Winterizing Your RV

With the cold and freezing temperatures coming, winterizing your RV is going to be a top priority. Neglecting this important task can lead to all kinds of issues when you open up your RV for the Spring season. While there will be some that use their RV during the Winter, the vast majority park their vehicles until the warmer weather arrives. If you are parking your RV for the Winter Season, there are some important things you must do to avoid issues later on.

You are going to need several items in your storage kit before you can start winterizing your RV. Most items can be picked up at your local RV dealer. The first and most important item is non-toxic RV antifreeze. Depending on how large your RV is, you will need 3 or 4 gallons. It is always best to have more then to have to run to the store after you find out you are short. You also will net to a hot water heater bypass kit. This will allow you to connect to the to the inlet of the water pump.

One of the things you are going to need to do is drain all the fluids from your lines and replace it with the anti freeze. This will make sure the lines do not freeze and expand causing a major problem when you open the RV up. You also are going to want to cover your tires with special tire covers to help protect them from the elements while you are not using them. In addition, be sure to disconnect your batteries so you do not have any load on them while you are not using the RV. The last thing you want is a dead battery that will not take a charge. Better yet, get a solar battery charger that will slowly trickle charge your batteries while they are not is use. If your RV is parked in your driveway, you can simply plug your camper into the AC and charge your batteries on occasion that way.

One option for protecting your lines during cold weather is to use an air compressor to blow out all the fluids in the line {a special adapter is needed} and fill your lines with air. You will still need some anti freeze in the lines to ensure the p traps do not freeze over.

If you plan on draining your water heater for the winter, and you definitely should, you want to be sure the water in the heater is cold. Shut off the water heater the day before you plan on draining it. If you do not have time to do that, run the water through the heater until there is no hot water left in the system. When you drain the tank, be sure to open both the drain valve and the pressure relief valve so the tank will drain completely. Opening the relief valve allows air to get into the tank so the water will more easily flow out.

Next you will want to make sure there is no water in any of the water lines. the best way to do this is to go to your main tap in the kitchen and open the faucet. flip on your water pump for no more than 14 seconds so you do not damage the pump. this will pump out any residual water that is in the water lines. Repeat this for all lines and the toilets. You will also need to empty and clean your grey and black tanks.

If you find all this really confusing and you live in the Foothills of North Carolina, you are in luck. Just give Camper Pro’s a jingle and they will do all the work for you at a reasonable price. Give them a call at 1-888-501-4456.