How to Winterize an RV
Dave SolbergTraditionally, winterizing a motor home, fifth wheel or any other kind of RV involves pouring four or five gallons of antifreeze into the water lines, then running the system in order to ensure that all of your pipes have antifreeze rather than water in them. This is generally effective, and not too costly.
There are, however, other efficient solutions that use less antifreeze and do a better job of keeping your water lines in tiptop shape. RV manufacturers have developed all kinds of tools and techniques for maintaining your water system. Whatever you’re in need of, we can guarantee there’s a quick fix out there!
In this quick lesson, RV expert Dave Solberg teaches you some of these alternative methods, and explains how to winterize an RV so it’s ready for the holiday season, whether you’re long-term storing or taking it out for a spin in colder climates. With his step-by-step demonstration, you’ll be able to navigate the process with no issue whatsoever.
Learning how to winterize an RV through other methods
Dave begins by walking you through the traditional method of flushing antifreeze through the lines via a basic funnel. Then he shows you how to do with these other simple but reliable ideas on how to winterize an RV:
- 1. Buy a winterizing kit. These kits are available through a number of reputable dealers, and can be combined with an easy-to-use hand pump. All you have to do is utilize the pump and one of these aftermarket kits to pump antifreeze through the RV’s system. Once the proper amount of antifreeze is flushed into the system, Dave shows you how to open up each faucet (kitchen and all bathroom appliances (i.e. toilet, shower hose, etc.)) and let them run until you can clearly see the colored antifreeze flowing.
- 2. Blow it out. Dave also shows you how to winterize an RV by blowing out the water system with city water. In order to do this, you’ll need to attach a small, specialized component geared toward winterizing an RV and simply run water until you see the colored antifreeze come through. Only once you can see antifreeze do you know all of the water is out of the lines. As an extra solution, some people also like to add a little antifreeze to the fresh water storage tank in order to ensure that any remaining water left over from your latest journey cannot freeze and harm the system. A cracked tank, water line or accessory part is never a good time!
In addition to this handy video on how to winterize an RV, don’t forget that we have a huge library or RV repair videos that you can utilize to maintain all the components on your rig. Whether you’re looking for more advice on winterizing RVs or you want to focus on another of your vehicle’s systems, Dave and his team of experts have everything you need. Check them out if ever you feel lost, and have a great and safe time on the road!
I hooked up the hose and bypassed the hot water heater on my camper but when I put water pump on to flush water lines antifreeze started to spray out of one of the water pump hoses. I tried taking off and putting it back on tight but it still sprays.
Hi Gary,
It is either the wrong connection or the gasket inside the connection is bad or missing. On the female end, there will be a rubber gasket inside that compresses against the male end to seal the connection and prevent leaks. If it is bent, cut or flattened too much it will cause a leak when tightened down. It is possible the fitting on the pump is cracked as well. You would have to carefully inspect the fittings to see if this is the cause.
I hope this helps!
Dan
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When winterizing do I also need to fill the hot water heater with antifreeze?
Hello,
No all you have to do is pull the drain plug. There is usually bypass valves on the back of the tank to stop antifreeze from coming in. If the plug is taken out, that is all you have to do. If no bypass valves on the back, a kit can be installed to make your own. I will provide a link to one in case you need it. Leave the plug out after it drains as well, just so residual water doesn’t get on the plug and freeze it could crack. https://www.walmart.com/ip/Camco-By-Pass-Kit-8-Supreme-Perm-Brass-for-6-gal-Tank/29764311?wmlspartner=wlpa&selectedSellerId=0&adid=22222222227021475528&wl0=&wl1=g&wl2=c&wl3=40838465552&wl4=aud-481962823846:pla-78652101632&wl5=9015531&wl6=&wl7=&wl8=&wl9=pla&wl10=8175035&wl11=online&wl12=29764311&wl13=&veh=sem&gclid=CjwKCAiArK_fBRABEiwA0gOOc6G1V2LcYseg2LrzEXGEXPjX8DTfblXSgFnUkx4LgWkNe2uMKw6W1hoC1J8QAvD_BwE
I hope this helps!
Dan
RV Repair Club Video Membership
Where do you get this no smell, no taste RV antifreeze?
Hello Rory,
All marine and RV antifreezes are basically the same. They will all have a smell and taste to them when they are put into the lines but when they are flushed out, they don’t leave a taste or smell in the system. That’s what he means by a “tasteless and odorless” antifreeze. Camco advertises theirs as being tasteless and odorless but it is still a polypropylene glycol based antifreeze and you will still get a smell from the bottle. They can be purchased at many hardware stores and RV or boat part centers as well as many places online.
I hope this helps!
Dan
RV Repair Club Video Membership
We’d love to have you be a part of our community. We are convinced you will enjoy the benefits of becoming a member and having access to the best instructional how to videos and professional tips. We would like to offer you a special promotion for your first-year membership.
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You didn’t mention draining and bypassing the water heater. It will take a lot of $3/gallon antifreeze to clear the water heater using the fresh water pump. Also, I used -50 windshield washer fluid in my P-Traps. A lot cheaper than RV antifreeze and just as effective. Never use that in the freshwater system due to toxins though. Last thing is to pull the holding tank valves to assure no residual water that was pushed out of the lines is still in the tanks. It will freeze and could damage the valves. Don’t forget the Ice Maker!
I am trying to purchase a cover for my RV for the winter but i don’t know how to get the right size b/c the dimensions are not lining up with the covers. does the AC unit have a seperate one?
We would be happy to assist you; we just need some more information. What is the year/make/model of your RV?
What’s the best way to winterize a RESIDENTIAL three door fridge that has ice & water on the fridge door and, a second ice maker in the pull out freezer compartment? I have no access to the back / sides of the fridge.
Hi, John. Thanks for visiting the RV Repair Club site and the opportunity to assist with winterizing your residential style refrigerator. Some RV owners run RV antifreeze through the system until they get a pink coloring in the ice cube trays. Keep in mind the antifreeze will not “freeze” in the tray but you will get a slushy substance. This antifreeze is odorless and non-toxic so it is ok to use. The challenge with a residential model is getting all the water out of the system not only in the lines, but also the solenoid which is in the back of the unit and not accessible. The best way to winterize most units is to blow all the air out of the lines, but since you did not provide the make, model, and year of the refrigerator, I can’t go much further. Check your owner’s packet to see if there is a manual for the specific refrigerator and recommendations for winterizing. Hope this helps.
when winterizing a rv, you should drain hot water tank, turn bypass on hot water tank, then start pumping antifreeze
Thanks for counbirntitg. It’s helped me understand the issues.