Top 5 Ways to Winterize Your RV in Just 15 Minutes

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As the winter season approaches, it’s time to start thinking about winterize your RV. This process is important to protect your investment from potential damage caused by freezing temperatures. While the thought of winterize your RV may seem daunting, it doesn’t have to be. In fact, with just 15 minutes of your time, you can winterize your RV and ensure it’s protected all winter long.

Gather Your Supplies

Before you begin, gather all the necessary supplies. Here’s what you’ll need:

• Non-toxic RV antifreeze
• Water heater bypass kit
• Air compressor
• Screwdriver
• Wrench
• Pliers

Drain the Water System

One of the most crucial steps in winterize your RV is to properly drain the water system. This includes draining all of the water from the tanks, pipes, and faucets to prevent any remaining water from freezing and potentially causing damage.

To drain the water system, start by turning off the water supply and opening all of the faucets and valves to allow the water to flow out. You should also remove any water filters and drain plugs to ensure that all of the water is completely drained.

It’s important to note that some RVs may have additional water systems such as a hot water heater or water pump that also need to be drained. Be sure to consult your RV owner’s manual or a professional to ensure that all of the water systems are properly drained.

Once the water system is drained, you can then add RV antifreeze to prevent any remaining water from freezing and causing damage. By taking the time to properly drain your RV’s water system, you can ensure that your RV is protected from potential water damage and ready to withstand even the coldest winter temperatures.

Bypass the Water Heater

Another important step in winterize your RV is to bypass the water heater. This is necessary to prevent any water from freezing and causing damage to the heater while also conserving antifreeze.

To bypass the water heater, start by turning off the propane or electric supply to the heater. Next, locate the bypass valve, which is usually located near the heater or in a nearby cabinet. The bypass valve should be turned to the “bypass” position to prevent any water from flowing into the heater.

It’s important to note that some RVs may have different bypass valve systems or require additional steps to properly bypass the water heater. It’s always best to consult your RV owner’s manual or a professional to ensure that the bypass is done correctly.

Bypassing the water heater is a simple but important step in winterize your RV. By doing so, you can protect your water heater from potential damage caused by freezing water and ensure that your RV is ready to handle even the coldest winter temperatures. Don’t forget to switch the bypass valve back to its original position before using your water heater again in the spring.

Add Antifreeze to the System

Once the water system has been drained and the water heater has been bypassed, it’s time to add antifreeze to the system. Using a funnel, pour non-toxic RV antifreeze into the freshwater tank. Then, turn on the water pump and open each faucet, including the outside shower and toilet, until the antifreeze runs through the system. Be sure to flush the toilet several times to ensure the antifreeze has reached the holding tank.

Protect the P-Traps

To protect the P-traps, pour a small amount of antifreeze down each drain, including the sinks, shower, and toilet. This will prevent any remaining water from freezing and potentially causing damage.

Blow Out the Water Lines

For an extra layer of protection, use an air compressor to blow out the water lines. First, turn off the water pump and open all faucets, including the outside shower and toilet. Then, connect the air compressor to the city water inlet and blow out the water lines until no more water comes out.

Store Your RV

The final step in winterize your RV is to properly store it for the winter months. This involves protecting your RV from the harsh winter weather and ensuring that it is ready to hit the road when the weather warms up again.

Firstly, it’s important to find a suitable storage location for your RV. This can be a covered storage facility, your own garage or a specially designed RV storage lot. It’s best to choose a location that is dry and well-ventilated to prevent moisture buildup inside the RV.

Before storing your RV, be sure to thoroughly clean the interior and exterior. This includes removing any food, trash, and other debris from inside the RV to prevent pests from making a home. The exterior should be washed and waxed to protect the finish from harsh winter weather.

Next, cover your RV with a high-quality RV cover to protect it from the elements. The cover should fit snugly over the RV and be made of a breathable material to prevent moisture buildup inside.

Additionally, it’s important to prepare the RV’s tires for storage. This includes inflating the tires to the recommended pressure and covering them with tire covers to protect them from the sun’s damaging rays.

Finally, don’t forget to remove the battery and store it in a cool, dry place to prevent it from freezing or becoming damaged. It’s also a good idea to periodically check on the RV during the winter months to ensure that everything is still in good condition.

By following these steps and properly storing your RV for the winter, you can protect it from potential damage and ensure that it’s ready to hit the road again when the weather warms up. Don’t forget to stock up on RV winterizing products such as RV hose washers, flexible hose protectors, and shower hose washers to ensure that your RV is fully equipped to handle the winter weather.

Conclusion

In conclusion, winterize your RV is an essential step that can save you a lot of trouble and money in the long run. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can easily winterize your RV in just 15 minutes and ensure that it’s protected from the harsh winter conditions.

Moreover, it’s important to invest in quality RV winterizing products such as RV hose washers, water hose washers, and shower hose washers, to prevent any potential leaks or bursts that can cause water damage to your RV. Additionally, using flexible hose protectors can provide extra durability and prevent wear and tear on your hoses.

By taking these precautions and investing in the right winter RV camping products, you can enjoy a comfortable and stress-free camping experience even in the coldest winter months. Don’t forget to stock up on these essential RV winterizing products before hitting the road this winter!

FAQs: 

How do I stay warm while living in a camper in the winter?

You can stay warm while living in a camper during winter by using insulation, heaters, and blankets. It’s also important to dress appropriately and stay active to generate body heat.

Stainless steel washer hoses? 

Upgrading to Stainless Steel Washer Hoses can provide better durability and prevent potential leaks or bursts that can cause water damage in your laundry room.