How To: Winterize Your RV

Winterization is a very important process of protecting your RV during the colder months. Failing to properly prepare for cold weather through winterization could result in substantial damage. Here will review the different types of systems and steps to take to perform a winterization of your RV.

 

Please note that this guide is a general overview, and not tailored to your specific model. Refer to your owners manual or contact your manufacturer to obtain instructions for your model.


TABLE OF CONTENTS

Winterize Your RV

 

Type 1: Systems with winterization valves on the outside control center

  • This type of system can be found on both motorized and towable RVs. 
  • Step 1: Open all faucets and low point drains to allow any water out of the lines.  Remove the drain plug for the water heater, if tankless open the drain port (refer to owner’s manual for the water heater for more info)
  • Step 2: Locate the city water port in the control center, connect air using a blowout tool and use 30 psi to blow out as much water as you can.  Then remove air.

  • Step 3: Turn on the water heater bypass, which will prevent any RV antifreeze from going into the water heater. (generally found in the water bay or behind the water heater)

  • Step 4: Remove the fitting from the city water connection
  • Step 5: You will have may have 2 different options depending on the system.  Units without winterization ports will require you to hook a hose to the city water connection.  Some may have an actual winterization labeled port that will look like the city water connection.  Connect a hose to it and the other end into the RV antifreeze jug to allow it to siphon.   
  • Step 6: Turn on the water pump and you should begin to see the RV getting pumped out.
  • Step 7:  Allow RV antifreeze to circulate through the unit until it is clearly coming out of the open faucets, low-point drains, showers, etc.   Once it is flowing out you can let it run for a few more seconds then shut that fixture off and move to the next.   You will use several gallons of RV antifreeze so be sure you are checking the level or have someone there to swap them out.
  • Step 8:  Once all ports have RV antifreeze coming out, take leftover RV antifreeze and pour it into the p-traps of the showers and sinks.
  • This should complete winterization. 

 

Type 2: Systems without winterization valves

  • This type of system can be found on both motorized and towable RVs and is more common. 
  • Step 1: Open all faucets and low point drains to allow any water out of the lines.  Remove the drain plug for the water heater, if tankless open the drain port (refer to owner’s manual for the water heater for more info)
  • Step 2: Locate the city water port in the control center, connect air using a blowout tool and use 30 psi to blow out as much water as you can.  Then remove air
  • Step 3: Turn on the water heater bypass, which will prevent any RV antifreeze from going into the water heater. (generally found in the water bay or behind the water heater)

  • Step 4: Remove the fitting from the city water connection
  • Step 5: Locate the water pump.   It can be found by turning it on and listening for the vibration either inside the unit under cabinets or if motorized in the wet bay.  Once found, look for an extra hose hooked in line that goes to a T-Valve.  That is the line that will be inserted into the RV antifreeze. Open the T-valve so water will flow out of the jug and into the water pump dispersing it through the unit.

  • Step 6: Turn on the water pump and you should begin to see the RV antifreeze getting pumped out.
  • Step 7:  Allow RV antifreeze to circulate through the unit until it is clearly coming out of the open faucets, low-point drains, showers, etc.   Once it is flowing out you can let it run for a few more seconds then shut that fixture off and move to the next.   You will use several gallons of RV antifreeze so be sure you are checking the level or have someone there to swap them out.
  • Step 8:  Once all ports have RV antifreeze coming out, take leftover RV antifreeze and pour it into the p-traps of the showers and sinks.
  • This should complete winter

 

Alternative Method: Not Performing Full Winterization

Now that we have discussed the ways to fully winterize your RV, there may be instances where you intend to use it during colder months, and don't want to perform a full winterization. 

 Be sure to refer to your owner's manual for specific details to your unit regarding this topic.
  • Follow the previously mention steps to drain your RV's water lines and water heater. Only fill p-traps with RV antifreeze and use blow out attachment to empty the water in the lines.
  • Not removing all of the water could still cause damage when using this method, so use careful consideration and exercise caution. 

 

Additional Tips: 

  • If not performing a full winterization, pay special attention to the water filter near the water pump and the toilet valve. They are the most common components that can experience damage during a freeze
  •  Ice makers in refrigerators should always be considered as a risk item as well and should be drained
  • Many motorized units have a water filtration system that would require draining. The filter would need to be removed. 
  • Empty black and grey tanks completely then fill with 1/2 gallon each of RV.


De-winterization:

When it is time to de-winterize your unit you can approach it in two ways:

  1. Connect to city water, turn on the city connection and open all faucets and low-point drains.  Allow water to flow out until clear and not foamy.  Close all faucets when complete and empty tanks.
  2. Fill the fresh tank, activate the water pump, and open all faucets and low-point drains.  Allow water to flow out until clear and not foamy.  Close all faucets when complete and empty tanks.

 

For a better understanding of how to winterize your unit check out this video:

This content is not a legal standard or regulation, and does not create any new legal obligation.  It is advisory in nature, informational in content, and is intended to assist and educate consumers in the use and enjoyment of their recreational vehicles.  Great American RV Superstores does not hereby make any warranty, express or implied, and does not assume any liability with respect to the use of, or damages resulting from the use of any information, method or process included in this content.