How To Winterize your RV

If you have just finished your first camping season, this one is for you. All things natural and man made are under siege during our Canadian winters, so it’s absolutely essential that your RV be properly winterized to avoid significant and costly damage.

1. Preparing the water system

Protect the plumbing first. Drain the fresh water tank, the water heater and the pipes, and use the water heater bypass valve so you don’t waste antifreeze filling it. Drain and flush both the grey and black tanks, then add RV-specific antifreeze.

Use an external hand pump or a converter kit to draw antifreeze through every faucet and the toilet until you see the antifreeze’s pink colour, and pour some into each drain’s P-trap.

2. Protecting appliances

Defrost and clean the refrigerator and leave the doors open so it doesn’t go mouldy. Drain the water heater and replace the anode rod if it needs it. Cover the exterior air conditioning components, and unplug the microwave once it’s clean.

If your RV has a washer and dryer, run an antifreeze cycle through them. Take small appliances — coffee makers, kettles — home with you.

3. Controlling moisture in the cabin

Moisture is what breeds mould and mildew. Use a desiccant like DampRid, or a dehumidifier if the RV will have power. Vent covers let the RV breathe without letting moisture in, and insulating window coverings cut the drafts. Check the window and door seals are intact, and put a cover over the whole RV.

4. Interior cleaning and pest prevention

Clean the interior thoroughly so nothing is left to attract pests: empty the cabinets of food, sanitise the appliances and the bathroom, and empty the water tanks completely. Seal any gaps around doors and windows against rodents, and put natural repellents — peppermint oil, cedar chips — in the compartments.

5. Exterior winterization

Apply a good wax to protect the paint. Inspect the seals and seams around the roof and windows so water can’t get in. Fit vent covers so snow can’t collect, and add antifreeze to the exterior drains. Check the tires for wear, inflate them to the recommended pressure, and cover them against UV.

6. Battery and solar panel care

Disconnect the batteries and keep them somewhere climate-controlled, or leave them on a battery tender if the RV has power. Disconnect or cover the solar panels so they can’t overcharge.

7. Motorized RV checklist

A motorhome needs a few more things: top off the fuel with stabiliser added, change the oil, and cover the exhaust pipe against pests. Check the coolant level and that it is rated for the temperatures you’ll see. Disconnect both the chassis and house batteries, and confirm the transmission oil and other fluids are suitable for cold weather. Jack stands that lift the RV slightly take the pressure off the suspension and stop the tires flat-spotting.

Winterizing properly protects the investment. If you would rather have it done, or you need the products, talk to our service department — and ask about storage while you’re here.