ve been daydreaming about.
And the frustrating part?
All the damage could have been prevented by taking time to winterize your RV in the fall!
Travel Trailer maintenance isn’t just one and done thing. Travel trailers and campers require regular maintenance. The good news is most travel trailer maintenance can be done by a handy DIYer. Fall is a great time to knock out a lot of seasonal travel trailer and camper maintenance.
Before storing your camper for the winter season make sure to clean off all the ugly black streaks from your camper.
Don’t Forget About the RV Batteries!
Keeping your RV Batteries in top working order is important. Leaving RV Batteries connected to your RV during the winter can be a costly mistake. Here are three important considerations
- Inspect RV Batteries – Before closing down your RV for the season, make sure to visually inspect your RV batteries. Check for cracks, corrosion or other visible signs of damage. If you spot corrosion, a mixture of water and baking soda will be your go-to solution to clear it off. Corrosion is a party pooper, as it can lead to poor electrical connections.
- Remove RV Batteries – Batteries can freeze during cold winter months, so it’s advisable to remove the battery from your RV. RV batteries should be stored someplace cool and dry. Avoid placing your battery directly on concrete as it can drain you battery of it’s energy. Often, I place my batteries on cardboard. It’s a simple yet effective insulator!
- Trickle Charge – Investing in a good trickle charger can help your RV batteries maintain a healthy charge throughout the winter! Our trickle charger automatically turns off when the battery is fully charged.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it necessary to winterize my RV’s plumbing system and water heater tank?
Answer: Winterizing your RV’s water systems is crucial to prevent any water left inside from freezing, which can lead to pipes bursting or cracking. This can result in expensive damage and repairs. Proper winterization ensures that your RV remains in top condition and is ready to go when the camping season resumes.
Can I use regular anti-freeze instead of non-toxic antifreeze made for RVs?
Answer: No, it’s important to use RV-specific anti-freeze, which is non-toxic and safe for potable water systems.
Regular automotive anti-freeze contains chemicals that are hazardous if ingested and should not be used in an RV’s water system. These chemicals can kill you. DO NOT USE AUTOMOTIVE ANTI-FREEZE!!
What pressure should I set my air compressor to when blowing out the lines?
Answer: A low-pressure setting is advised to avoid damaging your RV’s water system. Around 40psi or lower is a good starting point, and it should be sufficient to remove any remaining water in the lines.
How long does the winterization process typically take?
Answer: The time it takes to winterize your RV can vary based on its size and complexity, as well as your level of experience. It takes me about 20 to 30 minutes.
I would plan on one or more hours just in case you run into a problem.
What other Winter Season Preparations Should I Take?
Answer: By taking some time in the fall to perform basic RV maintenance RV owners can help get next season off to a great start! Check out our article on Essential RV Maintenance.
Wrapping It Up: 12 Easy Steps to Winterize RV Camper
Following our 12 Easy Steps to Winterize Your RV Camper will increase your confidence to perform this vital task! From draining the water tanks to removing the RV batteries, each step is crucial to ensuring your RV remains in top condition during the winter months.
Download our FREE 12 Easy Steps to Winterize RV Camper
We are Mike and Sara two RV travelers who enjoy spending time in the great outdoors and sharing our adventures. Along our three-year journey, we have learned to fix many things on our campers. We also learned that having an RV means performing routine maintenance like winterizing. Our goal is to inspire others to explore our world!
