Essential Steps to Prepare Your RV for Winter
Winter brings unique challenges for RV owners. Freezing temperatures, snow and ice can damage your camper’s systems if not properly prepared. If you’re an RV owner, it’s essential to winterize a camper before the cold weather hits. Here’s everything you need to know to protect your RV and ensure a smooth start when spring arrives.
Why Winterizing Your Camper Matters
When temperatures drop below freezing, any water left in your RV’s plumbing system can freeze and expand. This can potentially crack pipes, damage fittings, and even burst your water heater. Plus, winterizing protects your camper’s exterior and interior, preventing issues like mold, mildew, and battery failure. By taking the time to winterize a camper, you’re protecting both its value and your peace of mind.
Step-by-Step Guide to Winterize a Camper
1. Drain the Water System
Start by draining all the water from the system. Locate and open the water drain valves, including the low-point drains, and turn on the faucets to release any remaining water. Make sure to drain the freshwater tank, the gray and black holding tanks, and your water heater. Draining thoroughly helps prevent any residual water from freezing and causing damage.
2. Bypass the Water Heater
A water heater bypass kit allows you to winterize your camper without wasting antifreeze on the water heater. If your camper doesn’t have a built-in bypass kit, it’s a smart investment. Simply bypass the heater to keep it empty while protecting the rest of the plumbing system with antifreeze.
4. Add RV Antifreeze
After draining and bypassing the water heater, it’s time to add non-toxic RV antifreeze. Connect a hand pump or use the water pump to distribute antifreeze through your camper’s plumbing. Start with the faucets and shower, and don’t forget to run antifreeze through the toilet, outdoor shower, and any additional water outlets. Pour a small amount of antifreeze into each drain, as well, to protect the P-traps.
4. Take Care of the Exterior
Winter weather can be tough on your camper’s exterior, so it’s important to inspect and prepare it before putting it in storage. Look for any cracks or damaged seals around windows, doors, and seams, and repair these areas to prevent moisture from getting in. If you need assistance with repairs in New Jersey, visit our RV service department! You should also clean and wax the exterior to provide a layer of protection from snow, ice and salt. Cover your camper if possible, especially if you don’t have a fully enclosed storage space.
5. Inspect and Protect the Interior
Inside your camper, take steps to prevent mold and mildew during the colder months. Empty and clean your refrigerator, cupboards, and any food storage areas, as leftover food can attract pests. Consider using moisture absorbers in closets and other enclosed spaces to reduce humidity. It’s also a good idea to leave cabinet doors and drawers slightly open to improve air circulation.
6. Prepare the Battery
Battery care is essential when you winterize a camper. Disconnect the battery, clean the terminals, and store it in a warm, dry place if possible. If your camper will be stored in freezing temperatures, use a battery maintainer to prevent it from discharging over time. Maintaining your battery will make sure it’s ready to go when camping season returns.
7. Check the Propane System
Turn off the propane supply and disconnect the cylinders before your camper is stored for the season. Keep them in a cool, ventilated area. It’s also wise to check your propane hoses and fittings for leaks or damage, as replacing these before spring is safer and more convenient.
8. Secure Tires and Stabilize Your Camper
Tires lose pressure in cold weather, which can cause flat spots if your camper sits in one place all winter. Inflate the tires to the recommended pressure and consider rotating them every few months if possible. Use stabilizing jacks to take pressure off the tires and prevent shifting during storage.
Optional Steps for Extra Protection
- Cover Your Vents and Air Conditioning Unit: Use vent covers and an RV air conditioner cover to keep out moisture, pests and debris.
- Protect Slide-Outs: If your camper has slide-outs, clean and lubricate the seals to prevent cracks or sticking. Consider covering them to add a layer of protection from the elements.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When you winterize a camper, a few small oversights can lead to big problems down the road. Here are some common pitfalls to steer clear of:
- Not Fully Draining the Water Heater: Even a small amount of water can freeze and cause damage.
- Forgetting Outdoor Showers or Ice Makers: These lines are easy to overlook but can be costly to repair if they freeze.
- Using Automotive Antifreeze: Only use non-toxic RV antifreeze, as automotive antifreeze is harmful if it enters the freshwater system.
Storing Your Camper After Winterization
After you winterize a camper, storing it in a sheltered location adds extra protection. However, if you don’t have access to an indoor space, a durable RV cover can provide a good safeguard. Choose a cover that’s breathable and UV-resistant, as this prevents moisture buildup and reduces fading or cracking from sun exposure.
Professional Winterization Services in South Jersey
While many RV owners are comfortable winterizing their campers themselves, it can be time-consuming and, if done incorrectly, costly to repair. That’s why Crossroads Trailer Sales offers professional RV winterization services.
We offer winterization services at our dealership and have a mobile RV service team that will come to you anywhere in South Jersey. We’ll make it convenient for you to winterize a camper without hassle. Our trained technicians ensure that your camper is thoroughly protected and ready to withstand the winter months. Contact us today to schedule your RV winterization service and let us handle the hard work so you can enjoy peace of mind all season long!
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