How To Winterize Camping Trailer: Your Complete Checklist

What is winterizing a camping trailer? Winterizing a camping trailer means preparing it for cold temperatures to prevent damage from freezing water. This involves draining water lines, adding RV antifreeze, and taking other steps to protect your investment.

As winter approaches, it’s crucial to protect your camping trailer from the harsh effects of freezing temperatures. Ignoring this essential task can lead to burst pipes, cracked fixtures, and costly repairs. This comprehensive guide provides a step-by-step RV winterization checklist to help you winterize RV like a pro, ensuring your camper is ready for spring adventures.

Image Source: gagscamperway.com

Why Winterize Your Camping Trailer?

Water expands when it freezes. This expansion can easily crack pipes, damage your water pump, and ruin appliances in your RV. Winterizing prevents this damage and saves you from expensive repairs. Proper RV winter storage is also crucial for protecting your trailer’s exterior and interior components.

Getting Started: Supplies and Tools

Before you begin, gather the necessary supplies. Having everything on hand will streamline the how to winterize camper process. Here’s a list of essentials:

• RV Antifreeze: (Non-toxic, potable water safe) The amount needed depends on your trailer’s size, typically 2-3 gallons. Consider RV antifreeze types carefully. Propylene glycol antifreeze is the most common and safest.
• Water Heater Bypass Kit (if not already installed): This helps prevent filling the water heater with antifreeze.
• Water Pump Converter Kit or Tubing: This allows you to pump antifreeze through your water lines.
• Screwdrivers: For accessing and removing drain plugs.
• Wrench: For removing the water heater drain plug.
• Adjustable Wrench: For tightening connections.
• Air Compressor with Blow Out Adapter: To blow out RV water lines and remove remaining water.
• Tank Cleaning Wand (Optional): For cleaning holding tanks before winterizing.
• Plumbing Tape: For resealing connections.
• Basin or Bucket: To catch water when draining.

Step-by-Step Winterization Guide

Follow these steps to properly winterize your RV plumbing and protect your camping trailer from freezing damage.

1. Preparation: Cleaning and Planning

• Empty Holding Tanks: Thoroughly drain and flush both black and gray water tanks. Use a tank cleaning wand for a more complete clean.
• Plan your Work: Estimate how much time you’ll need, and consider weather conditions.

2. Drain the Water System

This is the most critical step in preventing freeze damage.

• Drain the Fresh Water Tank: Locate and open the fresh water tank drain valve. Allow the tank to empty completely.
• Drain the Water Heater:
  • Turn off the water heater (both gas and electric). Allow it to cool completely before draining.
  • Drain water heater RV by removing the drain plug. Be sure to open a hot water faucet to relieve any vacuum.
  • Inspect the anode rod (if equipped) and replace it if necessary.
• Bypass the Water Heater: If your trailer has a bypass kit, use it to isolate the water heater. This prevents filling it with antifreeze, saving you money and effort. If you don’t have one, consider installing one.
• Open all Faucets: Open all hot and cold water faucets, including the shower and outside shower.
• Flush the Toilet: Depress the toilet flush valve until no more water comes out.

3. Blow Out the Water Lines

Using compressed air to blow out RV water lines is an effective way to remove residual water.

• Connect Air Compressor: Attach an air compressor (regulated to 30-40 PSI) to the city water inlet using a blow-out adapter.
• Open Faucets Sequentially: Starting with the faucet furthest from the city water inlet, open each faucet one at a time until only air comes out. Repeat this process for the hot and cold sides of each faucet. Don’t forget the shower and outside shower.
• Flush Toilet: Activate the toilet flush valve to blow out any remaining water.
• Remove Air Compressor: Disconnect the air compressor.

4. Add RV Antifreeze

This step protects your plumbing from freezing even if some water remains.

• Bypass Water Heater (If Not Already Done): Ensure the water heater is bypassed.
• Install Water Pump Converter Kit: Install the water pump converter kit or tubing to draw antifreeze from the jug.
• Pour Antifreeze: Place the suction tube into a jug of camping trailer antifreeze.
• Turn on Water Pump: Turn on the water pump to pressurize the system and draw antifreeze through the lines.
• Open Faucets Sequentially: Open each faucet (starting with the one furthest from the pump) until you see pink antifreeze flowing steadily. Repeat for both hot and cold sides of each faucet.
• Flush Toilet: Flush the toilet until you see antifreeze.
• Pour Antifreeze into Drains: Pour a cup of antifreeze into each sink and shower drain. Pour some into the toilet bowl. This protects the P-traps from freezing.

