RV Winterization Checklist

26 items · Travel · Medium difficulty · 3 hours

Winterize an RV or camper step by step: tanks, water heater, lines, antifreeze, battery, propane and storage, in the order the job goes.

• Read the winterizing section of your owner's manual

  It shows where the low-point drains, the bypass valves and any winterizing valve are on your rig.

• Buy RV antifreeze labelled for drinking water systems

  Automotive antifreeze is not safe to drink, so never put it in RV plumbing.

• Empty and flush the black and gray tanks at a dump station

  Rinse the black tank until the water runs clear.

• Remove any inline water filter cartridges
• Turn off the water heater's gas and electric and let it cool

  Never drain it hot, and never switch it on again while it's empty.

• Open the pressure relief valve, then remove the water heater drain plug or anode rod

  If you pulled an anode rod, check it and note whether it needs replacing.

• Drain the fresh water tank
• Open the hot and cold low-point drains and every faucet

  Let the lines drain fully, then close the drains again.

• Put the water heater in bypass
• Connect the pump to the antifreeze, using the winterizing valve or a pump converter kit
• Run each faucet, hot side then cold, until antifreeze comes out pink

  Start at the faucet nearest the pump and work out to the farthest.

• Do the same at the shower, the toilet and any outdoor shower
• Pour a little antifreeze down each sink and shower drain

  This protects the P-traps and the tank valves below them.

• Winterize the ice maker or washer if you have one, following its manual
• Turn off the water pump and close all faucets
• Remove all food and clean out the fridge, then leave its doors propped open

  A closed fridge grows mold over winter.

• Seal gaps where pipes and cables enter, to keep mice out
• Set out moisture absorbers inside
• Close the propane tank valves
• Disconnect the batteries, or store them charged on a maintainer

  A battery left flat over winter can freeze and be ruined.

• Add fuel stabilizer, then run the engine or generator so the treated fuel reaches its lines

  Check the manual for how long to run each one.

• Wash the outside and check roof seams and window seals for cracks

  Reseal cracks now. Water that gets in over winter rots the walls from inside.

• Retract the slide-outs
• Inflate the tires to the pressure on the RV's tire placard and cover them from the sun
• Chock the wheels and fit a breathable RV cover

  A plastic tarp traps moisture against the paint.

• Write down every drain and valve you changed

  You'll need the list to de-winterize in spring.

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