Well… that’s one way to winterize an RV. Photographer: thisisbossi (Flickr Creative Commons).
Just like maintaining a car or truck during the winter, your RV needs some TLC to ensure it makes it through the cold months all in one piece. For RV owners who plan to winterize their recreational vehicles on their own, follow these suggestions.
- Draining water from all lines is key but keep in mind, drops of water can find their way into tiny places and create problems down the road.
- Disconnect outside water source.
- Bypass draining the water heater and water filtration systems.
- Open faucets, flush the toilet, and drain water in the pipes.
- If possible, use a blow out plug, air pressure and air compressor to remove any water still in the pipes and fixtures.
- Next, begin adding antifreeze.This can be done with either an outside hand pump or using an inside water pump conversion kit. Read all instructions carefully.
- Start in the kitchen. Turn on the hot water faucet and check for antifreeze. When the pink liquid begins to flow, you’re ready to move on. Turn off the hot faucet and turn on the cold faucet and repeat steps.
- Continue to the bathroom sink and shower testing each faucet individually after pumping in the pink antifreeze. Check the toilet last.
- It’s suggested that 2 pints of antifreeze be added to all shower and sink drains. Winterizing additional appliances such as the washing machine, ice maker and external shower should follow instructions from the owners manual.
- Open the water value on the water heater. Let it drain and leave it open after it has emptied.
Several additional areas need to be addressed to do a complete winterizing of your RV and keep it in the best shape possible during the winter season.
- If covering your RV, use a tarp made of breathable material to help prevent mildew and mold.
- Place a chemical absorbent inside the RV to trap moisture.
- Park the RV on a flat, even, concrete or paved surface.
- Plug up any an all holes in, under, around and on top of the RV to prevent rodents from making your RV their winter home.
When the winter season makes its exit and you’re ready to head out for a new adventure, Beckley’s RV will be ready and standing by to de-winterize your ride.
