Winterizing your travel trailer for storage is crucial to prevent costly damage from freezing temperatures, ensuring your RV is ready for adventures when spring arrives. By meticulously draining water lines, protecting plumbing fixtures, and preventing pest infestations, you can significantly extend the lifespan of your home on wheels.
Why Winterizing Your Travel Trailer Matters
The consequences of neglecting to winterize your travel trailer can be severe. Water expands when it freezes, potentially cracking pipes, bursting water heaters, and damaging appliances. Repairing these damages can be expensive and time-consuming, cutting into your vacation budget and delaying your next road trip. Proper winterization, however, is a proactive measure that protects your investment and guarantees hassle-free enjoyment for years to come. Consider it an essential part of responsible RV ownership, a crucial investment in the longevity and reliability of your recreational vehicle.
Step-by-Step Winterization Process
This comprehensive guide outlines the necessary steps to effectively winterize your travel trailer for storage.
1. Draining the Water System
The primary goal of winterization is to remove all water from your RV’s plumbing system.
- Drain the Fresh Water Tank: Locate the drain valve for your fresh water tank and open it until the tank is completely empty.
- Drain the Water Heater: Turn off the water heater and allow it to cool completely. Then, remove the drain plug (typically located at the bottom of the tank) and let the water drain out. Consider using a water heater tank rinsing wand to remove sediment buildup.
- Bypass the Water Heater: Most RVs have a bypass valve for the water heater. Engage the bypass valve to prevent antifreeze from filling the water heater tank, saving you money and preventing potential contamination.
- Drain Low Point Drains: Locate the low point drains (typically two valves, one for hot water and one for cold water) and open them to drain any remaining water from the plumbing lines.
- Drain the Gray and Black Water Tanks: Empty and thoroughly flush both the gray and black water tanks using a tank flush system or a sewer hose attachment with a built-in sprayer.
2. Winterizing with RV Antifreeze
RV antifreeze is a non-toxic propylene glycol solution specifically designed for use in potable water systems. It’s essential to use RV antifreeze, not automotive antifreeze, as the latter is highly toxic.
- Bypass the Water Filter: Remove the water filter cartridge and install a bypass fitting (if available) or reconnect the water lines directly.
- Introduce RV Antifreeze: There are two primary methods for introducing RV antifreeze:
- Using a Water Pump Converter Kit: This is the preferred method. Install a water pump converter kit, which allows you to siphon antifreeze directly from a container. Close all faucets and shower heads. Turn on the water pump and sequentially open each faucet (hot and cold), shower head, and toilet until you see pink antifreeze flowing steadily.
- Pouring Antifreeze into the Fresh Water Tank: If you don’t have a converter kit, you can pour RV antifreeze directly into the fresh water tank. The amount needed will depend on the size of your tank; consult your owner’s manual for guidance. Then, turn on the water pump and follow the same procedure of opening each faucet and fixture until you see pink antifreeze. This method requires significantly more antifreeze.
- Flush the Toilet: Pour RV antifreeze into the toilet bowl and flush it several times to protect the toilet valve and plumbing lines.
- Pour Antifreeze into Sink and Shower Drains: Pour a cup of RV antifreeze down each sink and shower drain to protect the P-traps from freezing.
3. Protecting Appliances and Fixtures
Taking extra precautions to protect specific appliances and fixtures will further ensure a damage-free winter.
- Empty the Ice Maker: Disconnect the water line to the ice maker and allow it to drain completely. Some models may require running the ice maker until it stops producing ice.
- Empty the Washing Machine: If your travel trailer has a washing machine, consult the owner’s manual for specific winterization instructions. Generally, you’ll need to drain the water lines and add RV antifreeze to the drum.
- Leave Faucets Open: Leave all faucets slightly open to relieve pressure in the plumbing lines.
- Prop Open Cabinet Doors: Open cabinet and closet doors to allow warm air to circulate, preventing condensation and mildew growth.
4. Preventing Pests and Rodents
Pests and rodents can cause significant damage to your travel trailer during the winter.
- Remove Food and Debris: Thoroughly clean the interior of your RV, removing all food particles, crumbs, and other debris that might attract pests.
- Seal Entry Points: Inspect the RV for any potential entry points, such as gaps around pipes, vents, and windows. Seal these areas with caulk or expanding foam.
