The cost to winterize a travel trailer can range from $50 to $300, depending on whether you do it yourself (DIY) or hire a professional and the extent of winterization required. Protecting your RV from freezing temperatures is crucial to prevent costly damage and ensure its longevity.
Understanding the Importance of Winterization
Winterizing your travel trailer is not optional if you live in a climate that experiences freezing temperatures. Water expands when it freezes, and this expansion can cause pipes to burst, tanks to crack, and plumbing fixtures to become damaged. Repairing this damage can be extremely expensive, often exceeding the cost of winterizing the RV in the first place. Beyond the immediate financial cost, winterizing protects your investment and prevents frustrating delays when you’re ready to hit the road again in the spring. Proper winterization ensures your RV remains in top condition, ready for your next adventure.
DIY vs. Professional Winterization: Weighing the Options
Deciding whether to tackle winterization yourself or hire a professional service involves considering several factors, including your DIY skills, comfort level with plumbing, the time you have available, and your budget.
DIY Winterization: The Cost-Effective Approach
The biggest advantage of DIY winterization is the cost savings. You’ll primarily be paying for antifreeze, typically RV-specific antifreeze that is non-toxic. Other materials needed include a water heater bypass kit (if your RV doesn’t already have one), a water pump converter kit, and some basic tools. The estimated cost for materials for a DIY winterization can range from $50 to $150.
However, DIY winterization requires you to understand the process thoroughly and be comfortable working with your RV’s plumbing system. Mistakes can lead to serious damage, negating the cost savings.
Professional Winterization: Peace of Mind and Expertise
Hiring a professional offers peace of mind, knowing that the job is being done correctly by experienced technicians. They have the knowledge and tools to ensure all components are properly protected. The cost of professional winterization typically ranges from $100 to $300, depending on the size and complexity of your RV.
The downside is the increased expense, and the need to schedule an appointment. However, if you’re unsure about any aspect of the process or simply lack the time, professional winterization is a worthwhile investment.
A Step-by-Step Guide to DIY Winterization
This section provides a general overview. Always consult your RV’s owner’s manual for specific instructions.
- Drain All Water: Start by draining all the water from your fresh water tank, water heater, and holding tanks (gray and black).
- Bypass the Water Heater: Install a bypass kit (if needed) to prevent antifreeze from filling the water heater.
- Drain Water Heater: Remove the drain plug from the water heater and allow it to completely drain. Replace the plug, leaving it slightly loose to prevent vacuum buildup.
- Install Water Pump Converter Kit: This allows you to pump antifreeze through the plumbing system.
- Add Antifreeze: Pour RV antifreeze into the fresh water tank. Start with 2-3 gallons and add more as needed.
- Pump Antifreeze Through Plumbing: Turn on the water pump and run each faucet (hot and cold) until antifreeze flows out. Don’t forget the shower, toilet, and outside shower (if applicable).
- Pour Antifreeze Down Drains: Pour antifreeze into each drain to protect the P-traps.
- Flush the Toilet: Flush the toilet, ensuring antifreeze fills the bowl.
- Remove Batteries: Disconnect and remove the batteries. Store them in a cool, dry place and keep them charged.
- Cover Vents and Open Drawers: Cover exterior vents to prevent pests from entering. Open cabinet drawers and refrigerator doors to allow air circulation.
- Defrost and Clean Refrigerator: Turn off and defrost the refrigerator. Clean it thoroughly to prevent mold and odors.
- Inspect Seals: Inspect all seals around windows and doors for cracks or damage. Apply sealant as needed.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Winterizing
Here are some common questions about winterizing a travel trailer, designed to provide further clarity and helpful tips:
FAQ 1: Can I Use Regular Antifreeze in My RV?
No! Never use regular automotive antifreeze in your RV’s plumbing system. It is toxic and can contaminate your water supply. Only use RV-specific antifreeze, which is non-toxic and safe for potable water systems.
FAQ 2: How Much Antifreeze Do I Need?
The amount of antifreeze needed depends on the size and layout of your RV’s plumbing system. As a general rule, 2-3 gallons is usually sufficient for a smaller travel trailer. Larger RVs may require more.
FAQ 3: What If I Skip Winterizing One Year?
Skipping winterization is a gamble. Even a single hard freeze can cause significant damage. The cost of repairing burst pipes far outweighs the cost of winterizing.
FAQ 4: What Do I Do With the Water Heater?
The water heater is a critical component to address. Bypassing it prevents antifreeze from filling the large tank, which would require a significant amount of antifreeze. Always drain and bypass the water heater before adding antifreeze to the plumbing system.
FAQ 5: How Do I Winterize the Toilet?
Flush the toilet after pumping antifreeze through the plumbing system. This will coat the seals and prevent them from drying out and cracking. Pour some extra antifreeze into the bowl to protect it from freezing.
FAQ 6: Should I Leave the Faucets Open During the Winter?
Leaving the faucets slightly open is not recommended for winterizing. It wastes antifreeze and doesn’t necessarily provide additional protection. The key is to ensure antifreeze is present in the pipes.
FAQ 7: What About the Black and Gray Water Tanks?
After draining the black and gray water tanks, add a small amount of RV antifreeze to each tank. This will prevent any residual water from freezing and potentially damaging the tanks.
FAQ 8: How Do I Protect the Tires?
Over time, RV tires can deteriorate from sun exposure and sitting idle. Covering the tires with tire covers can help protect them from UV damage. Consider also increasing the tire pressure slightly to compensate for temperature fluctuations.
FAQ 9: What About Pests?
Mice and other rodents can cause significant damage to your RV over the winter. Seal any potential entry points and consider using rodent repellent or traps.
FAQ 10: Can I Winterize My RV Without Antifreeze?
Yes, but it’s more complicated and risky. It involves completely blowing out all the water lines with compressed air. This method requires specialized equipment and meticulous attention to detail to ensure all water is removed. Antifreeze is generally considered the safer and more reliable option.
FAQ 11: How Do I De-winterize My RV in the Spring?
In the spring, flush the plumbing system with fresh water to remove the antifreeze. Sanitize the fresh water tank and plumbing system with a bleach solution. Consult your RV’s owner’s manual for specific de-winterization instructions.
FAQ 12: How Can I Tell If My RV is Properly Winterized?
The best way to ensure your RV is properly winterized is to follow the steps carefully and thoroughly. If you’re unsure about any aspect of the process, consult a professional RV technician. You can also visually inspect the plumbing lines for any signs of leaks or damage after a hard freeze.
Conclusion: Protecting Your Investment for Years to Come
Winterizing your travel trailer is a crucial investment in its longevity and your future adventures. Whether you choose the DIY approach or opt for professional service, taking the time to properly protect your RV from freezing temperatures will save you money and headaches in the long run. By following these guidelines and consulting your RV’s owner’s manual, you can ensure your travel trailer is ready to hit the road for many years to come.