Key Takeaways
● Using the steps outlined in this article, you can winterize a camper in under 10 minutes.
● Protecting your camper from winter weather is important, and this easy process will help to keep it safe and sound.
Winter is just around the corner. It’s a wonderful time of year, the kind that encourages you to get cozy inside and enjoy a hot drink while you watch the world. But when you’re nestled in your RV, you need to make sure it’s fully winterized so that you can keep it running.
You can easily winterize your camper in less than 10 minutes, and all you need is some RV antifreeze as well as access to the hot water tank. In six simple steps and for an incredibly low price, you’ll be ready to face the cold weather in no time.
In this guide, we don’t just take you through the steps to winterize your RV in under 10 minutes; we also give you all the information you need on the importance of winterization.
Table of Contents
How to Easily Winterize a Camper in Under 10 Minutes
The process is an exceptionally EASY one, and it won’t take long. If you’re ready to get started, all you’re going to need is your RV antifreeze, and we can begin.
Step One: Hot Water Tank
First, you are going to need to locate your hot water tank. Once you have, take a look at the anode rod. The anode rod helps to PROTECT your hot water tank from corrosion and needs to be replaced every few years.
If the anode rod looks like it needs to be replaced, go ahead and do that NOW. If not, you can skip to step two.
You should also check the air compressor pressure switch. If the pressure in the switch drops, it can cause FALSE readings and make the compressor work harder than necessary.
Pro Tip: Check the owner’s manual before you begin properly, especially as some water heaters will have a battery disconnect switch that needs to be flipped.
Step Two: RV Antifreeze
Grab your antifreeze so that you’re ready for later. It is important to use RV antifreeze because it is made specifically for RVs and will NOT harm your plumbing or water system like regular antifreeze can.
Step Three: Drain the Tank
Now, you’re going to need to FULLY drain your hot water tank. To do this, simply turn off the power to your RV and then open all of the faucets in your RV until the water stops running.
Once the water has stopped, close ALL of the faucets. If you have low-point drains, collecting the water will be much easier – the same goes for low-point valves.
Step Four: Water Filter
Locate your water filter and REMOVE it so you can winterize your RV without worrying about the filter getting clogged with antifreeze.
Nothing will bypass water heater standards either, as the filter ensures that the fresh tank and hot water tank are safe.
Pro Tip: Put a bucket underneath the filter to catch any water that might pour out.
Step Five: Pump the Antifreeze
It’s time to add the antifreeze to your system. To do this, you’re going to need to pour antifreeze into a clean container and then SLOWLY pour it into each faucet until you see the antifreeze coming out.
Pro Tip: Make sure to do this for EVERY faucet in your RV, including the toilet, shower, and outside spigot. Using a hand pump is recommended for this step.
Step Six: Water Pump
The last step is to winterize your water pump. To do this, you’re going to NEED to locate the inlet valve and then open it until the antifreeze starts coming out.
When you bypass valves, you might notice MORE water coming out. Bring that bucket back to catch anything from the open faucets.
Once you see the antifreeze, close the inlet valve and then open ALL of the faucets in your RV until the antifreeze starts coming out.
That’s all you need to do. You’ve successfully winterized your RV in under 10 minutes.
Why Should You Winterize Your RV?
winterizing your RV will help to PREVENT any waterlines from freezing and bursting, which can cause significant damage.
It will also help keep your pipes and fixtures from corrosion, PROTECT your hot water heater, and keep your plumbing in top condition.
In short, winterizing your RV is an ESSENTIAL part of owning one and something that you should do every year before the cold weather sets in.
How Cold Does it Need to Get Before You Winterize Your RV?
There is no definitive answer to this question because it depends on a FEW factors, such as your RV type and where you live.
However, most experts agree that you should winterize your RV when the temperature outside starts to REGULARLY dip below freezing.
This way, you can be sure that your RV is protected from the cold weather and won’t experience any damage.
What Happens if You Don’t Winterize Your RV?
If you don’t winterize your RV, you run the RISK of damaging your pipes and fixtures, as well as your hot water heater.
Water can freeze and expand in your pipes, causing them to BURST and resulting in significant damage.
Your hot water heater can also be damaged by COLD weather, as well as by corrosion. So, it’s important to winterize your RV every year to avoid any costly repairs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Put RV Antifreeze in the Fresh Water Tank?
Yes, you can put RV antifreeze in the freshwater tank. In fact, this is a good idea because it will help prevent the tank’s water from freezing and expanding, which can cause damage.
However, you should only put a SMALL amount of antifreeze in the tank because too much can be harmful to your plumbing.
A good rule of thumb is to add one gallon of RV antifreeze for every 15 gallons of water in your tank.
Can I Use Regular Antifreeze to Winterize My Camper?
Yes, you can use regular antifreeze to winterize your camper. However, it is not as effective as RV antifreeze and can actually damage your plumbing.
RV antifreeze is specially formulated to winterize RVs and prevent damage to the plumbing. So, it’s always best to use RV antifreeze when winterizing your RV.
Do I Need to Winterize My RV if I Live in a Warm Climate?
Yes, you should winterize your RV even if you live in a warm climate. This is because the weather can suddenly change and dip below freezing, which can damage your RV if it’s not winterized.
Plus, even if the weather doesn’t get cold enough to freeze your pipes, winterizing your RV will still help protect it from corrosion and other damage.
To Conclude
Winterizing your RV is an essential part of owning one and something that you should do EVERY year before the cold weather sets in. winterizing your RV will help to prevent any water lines from freezing and bursting, which can cause significant damage.
It’s a simple process that only takes a few minutes to complete, but it’s IMPORTANT to do it every year to keep your RV in top condition.
We hope that this guide was able to help you and that the winterizing process goes smoothly for you this year.
