Winterizing and Storing your RV
Winter Use
·
Even during
the extremely cold months, RV owners are still able to utilize their vehicles to
accommodate for their winter recreational activities while returning to a warm,
comfortable setting afterwards; however, some additional preparation and
maintenance may be required.
Here are some helpful tips for
RV use in cold-weather areas:
If the RV is being put into
non-use storage during the winter months, you should follow these procedures as
well as the ones recommended by the manufacturer:
·
Many RV’s are equipped with an insulated water system which
prevents potential freezing problems that may occur throughout the cold
months. One way to see if your RV has this particular feature is by
searching the owner manual and noting the lowest temperature the unit is
allowed to reach before potential freezing will occur. If your unit does
not feature these capabilities, then you can use a portable water source. Since
wasted water in the tanks may dilute the original anti-freeze, it may be
necessary to add additional non-toxic anti-freeze to the holding tanks
·
If the RV is being put into
non-use storage during the winter months, you should follow these procedures as
well as the ones recommended by the manufacturer.
·
When planning your trip, make sure to call ahead to your designated campground to
ensure the particular park is open during that time period. And when
parking your RV, it is wise to park with either the rear or front of the
vehicle into the wind, near a windbreak, if possible.
When exposed to freezing weather,
RV units, such as water lines, pumps, faucets, tanks, and water heaters that
have not been prepared for such temperatures could be damaged by possible ice
expansion
Winter Storage
If the RV is being put into
non-use storage during the winter months, you should follow these procedures as
well as the ones recommended by the manufacturer:
1. The first thing that you need
to do is protect your plumbing from freeze damage
To prepare your unit’s plumbing
systems for winter storage:
1. Drain the black, gray, and fresh water tanks.
2. Drain the water heater and close the drain valve.
3. Drain the fresh water plumbing system, open all faucets, and use low point
drains if possible. Open all faucets and step on the toilet pedal as well. Get
as much water out of the system as possible. Close the low point drains.
4. If your RV includes an icemaker or washer/dryer, then follow the
manufacturers guidelines for winterizing.
1.
To protect
your freshwater piping, you can either use a type of air pressure to remove the
remaining water in the pipelines or you can use a non-toxic RV approved
anti-freeze.
·
Using the
anti-freeze may be the most advantageous because it is easy to use and
guarantees that no pipes will freeze.
§
Make sure
that the anti-freeze product you are using is labeled as non-toxic, it is
specifically designed for RV water systems, and it is safe to use in drinking
water systems!
§
Most RV
plumbing systems require 1-3 gallons of anti-freeze; however, if your unit does
not have a water heater bypass it may be beneficial to use at least 6-10 gallons
(depending on the size of your unit.)
1.
Bypass the
water heater if you can.
2.
If you have
an ADC cartridge water filter under the sink, remove the cartridge and install
the manufacturer's antifreeze diverter.
3.
If you have
a generic cartridge type filter, remove the filter element and replace the
cartridge holder.
4.
Now, run the
pump and open each fixture, allowing it to flow until you see pure antifreeze.
Monitor the level in the antifreeze bottle and make sure it doesn't run dry.
5.
Flush the
toilet and showerhead
6.
Shut off the
pump and remove the screen and washer from your city water inlet
§
An
alternative method to using anti-freeze is using an air pressure compressor,
which blows the water out of your fresh water lines. This method is cheaper
than using anti-freeze, plus it prevents you from having to flush the
anti-freeze residue from your system in the spring. Unfortunately, it is nearly
impossible to remove every last bit of water from the low point or valve, which
could cause damage from freezing and force you to drain the
system manually.
1.
First, you
will need a Blowout Plug, which fits into your city water inlet as well as
connects to the air compressor.
2.
Hook up to
your air source by setting it to no higher than 50 psi
3.
Go through
your unit, first starting with the closest fixtures and open them slightly,
allowing the air to blow the water out
4.
Next, flush
out the toilet and showerhead.
5.
Once you
have removed most of the water, remove the air source allowing the remaining
pressure to release by opening the faucet.
6.
Remove the
outlet and inlet line from your freshwater pump
7.
Since
the check valve prevents air from cleaning out the outlet and inlet lines, you
must drain them manually
Now, you have complete protection of your
freshwater plumping from freeze damage
Once you have completed this
portion, it is necessary to take care of the other plumbing systems of the RV:
1. Pour a small amount of RV antifreeze down
each drain to protect the trap.
2. Close the toilet flush valve and pour a
small portion into the toilet.
3. Close the black and gray water tank
valves. Leaving them open can cause problems with the seals, which can lead to
leaks.
After taking care of the
plumbing systems, follow the remaining winterizing procedures:
1.
Close the LP
gas tank valves
2.
Cover the
regulator on the propane cylinder
3.
Shut down
the refrigerator and remove all food. Clean the inside and leave the
refrigerator door slightly open.
4.
Double check
the underneath the sink and storage areas for any other types of food or cleaning
supplies (these products could freeze and split open.)
5.
Prepare your
generator for storage by following the manufacturer procedures.
6.
Decide how
you will deal with the batteries in your rig during storage:
a. If you plan on storing your RV where AC power will not be available,
then it is advisable for you to remove the starting and house batteries from
the unit.
You should charge your battery at least once a month and watch the water level. Be sure store it in an area with proper
ventilation in order to aid in the removal of the hydrogen fumes given off by this type
of battery. If you do not charge your battery, it is more likely to
freeze and damage.
b. If you
plan to leave your batteries on your RV, and then make sure to disconnect the
battery as well as unplug the AC supply to the 12-volt converter.
c. Finally,
if you plan on keeping your unit hooked up to a type of shore power, then it is
all right to leave the batteries connected. But you must check the water levels
because having the battering constantly charging will cause a loss of
water.
7. Retract all slide outs and
store away any awnings.
8. Tape and cover all external vents, such
as the furnace outlet, to prevent mice and other critters from entering your
unit. Also, make sure to keep the range hood closed.
9. Check the condition of the roof, roof
vents, and roof seams.
10. Check the unit's tire pressures. Bring all tires
up to their maximum pressure rating and it may be a good idea to cover the tires
in order to protect them from winter damage.
11. Consider opening one sheltered window
and a roof vent just a little bit at the opposite end
of the RV. This will provide some airflow through the unit and will help
prevent musty odors or mildew. It also may be a good idea to add mothballs and
fabric softener sheets around the unit as another method of preventing odors.
12. If you wish to wash your RV
throughout the winter months, more sure you apply a coat of high quality wax in
order to prevent the exterior from the damage of winter weather.
13. Finally, the best advice is to follow
the instructions in the owner's manual for winterizing the unit and using the
vehicle in cold weather.
GOOD LUCK!
Storing Your RV
If you are not planning on using your RV during the winter months, there are many storage facilities around the United States that can give you excellent rates for storing your RV unit. Click here for an excellent self storage search.
