Since 1977
A proper RV winterization can be the difference between opening your RV in the spring and heading out camping, or discovering cracked fittings, damaged plumbing components, or a water heater that did not survive the winter.
When temperatures drop below freezing, even a small amount of water left in the wrong place can expand and cause damage. The challenge is that an RV plumbing system has a lot more places for water to hide than most people realize.
That is why winterizing an RV is about more than simply draining the tanks or blowing some air through the water lines.
Is blowing out the water lines enough?
Using compressed air to blow water from the plumbing lines is a common winterization method, but we do not recommend relying on compressed air alone for complete protection.
Blowing air through the city water connection can remove much of the water from the plumbing, but it does not automatically winterize every part of the system. The water pump, for example, is located on a different side of the plumbing system and is not protected simply by blowing air through the city water connection.
Your sinks, shower and other drains also contain P-traps designed to hold water. Those traps still need RV antifreeze to protect them from freezing.
There can also be low spots, valves and other components where small amounts of water remain after the lines have been blown out.
This is why manufacturers recommend winterizing the plumbing system with RV-approved antifreeze rather than relying solely on compressed air.
What actually needs to be winterized?
Every RV is a little different, but proper winterization can involve much more than the kitchen and bathroom faucets.
Depending on how your RV is equipped, the process may need to address:
Fresh water plumbing and low-point drains
The water pump and pump inlet
Hot and cold water lines
Toilets, showers and outside spray ports
Sink and shower P-traps
The water heater
Water filters and filter housings
Ice makers and refrigerator water lines
Washing machines and dishwashers
Black tank flush systems and other water-equipped accessories
Missing just one component can leave enough water behind to cause damage when temperatures fall.
If you are winterizing your RV yourself, always follow the winterization instructions for your specific RV and its individual appliances. Use only non-toxic RV and marine antifreeze designed for potable water systems. Never use automotive antifreeze.
RV antifreeze is also available through your local Traveland RV Parts Department.
Tankless water heaters require extra attention
Tankless water heaters have become increasingly common in newer RVs, and they make correct winterization even more important.
Unlike a traditional tank-style water heater, many tankless systems have internal water passages, valves and heat exchanger components that require a specific winterization procedure. Some systems need RV antifreeze circulated through the water heater itself, while others use a different draining or bypass procedure.
There is no one procedure that should be assumed to work for every tankless water heater.
These systems can also be costly to repair or replace if freeze damage occurs. With less room for error, knowing exactly which water heater is installed and following that manufacturer's procedure is critical.
A winterization method that worked perfectly on your previous RV may not be correct for your new one.
The most important rule: know your RV
RV plumbing systems have changed significantly over the years. Water management panels, tankless water heaters, residential refrigerators, washing machines, dishwashers and other equipment have made many newer RVs more complicated to winterize.
That does not mean you cannot winterize your own RV. It does mean you should understand the complete system before starting. If you are unsure about a valve position, appliance or winterization procedure, guessing can become expensive very quickly.
Want the peace of mind? Let Traveland handle it.
For many RV owners, professional winterization is less about saving time and more about knowing the entire system has been taken care of. Traveland RV technicians winterize RVs every fall and understand the different plumbing systems and appliances found across today's RVs. There is also an important difference between doing it yourself and having us do it: accountability.
If Traveland winterizes your RV and a freeze-related repair is required because we did not winterize it properly, we cover the repair. That means you can put your RV away for the season knowing the winterization has been professionally completed and there is someone standing behind the work. Do not wait until the first hard freeze is in the forecast. Book your winterization early and have your RV ready before temperatures drop below freezing.
Get in touch with our team at Traveland RV to book a winterization service appointment.
