There are many things that people do to prepare themselves for the winter season. For RV owners, preparing your RV is ready for winter is also one of them. RV owners must be aware that the winter months can be a problem for their RVs. Winter can bring in some harmful elements to your RV. Proper winterization is a must to prevent any future problems from happening. Leaving your RV in the cold winter can be a real downer because there is a high chance of unexpected damage causing you hundreds, if not thousands of dollars. Let us help you protect your hard-earned investment by just simply reading our handy guide. This guide with simples steps to winterize your RV camper will help you come to grips with the cold months ahead.
Why do you need to winterize your RV?
Winterizing your RV is Important because the water in the lines and pipes might freeze. Once the water freezes, it will expand and damage your pipes creating cracks. Repairing your pipes can be time-consuming and costly to repair. Owners with old RVs are prone to pipe failure due to the aging parts of their RV. Sometimes owners would want a new RV to avoid getting costly maintenance and repairs. Getting a new RV is simplified and easy with a hassle-free loan. Planning is important and knowing what steps to take to winterize your RV is priceless. It is better to be prepared rather than face the unexpected. You can winterize your RV each year as soon as the temperatures begin to drop into the
When should you winterize your RV?
Many RV owners question when should they winterize their RVs. When wintertime comes, it is best to prepare your RV to handle the cold weather. The harshness of winter depends on where you are located. Thankfully, RV owners can move around. There are cases where RV owners can’t move around and they question how cold can it get before they winterize their RV. It is recommended to winterize your motorhome if the temperature drops below thirty-five degrees during the day and below thirty degrees at night.
How long does it take to winterize an RV?
Owners won't be troubled as winterizing an RV is a short process. The entire process just takes twenty to thirty minutes only if you have the materials and tools ready. If you don't have the tools, materials, and items ready, the process will take hours. Being knowledgeable about your RV water system will also save you a lot of time in winterizing your RV. Lucky for you, our guide will make it easy for you. Just follow our steps and you'll be surprised at how easy it is to winterize your RV. If you're interested in having an RV of your own or just want a new one you can apply for easy and guaranteed financing offers from Nocreditcampers.com.
Supplies needed to winterize an RV?
Non-toxic Antifreeze
Antifreeze is essential for winterizing your RV because it prevents your pipes from rupturing and freezing. As water freezes, your pipes will expand and burst to create costly damage. Around two or three gallons of antifreeze is sufficient.
Tank Wand
If your RV doesn't have a built-in tank flushing system, a wand will helpfully clean your holding tanks. Tank wands can be purchased online and these also feature a spray nozzle and a shut-off valve, making the task of cleaning easier and faster. Tank wands also help get rid of bad odors.
Water heater bypass kit
A water heater bypass kit is important because, without it, your RV's water heater will fill up with antifreeze before it can go through the water lines. Without this bypass kit, you'd just waste gallons of antifreeze.
Tools
Tools such as a wrench, Allen keys, screwdrivers, pliers, etc. are needed to remove drain plugs and tubings.
How much does it cost to winterize an RV?
It will cost anywhere from $130 to $160 to professionally winterize your RV motorhome. You will save a lot more money if you do it yourself. Winterizing your RV can cost as little as $35 only. However, if you want to be more specific and detailed in winterizing, expect to pay additional costs on top of this.
How to winterize your RV in 14 easy steps
1. Gather and prepare your materials.
As a start, you need two to three gallons of non-toxic antifreeze and tools to remove the drain plugs. Prepare your water pump converter kits, water heater bypass kit, and a tank cleaning wand.
2. Remove your RV's batteries and store them in a cool and dry place
Winter temperatures are the worst enemy for batteries. Turn off the RV's breaker and disconnect the switches. When disconnecting your battery, you should first remove the negative cable. You can add labels to your cables to make it easier to remember when you pull your RV out of storage. Since batteries are susceptible to damage in freezing weather, store them full-charged in a dry spot. Don't store them on concrete floors as it will drain them. It is important to check the battery charge levels periodically throughout the winter season and recharge the batteries if necessary.
