How To Winterize Your RV

RV driving on a road surrounded by mountains and text "Getting your RV read for winter"

Now that November is here, RV owners across the Midwest are starting to get their vehicle ready for the winter months. They may have taken it out on one last adventure, but now they know it’s time to winterize it and store it until spring comes again. At EZ Storage®, our State Road facility has the space you need to store your RV for the colder months of the year, and we’ll make sure it’s safe and sound when you come to pick it up in the spring. Contact your local EZ Storage® to see if they also offer vehicle storage.

How to Winterize Your RV

dreamstime_xxl_29659528 As an RV owner, there are a few things you need to get before you can begin winterizing your vehicle. First off, read your owner’s manual to see if there is anything specific you need to have in terms of tools or kits. You can usually find everything you need at a local RV or auto parts store, but it’s best to start with at least simple hand tools for removing plugs and a wand to clean out the holding tanks. You’ll also want to find some non-toxic RV antifreeze.

Once you have everything, you’ll want to start by draining the freshwater holding tank. If there are any filters in your system, you’ll want to remove them before you start draining the tank. Once that’s done, you can drain and flush the gray and black water holding tanks. This is where the wand comes in handy. You may need it to clean out the black tank, but if you don’t want to do that, there are some flushing products that can help with the process. Be sure to check the termination valves on the tanks, and lubricate them if necessary.

Draining the Shower and Faucets

Once you’ve drained the tanks, it’s time to flush out the shower and any faucets in the RV. You’ll want to open the low point drain lines for both the hot and cold water and, using a water pump, force all the water out of the system.

Next comes the water heater. You’ll want to find a bypass kit so that when you add the non-toxic antifreeze, it doesn’t fill up the water heater instead of going to the sinks and the toilet. You’ll most likely need to flush the toilet until the antifreeze appears in the bowl. Finally, you’ll turn off the water pump and open a faucet to release the remaining pressure in the system. Be sure to check the city water inlet to make sure antifreeze has found its way into the entire system.

Cleaning Out Personal Items for the Winter

dreamstime_xxl_162538 Once you’ve winterized the internal plumbing of your RV, it’s time to make sure you don’t leave any treasured personal belongings in the vehicle. The cargo areas underneath the vehicle are a great place for chairs and camping gear, and you can usually lock those for the winter. However, if you have clothes, tools, and other items in the camper bedroom or living room, make sure you take them out before storing the RV for the winter. You’ll also want to clean out any food from the refrigerator and the cupboard, since those items won’t be any good come springtime.

If you have an RV that you need to store for the winter, come to EZ Storage® today. Our State Road location in Philadelphia has outdoor space for your camper or fifth wheel, and we’ll make sure your vehicle is protected until you come to pick it up. We offer monthly leases, so you won’t have to worry about paying for time you don’t need, and our state-of-the-art security system keeps on eye on everything at all times.

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