Protect your RV from freezing temperatures, avoid expensive repairs, and be road-ready when spring arrives.

There comes a point every autumn when the campfire burns a little brighter, mornings require an extra layer, and frost begins to settle across the campground. For many RV owners, that’s the signal that another travel season is winding down.

Although putting your RV away for winter may not be nearly as exciting as planning your next adventure, it is one of the most valuable maintenance tasks you’ll perform all year. Spending a few hours winterizing now can prevent burst water lines, cracked fittings, damaged appliances, dead batteries, mold, and thousands of dollars in avoidable repairs.

After more than 50 years of camping through Michigan winters and countless cold-weather seasons across the country, we’ve learned that taking shortcuts during winterization usually creates extra work later. A careful afternoon today means your first spring camping trip starts with excitement—not a repair bill.

Let’s walk through the process together.

Why Winterizing Your RV Is So Important

Water expands as it freezes.

That simple fact is responsible for most winter damage in RVs. Even a small amount of trapped water inside a faucet, valve, water pump, or fitting can freeze and split expensive plumbing components.

Cold weather can also affect:

• Water heater tanks
• Ice makers
• Outdoor showers
• Washing machines
• Water filters
• Low-point drains
• Black tank flush systems
• Batteries
• Rubber roof seals
• Interior fabrics and cabinetry

The good news?

Nearly all of this damage is preventable.

Gather Everything Before You Begin

Having everything ready makes the project move quickly.

Recommended Supplies

• 2–3 gallons of RV/Marine non-toxic antifreeze (depending on RV size)
• Air compressor (optional)
• Blow-out plug or Easy Twist adapter
• Water heater bypass kit
• Basic hand tools
• Socket or wrench for drain plugs
• Gloves
• Shop towels
• Battery terminal cleaner
• Dielectric grease
• RV roof sealant (if needed)

The pink RV antifreeze is specifically designed for potable water systems. Never substitute automotive antifreeze—it is toxic and should never be introduced into your RV’s plumbing.

Step 1: Drain Every Water Tank

Begin with completely empty tanks.

Drain:

• Fresh water tank
• Gray tank
• Black tank
• Water heater

Open all faucets.

Don’t forget:

• Bathroom sink
• Kitchen sink
• Shower
• Outside shower
• Toilet valve

Open the low-point drains until the water completely stops flowing.

Step 2: Bypass and Drain the Water Heater

One of the biggest mistakes new RV owners make is filling the water heater with antifreeze.

Don’t.

Instead:

• Turn off propane and electric power.
• Allow the water heater to cool.
• Remove the drain plug or anode rod.
• Flush sediment if needed.
• Install the bypass valve.

Bypassing the heater usually saves six to ten gallons of antifreeze.

Step 3: Blow Out the Water Lines (Optional but Highly Recommended)

Many RV owners—including us—prefer blowing out the plumbing before pumping antifreeze.

This removes most of the remaining water and reduces the amount of antifreeze needed.

Use an RV blow-out plug connected to your city water connection.

Keep regulated air pressure between 30–40 PSI. Higher pressure can damage plumbing fittings.

Open each faucet individually until only air exits.

Don’t forget:

• Toilet
• Outside shower
• Washer hookups
• Ice maker lines
• Black tank flush

This extra step gives added protection, especially during severe northern winters.

Step 4: Pump RV Antifreeze Through the Plumbing

Now it’s time to protect every remaining water passage.

Connect your winterizing hose or siphon tube to the RV antifreeze container and switch your water pump to draw directly from the bottle.

Then work through the RV one fixture at a time.

Run:

• Hot water until pink appears.
• Cold water until pink appears.

Repeat for every faucet.

Flush the toilet until pink antifreeze fills the bowl.

Run water through:

• Outdoor shower
• Kitchen sprayer
• Bathroom sink
• Washer prep
• Refrigerator water dispenser (if equipped)

Finally, pour approximately one cup of antifreeze into:

• Every sink drain
• Shower drain
• Toilet bowl

This protects the P-traps and gate valves.

Step 5: Remove Water Filters

Water filters should never remain installed over winter.

