Winterize your RV Now!
Getting your RV ready for winter may seem like a hassle but it’s one of the most important pieces of maintenance you can perform during the year. When temperatures drop and your RV is sitting unused in storage it can suffer some severe damage if you haven’t prepared your RV properly, so follow this quick guide provided by RVs and Boats for Less and you’ll be set for winter in no time! RVs and Boats for Less is proud to provide our services to the areas of Pocatello, Twin Falls, and Idaho Falls, Idaho; as well as Logan and Salt Lake City, Utah.
Drain your RV
To begin winterizing your RV your first step is remove existing water from the plumbing. Empty out your fresh water, greywater, and blackwater tanks. If you have a black tank flush, utilize it to rinse out your black tank, otherwise a wand attachment for a hose will allow you to clean out the tank. After your three main holding tanks are empty, you’ll need to drain your water heater. Don’t attempt to drain your water heater while it is heated, or pressurized at the risk of serious injury. When draining your water heater tank open the pressure relief valve, and then pull the drain plug. When the tank has emptied replace the plug and close the valve.
With your tanks emptied out, it’s time to flush the plumbing. Open all of the valves in your RV, and pull the low point drain plug. Turn on your water pump to pressurize the system and flush any standing water from your pipes. When the water is flushed turn your pump off and replace the drain plug, then close all of your faucet again.
Water Heater Bypass
Your water heater is a large reservoir in the plumbing of your RV. Without a water heater bypass, this tank will need to be completely filled before winterizing the rest of the RV, and that means a huge waste of antifreeze, and time. If you’ve got a water heater bypass installed this step is as simple as turning a valve, however if you don’t have a water heater bypass installed you should swing by our service department and we can set you up with everything you need.
Prepping for Antifreeze
With a water heater bypass installed, you can get ready to pump antifreeze into your plumbing. Install a water pump converter kit, or hook the pump’s inlet tube your jug of antifreeze. Make sure you’re using red RV antifreeze that is safe for use in potable water systems.
Winterizing Faucets Toilets and Drains
Turn on your water pump to start pushing the antifreeze into your plumbing. Find the faucet closest to the water pump and turn it on. Wait until the antifreeze comes out of your faucet. Open the other valve (hot/cold) and wait until you again see antifreeze. Close the valve and move to the next closest faucet. Repeat this process until all faucets have been winterized. Flush your toilet until you see antifreeze there. You can now turn off the water pump. Flush a cup of antifreeze down the toilet, and then pour another cup down each of your drains. Reconnect your water pump, and double check all of the faucets to make sure they’re closed.
The Last Touches
The last thing you’ll have to do is take care of any remaining appliances in your RV that use water. This could include your ice maker, washing machine, or dishwasher if you have them. Each of these appliances will have a specific set of instructions, so check your owners manual and take care of this finishing touches.
And that’s all there is to it! If you have any trouble as your winterizing and need some advice, or if you need the right parts to get the job done, remember you can stop by and see us at RVs and Boats for Less and we’ll be happy to help! RVs and Boats for Less is proud to serve the areas of Logan and Salt Lake City, Utah; as well as Idaho Falls, and Twin Falls, from our location here in Pocatello, Idaho.
