How to Winterize your RV

Winterizing your RV in most cases is not a complicated matter. With a few key points listed below it can be a “do it yourself project.”

Water System

Drain Hot Water Heater by Removing drain plug from water heater & opening pressure relief valve.  – This could take up to 5 – 10 min.

Drain fresh water tank (where applicable)

Open, drain, and close Hot & Cold water gravity drains (where applicable)

Bypass Water Heater. To alleviate pumping 6 gals of non-toxic plumbing antifreeze into the water heater it is recommended to bypass the heater and connect the lines together. Therefore making a closed system. Although the majority of new RV’s have a bypass kit installed, older units may need to have the lines disconnected on the inside rear of water heater and reconnected together. This may need a couple of fittings and a small piece of hose. If your unit doesn’t have a bypass kit on it this is a great time to have one installed. 

Pump non-toxic plumbing antifreeze into water lines.: Do not use regular automotive antifreeze. only Non-Toxic Plumbers Antifreeze can be used in RV water systems. We recommend antifreeze good to -50

Unit with Water Pump – disconnect pump inlet and connect a short piece of water line from pump inlet and insert into gallon of antifreeze. Turn pump on and pressure system. Open up each faucet individually until antifreeze is flowing, doing cold first then hot. 

Do not forget to flush toilet. Do not forget exterior shower as well if you have one. When this is complete go to exterior of unit where you connect water hose and remove filter washer and push in on check valve until antifreeze comes out.

Unit without water pump – in this case you must manually pump antifreeze into system either by a hand pump connected to faucet or a drill pump connected to exterior water entry. Once connected please follow the previous instructions.

Reconnect water heater to its original configuration and with taps closed pump just enough antifreeze into the water heater that you see a little bit draining out of the exterior drain spigot.

Pour approximately one cup of non-toxic plumbing antifreeze down Sink, bathroom & shower drains.

Empty holding tanks.  – You’re done!

General winter preparation duties

Remember to check all Exterior & Roof Seals

Secure Awning.

Wrap fridge & water heater vents in plastic

Cover A/C

Cover tires

Check roof vents for condition & secure.

Any questions remember were here to help

1 888 388 7878

service@leisuretime.nb.ca