Don’t let winter turn your RV into an icebox on wheels. Learn how to winterize your camper the right way—before freezing temps crack your pipes and drain your wallet. We give you the exact breakdown, plus a hand downloadable how to winterize RV checklist to take with you!
Unless you live in the southern US, every RV family knows that autumn typically represents the end of the RV season.
But when winter creeps in and the temperatures start to drop, your camper and RV face a silent enemy: snow, ice, moisture, and UV exposure.
Unfortunately, all it takes is one frozen water line, a cracked drain plug, or a broken pipe to cost you hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars in repairs in the springtime.
Winterizing your RV isn't just another tedious seasonal chore, like raking up leaves or putting away the patio furniture. It's a necessity that ensures your rig is road-ready when the snow melts.
In the following guide, we take you through all the steps you need to know to winterize your RV and protect it from whatever the winter might throw at it.
Why Winterizing Your RV Matters
Frozen water expands. So, when temperatures drop, one of the biggest threats to every motorhome or RV is that any water remaining in the black water tank, gray water tank, water heater tank, or in the drains or water supply lines could freeze.
If that happens, supply lines can crack and pipes can burst, leading to cracked seals, broken fittings, and a huge mess you'll need to clean up in the spring.
But that's not the only RV risk associated with freezing temperatures. Dry rot, flat spots on your tires, UV damage, and mold are also common problems RVers encounter in the spring.
Thankfully, winterizing an RV isn't all that complicated. It takes a bit of time, work, and a little RV know-how.
However, by taking the time to winterize your rig properly, you'll be able to rest easy, knowing it'll be in tip-top shape when the travel season rolls around.
Step 1: Clean & Inspect Before Storage
The first thing you'll want to do is to wash and dry the exterior of your RV. While you're at it, we strongly recommend inspecting all your RV roof seams, vents, skylights, and windows for signs of dry, cracked sealants or potential leaks.
If you find worn-out sealant, take the time to clean the area and apply TitanPatch Pro to prevent moisture from entering while your RV is parked for the off-season.
Next, take some time to clean the interior of the RV. Be sure to remove food and ensure everything is dry to prevent mold from growing while the rig is sealed.
You can also check out our more comprehensive guides on rv roof repairs for more tips and instructions. Below are the articles for each issue you may run into:
Step 2: Drain & Protect The RV Water System
One of the more critical reasons to winterize your RV is to prevent your tanks and pipes from cracking in the freezing temperatures.
The next step is to drain your fresh water tank, water heater (turn it off, too), and holding tanks. Open all your hot and cold faucets, and use a water heater bypass kit to help you protect the water heater's heating element.
Once everything is drained, the next step is to use a water pump to flush all your water lines and appliances with a non-toxic RV antifreeze.
This is a relatively simple process. However, it can vary slightly for each make and model of RV. That's why we encourage you to refer to your RV's owner's manual for instructions on how to drain your tanks and winterize your water lines properly.
You'll typically need about fifteen gallons of antifreeze to winterize an RV. But again, this varies based on make and model.
You can also use a compressor and air pressure to blow out your water lines, which some RVers use as an alternative to antifreeze.
However, because you can never be 100% certain that you've removed all the water, we still recommend using antifreeze whenever possible.
Lastly, don't forget to check there's no water left in your fridge, freezer, ice maker, or washing machine.
Once you've winterized your RV's water system, close the system's low point drain plug and ensure the pressure relief valve is closed as well.
Step 3: Protect Your Tires
Plumbing lines and septic tanks are essential. But your RV's tires are also super important and need to be winterized. You may be surprised to learn that many RV tire blowouts are caused by inadequate tire maintenance.
To protect your tires during the winter, you'll want to double check and inflate them to the recommended pressure per square inch. Then, use leveling blocks or your RV's leveling system to lift the rig and reduce the tires' contact with the ground.
Then, use a set of TireShield Pro RV Tire Covers to protect them from UV exposure, moisture, snow, and ice.
Step 4: Battery, Propane & Electrical Prep
It's also important to winterize your RV's electrical and propane systems before storing your rig for the colder months.
Start by unplugging and turning off all electronics and appliances. Then, disconnect the batteries and store them indoors if possible.
