Proper care of your RV leads to years of enjoyment. That includes taking care of your RV when you are not using it. If your RV is ready to be tucked in for the season, follow these 7 steps to ensure you don’t have any surprises when you open it back up in the Spring. Wondering where to shop for the supplies you need to winterize your RV? Check out our Camptown Outfitters Online Parts & Accessories Store or come in and shop in person at one of our local parts/accessories locations. We have everything you need (and maybe a few things you just want).
7 Steps For Winterizing Your RV
- Empty Your Lines – No one wants cracked lines on vacation. It’s very important to make sure everything is shut off and your water heater is off and cooled before you start this step. Once it is cooled, open the pressure valve and drain plug. Now it’s time to move outside and turn on all of the sinks, showers, water valves, and toilets until the water runs out. Once all the water is out, turn off your water pump. LAST STEP: Move valves to “sanitize/winterize lines” position and make sure the low point drains are closed for the antifreeze to siphon through the lines. Turn on the pump and open all your faucets again one at a time until you see antifreeze coming out.
- Care For Your Water System – For obvious reasons, you don’t want water freezing in your lines. Make sure to run antifreeze through your water system when winterizing. BE AWARE! Make sure you get RV antifreeze. RV Antifreeze is typically a non-toxic fluid and is used to protect your RV’s plumbing system.
- CLEAN – Make sure you clean the interior AND exterior of your RV. Get the road grime, salt, tar and bugs off the exterior. You don’t want unsightly spots on your beautiful RV! Cleaning the interior allows you to open up your RV to a sparkling clean space. **Don’t forget to defrost and clean out your fridge!
- Disconnect Your Battery – This will save the life of your battery in the long run.
- Clean Your Tanks – Clean your tanks in this order: Black tank, gray tank, then your fresh water tank. To clean them well you will need to dump, clean, sanitize then flush with clean water.
- Preventative Maintenance – Make sure to examine and repair any seals and seams. It’s also a good idea to lubricate hinges and locks during this time.
- Cover – Whether you are putting your RV in storage or parking it in the backyard, use a durable RV cover to keep it safe and secure until next season.
Looking for some help winterizing your RV? Fun Town RV has you covered. Call one of our Fun Town service departments and our service team will be happy to schedule an appointment to winterize your RV.
Check out our video from Fun Town RV on How to Winterize your Fifth Wheel in 5 Minutes.
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Disclaimer: This tutorial is a general overview of the step-by-step process that is required in maintaining and winterizing your RV. This is not a one-size fits all guide as many models vary not only in locations of parts but vary in the features found in each model. Fun Town RV recommends you bring in your unit for the Winterization process so a professional may do the job for you. Fun Town RV is not responsible for any damages you may cause to your personal property, or yourself after following this general tutorial.
