Protecting your travel trailer from the harsh realities of winter is crucial to prevent costly damage and ensure it’s ready for adventure when warmer weather returns. Properly winterizing your RV involves draining all water lines, adding antifreeze, and taking other preventative measures to guard against freezing temperatures and potential plumbing disasters.
Understanding the Importance of Winterization
Winterizing your travel trailer isn’t just a suggestion; it’s an essential preventative measure against the destructive forces of freezing water. When water freezes, it expands, potentially cracking pipes, damaging appliances like water heaters and pumps, and causing significant leaks that can lead to mold and rot. Ignoring this process can result in repair bills running into the thousands. This guide, compiled with insights from seasoned RV technicians and drawing on industry best practices, will equip you with the knowledge and steps necessary to confidently winterize your travel trailer.
Step-by-Step Winterization Process
This section details the comprehensive winterization process, ensuring no critical step is overlooked. Remember to consult your RV owner’s manual for specific instructions and recommendations tailored to your model.
1. Gather Your Supplies
Before you begin, assemble the necessary tools and materials. This will streamline the process and prevent frustrating interruptions. You’ll need:
- RV Antifreeze (non-toxic, propylene glycol-based): Enough to fill all plumbing lines. Calculate based on the length of your lines, usually several gallons.
- Water Heater Bypass Kit (if not already installed): Prevents antifreeze from filling the water heater.
- Water Pump Converter Kit or Tubing: Allows you to draw antifreeze directly into the water lines.
- Wrench: For removing drain plugs.
- Screwdriver: For various tasks, including removing access panels.
- Air Compressor: To blow out water lines. (Optional, but highly recommended)
- Drain Pan: To catch water during draining.
- Funnel: For adding antifreeze.
- Plumber’s Tape: To reseal drain plugs.
2. Drain the Water System
Thoroughly draining the water system is the first, and arguably most important, step. Leaving any residual water creates a prime opportunity for freezing damage.
- Drain Fresh Water Tank: Locate and open the drain valve(s) for your fresh water tank. Ensure the tank is completely empty.
- Drain Water Heater: Turn off the water heater (both gas and electric if applicable). Allow it to cool completely before draining. Remove the drain plug (usually at the bottom) and allow all water to drain. Consider flushing the water heater tank to remove any sediment buildup. Note: If you have an anode rod, inspect it and replace it if necessary.
- Drain All Water Lines: Open all faucets (both hot and cold), including the shower, toilet flush valve, and any outside shower connections. Turn on the water pump briefly to help force out any remaining water.
- Bypass Water Heater (If Necessary): If your RV does not have a bypass kit installed, install one before proceeding. This prevents antifreeze from filling the water heater, saving you antifreeze and preventing potential corrosion.
3. Blow Out the Water Lines (Optional, but Recommended)
Using compressed air to blow out the water lines significantly reduces the amount of antifreeze required and helps ensure a more thorough draining.
- Connect Air Compressor: Connect an air compressor to the city water inlet using a blow-out plug or fitting.
- Set Air Pressure: Set the air pressure to no more than 40 PSI to avoid damaging the plumbing.
- Blow Out Each Line: Open each faucet, one at a time, until only air comes out. Repeat this process for the shower, toilet flush valve, and any outside shower connections.
4. Add RV Antifreeze
With the water lines drained, it’s time to introduce RV antifreeze, which will displace any remaining water and prevent freezing.
- Install Water Pump Converter Kit: Install the water pump converter kit or attach tubing to the inlet side of the water pump. This allows you to draw antifreeze directly from a container.
- Prime the Water Pump: Place the other end of the tubing into a container of RV antifreeze. Turn on the water pump and allow it to prime, drawing antifreeze into the system.
- Run Antifreeze Through Each Fixture: Open each faucet, one at a time, until you see pink antifreeze flowing steadily. Repeat for the shower, toilet flush valve (flush until antifreeze is visible), and any outside shower connections. Don’t forget to pour antifreeze into the drain traps of all sinks and the shower.
- Pour Antifreeze into Toilet Bowl: Pour several cups of antifreeze into the toilet bowl to protect the seal.
5. Protect Appliances and Other Components
Beyond the plumbing system, several other components require attention during winterization.
- Gray and Black Water Tanks: Drain both tanks completely. Add a few gallons of RV antifreeze to each tank to protect the valves and prevent residue from freezing.
- Washing Machine (if equipped): Consult your owner’s manual for specific winterization instructions. Typically, this involves running antifreeze through the washer using a special winterization cycle.
