Winterizing Your Trailer: A Comprehensive Guide to Protecting Your Home Away From Home

The harsh realities of winter can wreak havoc on unprepared trailers. Proper winterization is crucial to prevent costly damage from freezing temperatures and moisture, ensuring your trailer is ready for spring adventures without requiring extensive repairs. This guide offers a step-by-step approach to safeguarding your investment, covering everything from plumbing protection to exterior maintenance.

Table of Contents

Protecting Your Plumbing System: The Key to Avoiding Disaster

The plumbing system is the most vulnerable part of a trailer during winter. Freezing water expands, causing pipes to crack, fittings to break, and water heaters to rupture. Preventing these issues requires a systematic approach.

Draining the Water System

The first and most critical step is to completely drain your entire water system. This includes:

Water Heater: Turn off the water heater, let the water cool, and then drain it completely. Remove the drain plug and open the pressure relief valve to facilitate draining.
Fresh Water Tank: Drain the fresh water tank using the drain valve typically located underneath or nearby the tank.
Water Lines: Open all faucets, both hot and cold, including the shower and outside shower, if applicable. Turn on the water pump briefly to help push out any remaining water.
Low-Point Drains: Locate and open the low-point drain valves (typically red and blue, indicating hot and cold water lines) to allow water to drain from the lowest points in the system.

Adding RV Antifreeze

After draining the water system, it’s essential to introduce RV antifreeze to protect any remaining water pockets. Never use automotive antifreeze in your plumbing system as it is toxic and not designed for potable water systems.

Bypass the Water Heater: Most RVs have a bypass valve that allows you to isolate the water heater. Bypassing it saves you gallons of antifreeze.
Using the Water Pump: Disconnect the inlet hose from the fresh water tank and insert it into a gallon of RV antifreeze. Turn on the water pump and run each faucet (hot and cold) until you see pink antifreeze flowing. Don’t forget the shower and outside shower.
Pouring Down Drains: Pour a cup or two of antifreeze down each drain (sink, shower, and toilet) to protect the P-traps.
Toilet: Flush the toilet until you see antifreeze in the bowl.

Exterior Protection: Shielding Your Trailer From the Elements

The exterior of your trailer is constantly exposed to the elements, and winter can exacerbate existing issues. Proper preparation can prevent damage from snow, ice, and UV radiation.

Cleaning and Inspecting

Before covering your trailer, thoroughly clean the exterior to remove dirt, grime, and bird droppings. This prevents these substances from causing damage over the winter.

Roof Inspection: Carefully inspect the roof for any cracks, leaks, or damaged sealant. Repair these issues before winterizing to prevent water intrusion. Pay special attention to seams around vents, skylights, and air conditioners.
Sealing Gaps: Inspect all window and door seals, as well as any other openings in the trailer’s exterior. Use appropriate sealant (such as silicone or caulk) to fill any gaps and prevent water from entering.
Tire Protection: Cover tires with tire covers to protect them from UV rays, which can cause cracking and premature wear. Consider slightly over-inflating the tires to compensate for the drop in temperature.

Covering Your Trailer

A properly fitted RV cover provides a crucial layer of protection against the elements.

Choosing the Right Cover: Select a breathable RV cover specifically designed for your trailer’s size and type. Breathable covers allow moisture to escape, preventing mold and mildew growth.
Secure the Cover: Secure the cover tightly to prevent wind damage. Use the straps and buckles provided with the cover and consider adding extra tie-downs for added security.

Interior Preparation: Preventing Mold, Mildew, and Pests

While protecting the plumbing and exterior is crucial, don’t neglect the interior of your trailer.

Preventing Moisture Buildup

Moisture can lead to mold and mildew growth, causing unpleasant odors and potential health problems.

Ventilation: Leave vents slightly open to allow air circulation.
Moisture Absorbers: Place moisture absorbers, such as DampRid or similar products, throughout the trailer to absorb excess humidity.
Remove Food: Remove all perishable food items to prevent spoilage and attract pests.

Pest Control

Winter is a time when rodents and insects seek shelter and warmth.

Seal Entry Points: Seal any potential entry points for pests, such as gaps around pipes and wires.
Pest Deterrents: Place rodent repellent bags or ultrasonic pest repellers inside the trailer.
Remove Attractants: Remove anything that might attract pests, such as crumbs, pet food, or garbage.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are some frequently asked questions to help you further understand and execute the winterization process:

Is it really necessary to use RV antifreeze? Can’t I just drain everything? While draining is important, it’s impossible to remove all the water from your system. Pockets of water can remain in low spots or behind fittings. RV antifreeze is non-toxic and specifically designed to protect your plumbing system from freezing, making it a crucial step.
How much RV antifreeze do I need? This depends on the size of your trailer and the length of your plumbing system. A general rule of thumb is to have at least 2-3 gallons on hand. It’s better to have too much than not enough.
Can I use air pressure to blow out the water lines instead of using RV antifreeze? While using air pressure can help remove water, it’s not a foolproof method. Air pressure alone might not reach all low spots and can potentially damage your plumbing system if the pressure is too high. Using RV antifreeze provides a much more reliable level of protection.
What type of RV cover should I buy? Look for a breathable, water-resistant RV cover made from durable materials. Consider the climate you live in and choose a cover that is appropriate for the level of protection you need. Ensure the cover fits your trailer’s size and shape correctly.
Do I need to disconnect the battery during winter storage? Yes, it’s highly recommended to disconnect the battery to prevent it from draining completely. A fully discharged battery can freeze and become damaged. Consider using a battery maintainer to keep the battery charged throughout the winter.
Should I leave the refrigerator door open or closed? Leave the refrigerator and freezer doors slightly ajar to prevent mold and mildew growth. Clean the refrigerator thoroughly before leaving it open.
What about the tires? Do I need to do anything special? As mentioned earlier, cover the tires to protect them from UV rays. Inflate them slightly above the recommended pressure to compensate for cold weather. Consider placing the trailer on blocks to reduce stress on the tires.
How do I prevent the roof vents from leaking? Inspect the roof vents for cracks or damage. Use appropriate sealant to reseal any leaks. Consider purchasing vent covers to provide extra protection from the elements.
What if I have a washing machine and/or dishwasher in my trailer? Consult the manufacturer’s instructions for winterizing these appliances. Typically, you’ll need to run RV antifreeze through them to protect the pumps and lines.
Is it safe to store propane tanks inside the trailer? No, it is never safe to store propane tanks inside the trailer. Propane tanks should be stored in a well-ventilated area, away from ignition sources.
How often should I check on my trailer during the winter? Ideally, check on your trailer every few weeks to ensure the cover is secure, there are no signs of leaks or damage, and that moisture absorbers are still working effectively.
What do I need to do to de-winterize my trailer in the spring? Thoroughly flush the plumbing system with fresh water to remove all traces of RV antifreeze. Sanitize the fresh water tank and water lines. Inspect all systems and appliances to ensure they are functioning properly. Refer to your owner’s manual for specific de-winterization instructions.

By following these steps, you can rest assured that your trailer will be well-protected throughout the winter, ready for your next adventure when the weather warms up. Proper winterization is an investment in the longevity and value of your trailer, saving you time, money, and headaches in the long run.