Here’s How to Winterize Your RV, Step-by-Step

When the fall foliage disappears in the rearview mirror and the cold, snowy months are just around the corner, it’s time to plan how to protect your RV from winter weather. If you won’t be using your RV in the winter, late fall is the best time to take steps to winterize your RV. But how do you go about it?

In this resource, we will outline every step you need to properly retire the camper for the year. And, of course, you’ll want to first refer to your owner’s manual. User manuals specify the approach you should use for your specific camper model.

Let’s get started.

What Does Winterizing an RV Mean?

Winterizing an RV is the process of preparing it for the extremes of winter. The harsh winter conditions will stretch your camper to its limits and may cause devastating damage, and expensive repair bills come spring. So, you need to perform specific tasks to protect the rig’s interior systems as well as its outer shell. Getting your RV winter-ready will also help extend its lifespan and ensure the camper provides you with excellent service come spring.

How To Winterize Your RV

Here’s how to winterize your RV in seven easy steps.

1. Start With the Necessary Repairs

Before you store your RV for the cold season, make sure you complete any pending repairs. Fix anything that was leaking, broken or falling apart, whether related to electrics, plumbing, engine, bodywork or seals. The brutal winter conditions will only make the neglected problem worse, forcing you to perform expensive repairs or replacements when you take your RV out of hibernation.

2. Take Care of your Water Systems

Arguably, the most important part of the RV winterization process is taking care of your plumbing system. That’s because this is the most vulnerable part. If the water inside the lines freezes, the pipes will expand and crack, which can be costly and time-consuming to repair. Use these steps to winterize your RV water lines, holding tanks and hot water heater.

• Drain the Gray and Black Water Tanks – Empty your black and gray tanks at a dump station, and make sure they drain completely. Next, flush and rinse both tanks using the in-built flushing system or a tank cleaning wand. This step prevents the buildup of nasty bacteria and a frozen tank filled with wastewater.
• Drain Your Hot Water Heater – Turn your hot water heater off several hours before this step to allow the water to cool. Next, drain the tank by removing its drain plug, opening the pressure relief valve for proper drainage, then reattaching the cap after it’s completely empty.
• Open all Faucets and Remove all Drain Plugs – Open all hot and cold water faucets for a minimum of 15 minutes to drain the lines. Remember to open the kitchen wand, toilet and outdoor shower. Find the low-point drain lines to quicken the process. They are most likely underneath the RV. You can also run your water pump for at least 30 seconds to remove all the water. Next, close all faucets and replace drain plugs.
• Bypass Water Heater – Draining the hot water heater will provide enough protection throughout the chilly months. To avoid filling it with antifreeze, look for the bypass knobs near where the water lines enter the heater. If your RV does not have its own bypass system, you can buy a heater bypass kit.  
• Run Antifreeze Through Your Water Lines – Flooding the water lines with antifreeze will ensure that nothing freezes and breaks over the chilly season. A water pump converter kit will enable your RV to pump antifreeze into your plumbing system. Open the hot and cold faucets, turn on the shower and flush the toilet until you see colored antifreeze flowing, then close them. Add some to your P-traps and toilet bowl as well.

3. Disconnect Your Batteries and Electronics

Another crucial step that should factor in every RV winterizing checklist is removing the batteries. Cold temps can destroy lead-acid, deep-cycle batteries, so disconnect all batteries from your RV and store them indoors in a warm, dry area. Hook them up on a trickle charger to prevent permanent damage. In addition, remove any batteries from remotes and devices like alarms, detectors, radios and clocks. Don’t forget to disconnect any electronics or small appliances plugged into your rig’s outlet.

4. Perform Automotive Maintenance Tasks

If you own a motorhome, you need to take care of the automotive system. Start by adding fuel stabilizer to your gas tank, and fill the tank to the maximum to prevent condensation from forming. The same should be done for a generator. Next, run the engine and generator for five minutes to give the stabilizer time to make its way through the system. Your engine oil, brake and transmission fluids will also need to be topped off. Consult your manual regarding automotive antifreeze in the radiator.

5. Address the Tires

Another RV winter storage tip is to take the weight off the tires. The best way to do this is to raise the rig onto jacks. This prevents your tires from developing flat spots that can force you to prematurely replace the tires. Inflate the tires to the manufacturer’s recommended pressure before raising your rig. Remember, you’ll also need to retract and extend your levelers about once a month to keep them in perfect shape. If you don’t have jacks, drive your RV up onto pads. Finally, use UV reflective covers to protect the wheels from sun damage. 

6. Take Pest Control Measures

When your RV sits idly for months, there’s a chance that pests will use it for shelter. Rodents can cause extensive damage by chewing through all sorts of materials, from wires to upholstery and wood to walls. So, how do you deter pests like mice from destroying your rig? Deny them entry in the first place. Search for any gaps they can use to wiggle their way in and block them with cardboard or aluminum foil. That includes windows, exhaust pipes, vents and broken seals. You’ll also need to remove anything that may attract gnawers and bugs, such as foods and hygiene products.  

7. Cover the RV

The final step in our RV winterization procedure is to use a camper-specific cover. These covers protect the rig from the elements, fading and unexpected leaks. The best tarps are breathable, allowing trapped air to escape, thus reducing condensation that may cause rusting or create conditions for the growth of mold and mildew.

RV Winterization Made Easy

Storing a camper in the winter doesn’t have to be intimidating. Simply break down the steps into smaller tasks, and things won’t seem too difficult. If you’re in doubt, you can consult your user manual or ask for help from a fellow RVer or a professional. For more insightful RV guides, visit our RV Living section.