- Use Pest Repellents: Place rodent repellents, such as mothballs or peppermint oil-soaked cotton balls, inside the RV.
- Cover Exterior Openings: Cover the air conditioner unit, furnace vent, and other exterior openings with appropriate covers to prevent pests from entering.
5. Additional Winterization Tips
These final steps ensure complete protection during the winter months.
- Disconnect the Battery: Disconnect the battery and store it in a cool, dry place. Consider using a battery tender to maintain the battery’s charge.
- Cover the Tires: Cover the tires to protect them from sun damage and prevent dry rot.
- Lubricate Door and Window Seals: Apply a silicone lubricant to door and window seals to prevent them from sticking or cracking.
- Clean and Cover the Exterior: Wash and wax the exterior of the RV to protect the paint from the elements. Cover the entire RV with a breathable RV cover to shield it from snow, rain, and UV rays.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can I use air pressure to blow out the water lines instead of RV antifreeze?
While blowing out the water lines with compressed air can remove a significant amount of water, it’s not recommended as the sole winterization method. Trapped water can still freeze and cause damage. Using RV antifreeze ensures complete protection by displacing any remaining water and preventing it from freezing. Using compressed air alone is a calculated risk, and one that often leads to expensive repairs.
2. How much RV antifreeze do I need?
The amount of RV antifreeze required depends on the size of your RV and the length of your plumbing lines. Typically, a small travel trailer will require 2-3 gallons, while a larger RV may need 4 gallons or more. Consult your owner’s manual for guidance or err on the side of caution and purchase an extra gallon.
3. Is RV antifreeze toxic?
No, RV antifreeze is non-toxic, made from propylene glycol. However, it is not meant for human consumption. Always store it safely and out of reach of children and pets. Automotive antifreeze, on the other hand, is highly toxic and should never be used in an RV’s potable water system.
4. Can I use regular antifreeze in my RV?
Absolutely not. Regular automotive antifreeze (ethylene glycol) is extremely toxic and can contaminate your RV’s water system, making it unsafe for drinking or washing. Always use RV antifreeze (propylene glycol) specifically designed for potable water systems.
5. What if I forget to bypass the water heater before adding RV antifreeze?
If you forget to bypass the water heater, you’ll waste a significant amount of RV antifreeze filling the tank. You’ll need to drain the water heater again and add RV antifreeze until you see pink fluid coming out. Don’t operate the water heater with RV antifreeze in it. Be sure to thoroughly flush the water heater in the spring before using it.
6. How do I know if I’ve used enough RV antifreeze?
You’ll know you’ve used enough RV antifreeze when you see a steady stream of pink fluid coming out of all faucets, shower heads, and toilet. This indicates that the antifreeze has displaced all the water in the plumbing lines.
7. Do I need to winterize my RV if I live in a mild climate?
Even in mild climates, occasional freezing temperatures can occur. It’s always best to err on the side of caution and winterize your RV, especially if temperatures are expected to drop below freezing for an extended period. A single hard freeze can cause significant damage.
8. How do I de-winterize my RV in the spring?
To de-winterize your RV in the spring, flush the entire water system with fresh water to remove the RV antifreeze. Sanitize the fresh water tank and plumbing lines with a bleach solution. Replace the water filter cartridge and inspect all plumbing connections for leaks.
9. Where can I buy RV antifreeze?
RV antifreeze can be purchased at most RV supply stores, camping retailers, and online retailers like Amazon. It’s typically available in one-gallon jugs.
10. What should I do with the water filter during winter storage?
Remove the water filter cartridge and discard it. Do not reuse the old cartridge in the spring. Install a bypass fitting if your RV has one or reconnect the water lines directly. Storing the filter separately will prevent potential mold growth.
11. Should I leave my RV plugged in during winter storage?
This depends on your RV’s battery charging system. If you have a modern, multistage charger, it’s generally safe to leave the RV plugged in to maintain the battery’s charge. However, if you have an older charger, it’s best to disconnect the battery to prevent overcharging. Always consult your owner’s manual for specific recommendations.
12. What if I have an outside shower; does that need winterizing?
Yes! Don’t forget the outside shower. Winterize it just like any other faucet. Ensure you run RV antifreeze through both the hot and cold lines until you see the pink fluid. Neglecting this often overlooked component can lead to frozen and burst pipes.