3. Remove your RV's water filters
You will be pumping antifreeze into your water system and it is important to remove any water filters that are installed. Removing your water filters is important because the water filters will be drenched with antifreeze if they are not removed. It makes cleaning your water system easier and pain-free. It is also a good idea to replace your filters if they are expired or dirty.
4. Empty your gray and black tanks
Empty your gray and black tanks at a campground sewer hookup or dump station.
It is essential to leave your hose connected for an extended time so that everything is drained out. Flush out both tanks after emptying them. You can use a tank wand if your RV doesn't have a built-in flushing system.
5. Drain your RV's water heater tank
Drain your water heater tank by removing the drain plug. Just be sure to turn off your water heater before draining it and allow the water to cool before draining. Just replace the plug after it has fully drained.
6. Remove all drain plugs and open all faucets
This step will allow your water to drain from your tanks. Open both cold and hot lines and leave them for about fifteen minutes. Be sure to turn off the water pump once the water pressure is low to any damage to your pump. Running it without water can cause irreparable damage. Replace all drain plugs and close the faucets after the water has been fully drained. This step is essential before you start pumping antifreeze into your RV's water system.
7. Bypass your RV's water heater
Bypassing your RV's water heater ensures the water heater does not fill up with antifreeze. RVs usually have a hot water bypass system already installed. If your RV doesn't have one, you can install one yourself or hire a professional who can do it for you. If you're planning to purchase an RV with complete features such as a water heater bypass system, you can go to Nocreditcampers.com and we can help you finance your dream RV!
8. Connect your RV's water system to antifreeze
Install your water pump converter kit and allow your RV to pump antifreeze in its water system. If you don't have a water pump converter kit, you can disconnect one of the water intake lines and drop it into a jug of antifreeze. Take note that more tubing is needed if you will do it without the water pump converter kit.
9. Turn on the water faucet closest to the RV's water pump
Turn the cold faucet until you see the pink liquid. Turn on the hot faucet as well until you also see pink liquid dripping.
10. Repeat the previous step for all RV sinks
Repeat this process for all other sinks in your RV. You should have antifreeze flowing out from all faucets, hot and cold. A lot of RV owners forget their outdoor showers. Be sure to include this one if your RV has one.
11. Flush the toilet
Once you see the pink liquid coming out of the toilet after you flush, the septic system and toilet are now winterized.
12. Pour antifreeze on each toilet and sink drain
This step will ensure that antifreeze reaches all of your RV's plumbing lines. This will include both gray and black tanks.
13. Prepare your RV for storage
Your RV is now winterized. Turn all the hot water heating elements in your RV and make sure that all faucets are closed. You now should have a problem-free winter season now that your RV motorhome is safe from the harsh winter weather. You should also consider storing your RV on your driveway or a local self storage facility.
14. Read your owner's manual for winterizing your RV's built-in appliances
In addition to securing your RV's main system for winter, it is important to consult your owner's manual for specific details on how to winterize any appliances such as dishwashers, refrigerators, and more. Doing so will ensure that these appliances are properly prepared for winter and will be functioning optimally once warm weather returns. Depending on the type of appliance, winterizing may involve draining any water lines, cleaning them, lubricating any motors, and covering the appliance to protect it from weather elements such as wind and snow. Additionally, it is recommended to check the manual for any recommended maintenance that could be beneficial in prolonging the life of the appliance. Taking the time to winterize these appliances will save you time and money in the future.
Final words
Knowing how to winterize your RV can save you money and time. It will also teach you more about the inner workings of your motorhome. Avoid having cracks or busted pipes in your dream RV home. By just simply following our guide, your next trip will be smoother, easier, and more enjoyable. If you don't have an RV or are looking for a new one for your next biggest trip, Nocreditcampers.com is here for you. We have loan offers for all credit types no matter what credit history you may have!
