It’s Getting Cold Out There: How to Winterize Your RV

If you’re not a winter warrior, then the end of the RV season can be kind of a bummer, and the last thing you probably want to do is maintenance chores on your camper.

However, winterization, the process that protects your RV from damage while in storage during the winter months, is actually very important.

Why?

• 💰 Costly Damage: Winterization prevents expensive damage from frozen lines, plumbing leaks, mold and mildew growth, and deters pest infestations in your RV while in storage.
• ⚠️ Common Misses: Unprotected water pumps, low-point drains, and plastic fittings can crack when temperatures fall below 32°F (0°C).
• 🔨 Frequent Repairs: Campers often struggle with the plumbing nuances of winterization, which is what I’m going to cover today.

✅ Extra Bonus: Winterization makes taking your RV out of storage a simple and easy process come springtime — and trust me, you’ll thank yourself later.

Important Notes About Winterizing Your RV

• How it Works: Winterization removes all water from your RV’s plumbing systems to prevent freeze damage, but also includes preparing the interior and exterior for safe storage.
• Be Prepared: Make sure you have the necessary tools and supplies before you start the winterization process.
• Plan Ahead: Always deep clean and thoroughly rinse your RV’s black and gray holding tanks before winterizing.
• RV-Specific Antifreeze: Is the key to safe winterization, ensuring that pipes, hoses, and plumbing components do not freeze, crack, or burst in below-freezing temperatures.

Supplies Needed:

• RV-Specific Antifreeze: Non-caustic, RV-specific antifreeze that is eco-friendly and safe for your RV. Propylene-glycol RV antifreeze is ideal (avoid ethanol-based antifreeze because it can dry out seals and gaskets and affect water taste). Expect to use 2-3 gallons for small- to mid-sized travel trailers and motorhomes, and up to 5-6 gallons for large 5th wheels and motorhomes.
• Water Heater Bypass Kit: You must have one of these kits to complete the winterization process. Some RVs come with pre-installed kits; otherwise, you can purchase an affordable water heater bypass kit.
• Water Pump Converter Kit or Tubing: Allows you to connect to the inlet end of your water pump and flush RV antifreeze through your water system. Pump converter kits are inexpensive and typically only require one-time installation.
• Simple Tools: Phillips or square-head screwdriver, adjustable wrench, flashlight, and towel. Note that this list is not exhaustive, and you may need alternative tools based on your RV model.

How to Winterize Your RV

Disclaimer: This guide provides an overview of the RV winterization process. If you don’t feel confident doing each step, we recommend having a certified technician winterize your RV; improper winterization can cause significant damage.

1. Deep Clean RV Black & Gray Holding Tanks

Before storing your RV for the winter, it is imperative that you clean the holding tanks to prevent clogs, odors, and damage from waste, grease, and mineral buildup that can occur if allowed to remain long term.

We recommend deep cleaning twice a year (at the beginning and end of the season), or every 10 dumps for full-time RVers.

Deep cleaning your RV’s black tank only requires:

• Water
• Bacteria- and enzyme-based cleaner (Unique Clean-It)
• Time

Deep cleaning your RV’s gray tank only requires:

• Water
• Grease-eating dish soap (Dawn Ultra)
• Time

2. Remove In-Line RV Water Filters (If Applicable)

Water remaining in the filter can expand as it freezes, creating micro-cracks and holes in the filter media, making the filter ineffective. There is also a risk of the water filter, or one of the connections, cracking and leaking.

If your RV has an in-line water filter, remove it, drain it, and store it somewhere safe. There should be a bypass hose you can install after the filter is removed.

If your RV does NOT have an in-line water filter, proceed to Step 3.

3. Drain & Rinse All RV Holding Tanks

Draining the holding tanks prevents liquid and waste from freezing and expanding, which can cause significant damage to holding tanks and pipes.

Removing lingering liquid can also help prevent the growth of bacteria, ensuring the tanks are clean and ready for your next trip.

Make sure to fully drain the following:

• Freshwater Holding Tank.
• Black Water Holding Tank
• Gray Water Holding Tank
• Water Heater Tank

After draining your RV’s holding tanks, make sure to rinse them thoroughly. As we’ve learned in previous installments of the RV Garage, the best way to rinse your tanks is to fill them completely full with clean water, and then dump the contents. Repeat this 1-2 times to ensure your tanks are thoroughly rinsed before proceeding to Step 4.

4. Remove Excess Water From RV Pipes

After draining and rinsing, some lingering water will be left behind.

Flush remaining water out of your RV with these simple steps:

1. Open Faucets & Valves (Both Hot & Cold)
2. Remove Drain Plugs or Low Point Drain Valves
3. Remove Water with Water Pump: Flush your RV’s toilet, and use the 12-volt water pump to help push out any water that might remain in your plumbing. Turn off the pump as soon as the water is removed from the system to avoid damaging it.
4. Remove Water with Air Compressor (Alternative Method): Use caution when using an air compressor — incomplete water removal or excessive pressure can cause serious damage to your RV’s plumbing system.
5. Close Faucets, Valves, and Replace Drain Plugs

5. Bypass the RV Water Heater

If your RV has an electric water heater element, turn it off before winterizing. Most RVs have a built-in water heater bypass, but if yours doesn’t, you can install an aftermarket bypass kit.