Remove:

• Whole-house filter
• Inline filters
• Refrigerator filter

Allow them to dry completely or replace them in the spring.

Step 6: Care for the Battery

Cold temperatures reduce battery performance significantly.

If storing your RV:

• Fully charge the battery.
• Clean corrosion from terminals.
• Apply dielectric grease.
• Disconnect the battery.
• Store in a cool, dry location if practical.

If your RV remains plugged into shore power, verify your converter maintains a proper float charge rather than continuously overcharging the battery.

Step 7: Inspect the Roof and Exterior

Before winter weather arrives, slowly walk around your RV.

Inspect:

• Roof seams
• Slide toppers
• Window seals
• Corner molding
• Marker lights
• Storage compartments

Repair any cracked sealant before snow and ice find their way inside.

A breathable RV cover can provide excellent protection if your RV is stored outdoors. Make sure it’s designed specifically for your type of RV to reduce moisture buildup and minimize abrasion.

Step 8: Prepare the Interior

This part often gets overlooked.

Inside your RV:

• Empty the refrigerator.
• Leave refrigerator and freezer doors propped open.
• Remove all food.
• Clean countertops.
• Vacuum thoroughly.
• Wash bedding before storage.
• Open cabinet doors around plumbing to encourage airflow.
• Place moisture absorbers throughout the RV.
• Set mouse deterrents if rodents are common in your area.

A few extra minutes now can eliminate unpleasant surprises in the spring.

Step 9: Tire and Suspension Care

If your RV will remain parked for several months:

• Inflate tires to the manufacturer’s recommended cold pressure.
• Cover tires to protect them from UV exposure.
• Move the RV slightly every month if possible to help reduce flat spotting.
• If storing on gravel or dirt, consider placing boards or leveling blocks beneath the tires.

Step 10: Check on Your RV During Winter

Winter storage shouldn’t mean forgetting about your RV until spring.

Every few weeks:

• Look for roof damage.
• Check for water intrusion.
• Inspect for rodents.
• Verify the cover remains secure.
• Remove heavy snow accumulation when safe to do so.

These quick inspections can prevent minor issues from becoming expensive repairs.

Common Winterizing Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced RV owners occasionally overlook a few details.

Avoid these common mistakes:

• Forgetting the outdoor shower.
• Leaving water filters installed.
• Not bypassing the water heater.
• Using automotive antifreeze.
• Applying excessive air pressure.
• Ignoring low-point drains.
• Leaving food inside cabinets.
• Forgetting the black tank flush line.
• Allowing batteries to discharge completely.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many gallons of RV antifreeze do I need?

Most travel trailers require 2 to 3 gallons. Larger fifth wheels and motorhomes may use 3 to 4 gallons depending on plumbing layout.

Can I winterize using only compressed air?

Yes, many RV owners do. However, using compressed air followed by RV antifreeze offers an added layer of protection, especially in regions where temperatures remain below freezing for extended periods.

Do I need to winterize if my RV is stored indoors?

If temperatures can drop below freezing inside the building, the answer is yes.

Is RV antifreeze safe?

RV/Marine antifreeze is non-toxic and specifically formulated for potable water systems. It should never be confused with automotive antifreeze.

When should I winterize my RV?

Before overnight temperatures consistently fall below 32°F (0°C). Waiting until after the first hard freeze can allow damage to occur before you even begin.

Final Thoughts

Winterizing your RV isn’t simply another item on the maintenance checklist—it’s an investment in your future travels.

Every drain you empty, every line you protect, and every seal you inspect helps ensure that when warmer weather finally returns, you’ll spend your time planning your next campground instead of scheduling repairs.

We’ve always believed good maintenance is part of responsible RV ownership. It may not be the most exciting afternoon you’ll spend with your camper, but it’s one you’ll appreciate the first time you hook up in the spring, turn on the water, and everything works exactly as it should.

Your RV has carried you through countless adventures. A little care before winter helps make sure it’s ready for many more.

Happy travels,
The Cooper Shortcut Camping Journey Trio 😊 PlusOne!

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