Consider connecting your RV's batteries to a battery charger to maintain their optimal capacity throughout the winter. For more information on using a battery charger, refer to our comprehensive guide on jump starters versus battery chargers.
Finally, shut off the propane supply and remove tanks to have them refilled in the spring if needed.
We also have a series of blog posts on RV jump starters that are worth checking out. Jump starters can be a life-saver when you find yourself with a dead RV battery. So it's worth having one on hand just in case of emergency. Check out our jump starter guide to learn more!
Interior Prep Tips & Extra Winter Storage Tips For RVs
Now, before calling it a day, you'll want to defrost and clean your refrigerator properly.
Additionally, leave the fridge/freezer doors and all cabinets open, which helps maintain airflow and prevents mold and mildew from developing.
Then, remove any food, clothing, or valuable items and say goodbye to your RV for the winter.
One mistake we often see new RVers make is using a plastic tarp instead of a proper RV cover to protect their rig from snow and ice. The difference here is that a plastic tarp traps moisture inside, whereas RV covers utilize breathable canvas materials that prevent dampness and moisture from becoming trapped.
If possible, find a suitable indoor location to park and store your RV during the off-season.
But we know that's not always feasible. If you can't store your rig indoors, consider parking it in a sheltered location where it will be protected from heavy snowfall and direct sunlight.
Then, be sure to check on your RV periodically throughout the winter.
Pests like mice are widespread problems with winterized RVs. So, you may want to add a few traps and check them every few weeks.
RV Winterizing Checklist
You can also download this checklist in a handy PDF format. Save or print out this checklist, and save it on your phone so you can remember to get everything. Click here to download: RV Winterizing Checklist
Frequently Asked Questions - How To Winterize RVs Properly
Winterizing an RV is simple. However, the entire process looks slightly different for each make and model. It's best to refer to your RV's owner's manual to ensure you've properly winterized the water lines, hot water tank, toilets, and other appliances.
Here are a few frequently asked questions about RV winterization we hear from our readers.
Can I winterize my RV without antifreeze fluid?
Some RVers use compressed air to blow out their water lines instead of using antifreeze. This may be a suitable option if you live in a milder climate where temperatures don't drop much below the freezing mark. However, if you live in an area where temperatures drop to sub-zero levels, we strongly recommend protecting your RV's plumbing by using antifreeze.
What's the difference between using antifreeze and an air compressor to winterize an RV?
Using air pressure to winterize an RV blows out the water from the water lines. It's a more eco-friendly, non-chemical option. But it may not remove all the water. That's why it's best to use antifreeze, which replaces any residual water with a non-freezing antifreeze solution, providing a safer option for winterizing your road rig.
Do I need to winterize if I live in a mild climate?
If the temperature never drops below zero, you don't really need to winterize your RV's plumbing. However, if your rig is to be parked for extended periods, we recommend using RV tire covers and an RV cover to protect your tires and the exterior from UV damage.
How do I protect my RV tires in winter?
Tire covers are by far the best way to protect your tires during the winter. They ensure your tires are protected from snow, ice, moisture, and UV exposure, which can cause dry rot and deteriorate the rubber's strength. Check out our blog post on "Are RV tire covers really necessary?" to learn more about protecting your tires.
At what temperature should I start winterizing my RV?
Your RV needs to be fully winterized before the temperature drops below freezing (and preferably on a warm, sunny day). Winterizing your rig on a warm day ensure you can air out the inside, and that everything, inside and out, will dry thoroughly. Therefore, as soon as your rig is parked for the year, we recommend that you begin winterizing the plumbing lines and septic system. Remember: all it takes is a single frozen, cracked, or burst pipe to ruin your spring RV adventure. So don't wait until the snow falls to winterize your rig.
Can I winterize an RV myself, or should I hire a professional?
You can hire a professional to winterize and store your RV, if you want. But when you boil it down, winterizing an RV isn't all that hard or complicated. And if you're planning on being part of the RV community for years, it's best to learn the ins and outs of RV repair and maintenance anyway. There's nothing wrong with hiring a pro. However, we recommend learning to do it yourself, which saves you money that can be better spent on your next RV adventure.