This step is important because if you don’t bypass the water heater, all of the antifreeze you add will enter the water heater tank prior to flowing through your water lines.

This not only means you’ll be wasting a lot of antifreeze (and money), but is not recommended for most RV water heaters.

6. Locate the RV Water Pump

If you already know how to access the water pump in your RV, proceed to Step 7.

If this is your first time winterizing your RV, locating the water pump can be tricky. It’s often hidden behind a removable panel secured with Phillips or square-head screws.

Start by finding the water tank fill spout and cap at the exterior of the RV. This may help you find the water pump, because in some RVs the water pump is in close proximity to the fresh water holding tank.

7. Fill RV Water System with RV-Specific Antifreeze

Follow these steps to safely add RV-specific antifreeze to your camper’s water system:

• Install Water Pump Converter Kit: You can either install a water pump converter kit, or disconnect the inlet end
of your water pump, and use plastic tubing to connect the inlet to a gallon of RV-safe antifreeze.
• Turn on 12-Volt Water Pump: This will pressurize the system, and pump RV-specific antifreeze into your water lines.
• Open Water Faucet Closest to Water Pump: Keep this faucet open until pink antifreeze begins to run out of the faucet, and then quickly close the faucet. Be sure to complete this for both the hot and cold faucets, as you’ll want to pump antifreeze into both. Replace your gallon of antifreeze with another, as needed.
• Repeat for Each Faucet & Valve: Start with the faucets and valves closest to the water pump, and then work your way through each one. Don't forget the hot and cold faucets for outdoor showers!
• Flush RV Toilet: Until pink antifreeze appears in the bowl.
• Pour RV Antifreeze Down Each Drain: Typically, in drains that include a p-trap, a cup and a half of RV antifreeze per sink and shower drain is sufficient.
• RV Black Tank Rinsing System: Often overlooked, these systems may not be insulated, making them vulnerable to freezing and damage. Use a transfer pump and hose barb to manually pump antifreeze into the rinse hose and connections. A few pumps should be enough to fill the water line with antifreeze and help prevent costly repairs.

8. Close All Faucets & Valves in the RV

If you’ve followed the steps above, your RV’s plumbing is ready for winter storage. Because every RV is different, always check your owner’s manual for model-specific winterization instructions.

Taking the time to winterize your RV properly helps protect its plumbing and vital components from freezing temperatures — and makes getting back on the road in spring that much easier!

Winterization: Beyond RV Water Systems

While an RV’s plumbing systems are the main focus when winterizing, there are some important steps you can take to protect and secure the interior and exterior of your RV during winter storage.

Pro Tips for RV Exterior & Interior Winter Storage

Expert Interior Tips	Expert Exterior Tips
🧹 Clean Thoroughly: Clean interior counters, surfaces, cabinets, closets, and floors to remove waste, dirt, grit, or grime that has accumulated during the camping season.	🧼 Wash & Wax: Fully wash and wax the exterior of the RV, removing any debris and grime from the walls and roof.
🍽️ Dishes & Linens: Ensure all dishes and linens have been cleaned and stored properly. Consider storing linens outside the camper if it will be in storage for an extended period.	⛱️ Clean Awnings: Open all awnings, clean them, and allow them to thoroughly dry before closing, sliding, or rolling them into place for storage.
⌚ Secure Personal Items & Valuables: Take home electronics, important documents, medications, clothing, valuables, and other items that could be damaged by temperature fluctuations or moisture.	🛠️ Seal Gaps & Cracks: Inspect your RV for gaps or cracks in the walls and roof, and check all seals and caulking for signs of wear. Re-caulk and apply sealant as needed to help prevent drafts, water leaks, and pests.
🍔 Remove Food & Perishables: Take out all food, drinks, and other perishables, including items stored in cabinets or pantry areas. Don't forget pet food.	🚪 Secure Vents & Pipes: Use aluminum foil or steel wool to block insects and rodents from entering RV openings.
🧊 Prepare Refrigerator & Freezer: Turn off the appliance, remove all contents, and clean interior surfaces with soap and water. Prop the door open to reduce the chances of developing mold and mildew. Baking soda or activated charcoal can also help.	🔋 Protect the Battery: In below-freezing conditions, it’s best to protect your battery from freezing damage by removing it, cleaning the terminals, and storing it in a safe, dry place.
🐭 Install Pest-Control Devices: Consider placing anti-pest solutions in all spaces to prevent bugs, mice, and pests from making a home in your RV while in storage.	🚐 RV Trailer & Tire Covers: Protect your RV and its tires from the elements, limiting its exposure to sun, rain, dirt, and grime while in storage.

Have Questions About Your RV?

Contact the friendly and professional Customer Support Team at Unique Camping & Marine for answers today.

Hello campers, I’m coming to you each month with expert tips and information that benefit all types of RVers. Each piece is written, not by Artificial Intelligence, but by an Actual Individual...me!

I research each subject, consult industry professionals, and verify information with certified RV techs before this newsletter ever reaches your inbox.

Catch you down the road,

~Annie