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Fretz RV

RV maintenance

How to winterize your RV or camper

Winterizing is easy and can generally be completed in under an hour — here's how.

Protect your plumbing

How to winterize your RV or camper

If you're looking for help on how to winterize your RV, you've come to the right place. Winterizing an RV is easy to do and can generally be completed in less than an hour. Follow these simple steps to winterize your RV before it goes into storage for the cold season.

All recreational vehicles must be winterized if they will be stored in cold climates. Some RVs have features that allow the unit to be used in cooler weather; however, you must have the furnace on and running at room temperature (65–75°F). If your RV has the electric tank heater option, the furnace still needs to be operating — the electric heater only warms the holding tanks, not the plumbing. If fluid remains in the plumbing and freezes, it can cause the water lines to break. It is the customer's responsibility to fully research and understand their RV's cold-weather capabilities.

Step-by-step

The winterizing checklist

This is the general procedure that applies to most travel trailers, fifth wheels and motorhomes. Layouts vary — some coaches add a washer, ice maker, outdoor shower or heated-tank plumbing that needs extra attention. If you are unsure about your floor plan, call our service team at (215) 723-1800 or book a winterization and we will handle it for you.

  1. 1

    Drain the fresh water tank

    Locate the fresh water tank drain (usually low on the frame) and open it fully to empty all water from the tank before you begin the rest of the process.

  2. 2

    Drain the black and gray holding tanks

    Pull the tank drain valves at a dump station and empty both the black and gray water holding tanks completely, then close the valves.

  3. 3

    Bypass the water heater

    Turn the water heater bypass valve(s) so antifreeze doesn't fill and waste the water heater tank — most RVs have a dedicated bypass kit for this.

  4. 4

    Drain the water heater

    With the water heater cool and pressure released, remove the drain plug or anode rod and let the tank empty completely.

  5. 5

    Blow out the water lines

    Using low-pressure compressed air (under 40 psi) at the city water inlet, open each faucet — hot and cold — one at a time until only air comes out, including outdoor showers.

  6. 6

    Add RV antifreeze to the plumbing system

    Using a water pump converter kit or by pumping directly from a jug, draw non-toxic RV antifreeze through the system and run it to every faucet, the shower and the toilet until pink antifreeze flows from each.

  7. 7

    Pour antifreeze into drains and the toilet

    Pour a cup of antifreeze directly down each sink drain, the shower drain and flush a cup through the toilet to protect the P-traps and tank seals.

Would rather leave it to the pros?

Our RVIA-certified technicians winterize dozens of RVs every fall. Book a winterization service online and we'll handle the tanks, lines and water heater for you.

Book winterization service

Want to know more about protecting your RV year-round? See how storage and climate affect how long an RV can last, or browse our full RV service department.