5. Protect Fixtures and Appliances

• Water Heater: If you didn’t bypass the water heater and it’s full of antifreeze, you’ve wasted a lot of antifreeze. However, if you bypassed it, ensure the drain plug is replaced (with plumbing tape if needed).
• Ice Maker and Washing Machine (If Applicable): Consult the owner’s manuals for specific winterization instructions for these appliances. Typically, this involves disconnecting water lines and adding antifreeze.
• Faucets and Showerhead: Leave faucets in the open position. Remove showerheads and store them indoors to prevent damage.
• Toilet: Add antifreeze to the bowl and close the valve.
• Water Pump: Once the system is fully winterized, turn off the water pump.

6. Battery Care

• Disconnect Battery: Disconnect the battery cables to prevent parasitic drain.
• Store Battery: Store the battery in a cool, dry place. Consider using a battery maintainer to keep it charged.

7. Interior Protection

• Remove Food: Remove all food items to prevent attracting pests.
• Clean Interior: Clean the interior to prevent mold and mildew growth.
• Open Cabinets and Drawers: Open cabinet doors and drawers to allow air circulation.
• Prop Up Cushions: Prop up cushions to prevent them from becoming compressed.
• Cover Vents and Openings: Cover vents and other openings to prevent insects and rodents from entering.

8. Exterior Protection

• Wash and Wax: Wash and wax the exterior to protect the finish.
• Cover Tires: Cover the tires to protect them from UV damage.
• Inspect Seals: Inspect all seals around windows and doors and repair any damage.
• Cover RV (Optional): Consider using an RV cover to protect the trailer from the elements. Choose a breathable cover to prevent moisture buildup.

RV Winterization Cost

The RV winterization cost varies depending on whether you do it yourself or hire a professional. DIY winterization typically costs between $50 and $150, primarily for antifreeze and supplies. Professional winterization can range from $150 to $400 or more, depending on the size of your trailer and the services included.

Choosing the Right RV Antifreeze

Selecting the right RV antifreeze types is essential. Always use a non-toxic, potable water-safe antifreeze specifically designed for RV plumbing. These antifreezes are typically pink in color and are made with propylene glycol, which is safe for human consumption in small amounts. Avoid using automotive antifreeze (ethylene glycol), as it is highly toxic.

Table: Winterization Checklist Summary

Step	Action	Supplies Needed
1. Preparation	Empty holding tanks, plan your work	Tank cleaning wand (optional)
2. Drain Water System	Drain fresh water tank, drain water heater, bypass water heater, open all faucets, flush the toilet	Screwdrivers, wrench, adjustable wrench, basin or bucket
3. Blow Out Water Lines	Connect air compressor, open faucets sequentially, flush toilet, remove air compressor	Air compressor with blow-out adapter
4. Add RV Antifreeze	Bypass water heater, install water pump converter kit, pour antifreeze, turn on water pump, open faucets sequentially, flush toilet, pour antifreeze into drains	RV antifreeze, water pump converter kit or tubing
5. Protect Fixtures	Water heater care, ice maker and washing machine care, faucets, toilet, water pump	Plumbing tape
6. Battery Care	Disconnect battery, store battery	Battery maintainer (optional)
7. Interior Protection	Remove food, clean interior, open cabinets and drawers, prop up cushions, cover vents and openings	Cleaning supplies
8. Exterior Protection	Wash and wax, cover tires, inspect seals, cover RV	Wash and wax supplies, tire covers, RV cover (optional)

Fathoming Specific Winterization Challenges

Some camping trailers present unique winterization challenges. For example, trailers with outside kitchens or multiple bathrooms require careful attention to ensure all plumbing lines are protected. Review your trailer’s owner’s manual for specific winterization recommendations.

Conclusion

By following this comprehensive RV winterization checklist, you can confidently protect your camping trailer from freezing damage and ensure it’s ready for your next adventure. While the process may seem daunting, taking the time to properly winterize RV will save you money and headaches in the long run. Remember to consult your owner’s manual for specific recommendations for your model.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use automotive antifreeze in my RV?

No, never use automotive antifreeze (ethylene glycol) in your RV’s plumbing system. It is highly toxic and not safe for potable water systems. Always use a non-toxic RV antifreeze (propylene glycol).

How much RV antifreeze do I need?

The amount of RV antifreeze needed depends on the size of your trailer and the complexity of its plumbing system. A general rule of thumb is to have 2-3 gallons on hand.

Who is qualified to winterize my RV if I don’t want to do it myself?

You can hire a qualified RV technician or a service department at an RV dealership to winterize your camping trailer.

Is it necessary to blow out the water lines before adding antifreeze?

While not strictly necessary, blowing out the water lines helps remove most of the water and reduces the amount of antifreeze needed. It’s a good practice for thorough winterization.

What happens if I don’t winterize my RV?

If you don’t winterize your RV, the water in the pipes can freeze and expand, causing them to crack or burst. This can also damage the water pump, water heater, and other plumbing fixtures, leading to costly repairs.