- Ice Maker (if equipped): Disconnect the water supply and consult your owner’s manual for specific winterization instructions.
- Batteries: Disconnect the batteries and store them in a cool, dry place. Consider using a battery tender to maintain their charge over the winter.
- Tires: Cover tires to protect them from UV rays. Consider increasing tire pressure to the maximum allowed by the manufacturer.
- Seal Exterior Openings: Seal any exterior openings, such as vents and windows, to prevent drafts and pest intrusion.
- Remove Food Items: Remove all perishable food items to prevent spoilage and attract pests.
- Prop the Refrigerator and Freezer Doors Open: This prevents mold and mildew growth.
6. Final Inspection
Once you’ve completed all the steps, conduct a final inspection to ensure everything is properly winterized.
- Check for Leaks: Inspect all plumbing connections for leaks.
- Verify Antifreeze Circulation: Double-check that antifreeze has circulated through all fixtures.
- Secure All Storage Compartments: Ensure all storage compartments are properly closed and secured.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How much RV antifreeze do I need?
The amount of RV antifreeze needed depends on the length and complexity of your RV’s plumbing system. A good estimate is 2-3 gallons for a small travel trailer and 3-5 gallons for a larger one. It’s always better to have a little extra than not enough. Focus on achieving a consistent pink color at all faucets and fixtures.
2. Can I use regular automotive antifreeze in my RV?
Absolutely not! Regular automotive antifreeze is highly toxic and can contaminate your water system, posing a serious health risk. Always use non-toxic RV antifreeze specifically formulated for potable water systems.
3. Do I need to drain my hot water heater even if I’m using antifreeze?
Yes, you absolutely need to drain the hot water heater. Antifreeze is meant to protect the remaining water in the pipes from freezing. Leaving the heater full will waste antifreeze, potentially damage the tank, and prevent proper winterization of other lines. Bypassing the water heater is essential.
4. Is it okay to leave my propane tanks connected during the winter?
Yes, it’s generally safe to leave your propane tanks connected, but ensure they are turned off. If you live in an area with very cold temperatures, consider using a propane tank heater to prevent the gas from becoming too cold to vaporize.
5. How do I winterize the toilet?
After draining the water system, pour a generous amount of RV antifreeze directly into the toilet bowl. Flush the toilet until antifreeze is visible in the bowl. This protects the toilet valve and seal from freezing.
6. What if I have a washing machine in my RV?
Consult your washing machine’s owner’s manual for specific winterization instructions. Generally, you’ll need to use a winterization cycle and introduce RV antifreeze into the system. Some models have a dedicated winterization valve.
7. Can I just skip the compressed air and rely solely on antifreeze?
While it’s possible to winterize using only antifreeze, blowing out the lines with compressed air is highly recommended. It removes significantly more water, reducing the amount of antifreeze needed and improving overall protection against freezing.
8. How often should I check my travel trailer during the winter months?
Ideally, check your travel trailer at least once a month during the winter. Look for any signs of leaks, damage, or pest intrusion. This proactive approach can prevent small issues from becoming major problems.
9. What should I do if I find a leak during the winter?
If you find a leak, address it immediately. If possible, turn off the water supply and drain the affected area. If temperatures are above freezing, try to repair the leak yourself or contact a qualified RV technician. If temperatures are below freezing, take steps to prevent further freezing and expansion of the water.
10. Is it necessary to cover my travel trailer during the winter?
While not always essential, covering your travel trailer with a properly fitted RV cover can protect it from the elements, including snow, ice, rain, and UV rays. Choose a breathable cover that allows moisture to escape, preventing mold and mildew growth.
11. How do I know if I’ve used enough antifreeze?
The key indicator is seeing a consistent pink color (the color of the antifreeze) coming from all faucets, showerheads, and the toilet flush valve. This ensures that the antifreeze has reached every part of the plumbing system.
12. What do I do when I’m ready to de-winterize my travel trailer in the spring?
De-winterizing involves flushing the antifreeze out of the water system. Start by draining the RV antifreeze from the fresh water tank (if you added any). Then, fill the fresh water tank with potable water and run all faucets until the water runs clear. Sanitize the fresh water tank and plumbing system according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
By following these steps and addressing the common concerns outlined in these FAQs, you can confidently winterize your travel trailer and protect it from the damaging effects of cold weather, ensuring it’s ready for many more adventures to come.