Julie Miklaszewicz

Winterizing Your RV Step-by-Step



Posted: Sunday, November 04, 2007

by
RVing Outpost, LLC

As sad as it seems, every year we need to think about winterizing our RVs. Whether we like or not, it is a fact of life for many folks and something those of us in colder northern climates must do on a yearly basis.

I've put some step-by-step instructions together in an effort to make winterizing as painless as possible.

These instructions are meant to be a basic guide that is intended to assist you in winterizing your RV. As with any guide, it is impossible to cover every component of every RV. Please be sure to consult your owners manuals for specific winterizing guidelines as we cannot be held responsible for any damages.

THINGS YOU'LL BE NEEDING*
  1. Non-toxic RV antifreeze (The amount depends on the layout and length of your plumbing lines. Two to three gallons will normally do).
  2. A water heater by-pass kit, if not already installed.
  3. A wand to clean out holding tanks.
  4. A water pump converter kit, or tubing to connect to the inlet side of the water pump or a hand pump.
  5. Basic hand tools to remove drain plugs.
WINTERIZING YOUR RV

Now that you have all the tools, you can winterize your RVs water system to protect it from freezing. It is important to read your owner's manuals for specific guidelines on winterizing!

  1. If you have any inline water filters remove them and bypass them.
  2. Drain the fresh water holding tank.
  3. Drain and flush the gray and black holding tanks. If your RV doesn't have a built in tank flushing system clean the black tank out with a wand.
  4. Drain the hot water heater. CAUTION (never, ever, ever drain the water heater when it is hot or under pressure!) Remove the drain plug and open the pressure relief valve. If your water heater has an electric heating element make sure it is turned off. This will protect the element if the unit is plugged in while being stored. The on/off switch is located on the water heater itself, some are at the back (inside) and others are on the front (outside).
  5. Open all hot and cold faucets. Make sure you remember the toilet valve and any outside shower.
  6. Locate and open the low point drain lines. There will be one for the hot and cold water lines. Using the water pump will help force water out, but turn it off as soon as the system is drained.
  7. Recap all drains and close all faucets.
  8. By-pass the water heater. If you do not have a water heater by-pass kit installed, the water heater will fill up with antifreeze before it goes through the water lines, wasting at least six gallons of antifreeze, if not more.
  9. Install a water pump converter kit, or disconnect the inlet side of the water pump (the line coming from the fresh water holding tank). Connect a piece of clear tubing to the inlet side of the pump and put the other end into a one gallon container of non-toxic RV antifreeze.
  10. Turn the water pump on and pressurize the system. Starting with the closest faucet, slowly open the hot and then cold valves until antifreeze appears. Replace the antifreeze container as required.
  11. Repeat this process on all faucets from the closest to the farthest away.
  12. Don't forget the outside shower, if equipped.
  13. Flush the toilet until antifreeze appears.
  14. Turn the water pump off and open a faucet to release the pressure. Go outside to the city water inlet. Remove the small screen over the inlet and push in on the valve with a small screwdriver until you see antifreeze. Replace the screen.
  15. Pour a cupful of antifreeze down each drain. Pour a couple of cups in the toilet and flush into the holding tank.
  16. Make sure all the faucets are closed.
  17. Be sure to consult your owner manuals for winterizing icemakers and washing machines!


That's it! You're done!!!! Congratulations!
Your rig's water system is now ready for it's long winter's nap!


Note: You'll only need to add the water heater by-pass kit and water pump conversion kit the first time. Next year, you'll be able to skip that step and save some time! Winterizing, in general, should only take about 30-45 minutes once those two items are properly installed.

Julie Miklaszewicz is an avid RVer, having visited 48 states by the time she was 16 years old. She has yet to fly anywhere and prefers traveling with her truck and fifth wheel with her husband and three children, enjoying the beauty of the U.S.A. from the ground. While camping and at home, she prefers to cook in her cast iron Dutch ovens and other cast iron cookware. She and her husband, Greg, are the owners of the RVing Outpost, located in Abbotsford, WI.

*All winterizing supplies listed in this article are available both on-line and in-store at the RVing Outpost.
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