How and Why to Winterize your RV

Your RV is a huge investment of time and money, so it deserves plenty of protection. When winter comes, there’s one major piece of maintenance that you need to perform, which is winterizing. RV Four Seasons – Virden has made this helpful guide to assist you in winterizing most types of RV. If you need any help with this process, we’re here to help proudly serving the areas of Virden and Winnipeg, Manitoba, and Regina, Saskatchewan.

Drain it out

Getting the existing water out of your RV is the first step to making sure that your RV stays in good condition through the winter. The most obvious place to start is with the holding tanks. Empty your fresh water tank, as well as your gray and black water tanks. Rinse out your black water tank using the black tank flush if you have one, or a black tank wand if you do not.

Once your holding tanks are empty, you’ll need to drain your water heater. This is simple, but needs to be done when your water heater is not heated or under pressure. Open the pressure relief valve, and pull the drain plug to allow the water to drain out. Close the valve and replace the plug when you are done.

With your tanks drained, it’s time to empty out the pipes. Open the faucets in your RV and pull the low point drain plug. Turn on the water pump to drive any remaining water out of the plumbing. When the water is out, turn the pump off, replace the drain plug, and close the faucets and valves.

Water Heater Bypass

Install a water heater bypass. If you have one already installed, then turn the valve to bypass the water heater. If you need any help with this process, including parts to get the job done, come in and see our service department for help. With the water heater bypass installed you can get ready to pump in the antifreeze.

Prep for your Antifreeze

Install a water pump conversion kit, or alternatively, connect the inlet tube from your water pump to your jug of red RV antifreeze. Make sure you’re using RV antifreeze, which is designed specifically for use in the potable water systems of your RV.

Distributing Antifreeze

Turn on your water pump. This will pressurize the water system of your RV. Find the faucet that’s closest to the water pump and open the valve. Wait until you see antifreeze coming out of the faucet, then close it. Open the other valve (hot, or cold,) and then close it again. Move on to the next closest faucet and repeat this process. Make your way through the entire RV winterizing one valve at a time. When you’re done, flush the toilet until you see antifreeze there. Turn off the water pump. Flush a cup of antifreeze down the toilet, and then pour a cup down each of your drains. Reconnect your water pump and make sure all of your faucets are closed.

The Final Touches

Finish up your winterizing by taking care of any remaining appliances in your RV that use water. You’ll probably need to take care of your ice maker if you have a residential fridge, and washing machines will need to be taken care of as well. Check out your owner’s manual for instructions on these particular parts of your RV.

With your RV properly winterized, you’ll prevent potentially thousands of dollars of damage, and save yourself plenty of headache when spring rolls around. If at any point you need help winterizing your RV, come in and see us at RV Four Seasons – Virden, and we’ll be happy to help with parts, service, or expertise. Our dealership proudly serves the areas of Virden and Winnipeg, Manitoba; and Regina, Saskatchewan.