The process for winterizing an RV is the same for most RV types, makes and models. Once you get the hang of the process, preparing your RV for winter storage is fairly easy and quick.
The first and easiest step is to make sure to remove all items for your RV that might freeze or burst in cold weather. For example, make sure to remove shampoos, canned goods, bottled water, or anything that is water based.
Follow these easy steps when winterizing your RV:
1. Drain fresh water tank.
2. Drain hot water heater.
3. Dump and flush both black and gray water holding tanks, leave gray water valve open.
4. Close the water heater by-pass valve. (If so equipped.) (SEE SPECIAL WATER HEATER NOTE BELOW)
5. Remove the water line that runs between the fresh water pump and the fresh water tank, where it joins the fresh water tank.
6. Insert the end of the line into a gallon jug of RV antifreeze. If this line is not long enough just add a piece of vinyl line of the same size as the one from the RV manufacturer. NEVER USE AUTOMOTIVE ANTIFREEZE.
7. Start the fresh water pump. It will run for a few moments, sucking antifreeze from the jug. It will stop as pressure in the system builds up.
8. Open each valve of each faucet, one at a time, until the Pink antifreeze appears, shut that faucet off and move to the next. Don't forget the shower (inside and out) and the toilet.
9. Remove the line from the jug of antifreeze and re-attach it to the fresh water tank.
10. Do not forget to turn the water heater bypass back to the use position. If you forget to do this, you will encounter issues when trying to turn the hot water on.
HINT: For a few dollars you can buy and install an adapter that will eliminate the need to remove and reinstall the fresh water line. The adapter is a small three way valve that attaches to the fresh water line, between the fresh water tank and the pump. You can easily pump antifreeze throughout the system by inserting the tube attached to the valve into a gallon of antifreeze, turning the valve and starting the pump. Simply turn the valve back to its original position and you are done. One of the most important accessories you can purchase is a water heater by-pass. It is a simple device, with one or two valves that isolate the tank from the rest of the water system. This is very important as you prepare to winterize. A water heater tank is normally about 7 gallons. Without the by-pass valve, you will have to fill that tank with seven gallons of RV antifreeze before you can pump it throughout the rest of the system. With a by-pass valve, you can save 7 gallons of RV antifreeze. Installation is a pretty simple do it yourself project, or any RV dealer can install it for you. You will save the cost of the valve in just a few years with the value of the antifreeze you save.
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