How to Winterize Your RV Like a Pro

When winter starts creeping in and temperatures begin to dip, it’s time to think about your RV’s health. Learning how to winterize your RV isn’t just about keeping things tidy for storage, it's about protecting your plumbing, appliances, and electrical systems from freezing damage.

If you’re living the RV life full-time or just parking it for the off-season, winterizing your rig ensures you don’t come back to cracked pipes, dead batteries, or unwanted critters next spring. Let’s break it down step-by-step so you can winterize your RV like a pro easily, safely, and confidently.

Why You Should Winterize Your RV

If your RV will be sitting unused in cold weather, winterization is a must. When water freezes inside your plumbing, it expands and that expansion can burst pipes, damage valves, and ruin fittings.

But it’s not just about frozen water. Moisture buildup can cause mold and mildew. Unused food attracts rodents. Cold weather drains batteries and cracks seals. By winterizing your RV properly, you’re saving yourself from repairs, frustration, and thousands of dollars in springtime damage.

Step 1: Drain All the Water Systems

The biggest goal of winterization is simple: remove or protect any water in your system.

Here’s how to do it right:

Turn off the water supply and open every faucet, both hot and cold.
Empty the low-point drains (usually under your rig).
Drain your water heater and completely flip the bypass valve afterward so you don’t fill it with antifreeze.
Flush your black and grey tanks thoroughly to prevent lingering odors or buildup.
Add RV-safe, non-toxic antifreeze to your system or blow out the lines with compressed air (depending on your preference and climate).

👉 Tip: Don’t use automotive antifreeze it’s toxic and can harm your RV’s plumbing and your pets.

Step 2: Protect the Plumbing & Tanks

Once your system is drained, protect the remaining moisture:

Pour a small amount of RV antifreeze into every drain, sink, and toilet to protect P-traps.
Make sure the water pump pulls antifreeze through the lines until you see pink liquid coming from the faucets.
If you have an ice maker or washing machine, check your owner’s manual; these often require special steps.

This simple precaution ensures that no trapped water freezes and cracks your lines.

Step 3: Care for Your Batteries and Power

Cold weather is tough on batteries. If you’re storing your RV:

Fully charge the battery, disconnect it, and store it in a warm, dry place.
If you’re keeping your RV plugged in, use a trickle charger or battery tender to prevent overcharging.
Turn off propane tanks and disconnect appliances.
Unplug the RV from shore power if you’re done for the season.

Also read: winterize-your-rv-for-safe-travels-with-your-pet

Step 4: Clean and Prep the Interior

A clean RV is a happy RV and a pest-free one.

Remove all food and crumbs from cupboards and the fridge.
Vacuum and wipe down every surface.
Place moisture absorbers or desiccant packs to prevent mildew.
Block any entry points where rodents could sneak in (vents, undercarriage gaps, etc.).

If you’re traveling with pets, make sure to remove any leftover treats, food, or bedding that could attract mice or insects during storage.

Step 5: Protect the Exterior

Your RV’s exterior faces the toughest weather conditions, so give it some attention before storage.

Wash and wax the exterior to protect against salt, grime, and rust.
Check seals and caulking around windows, vents, and doors. Reseal if needed.
Inflate tires to the recommended PSI and cover them if you’re parking outdoors.
If possible, park under a roof or use a breathable, weather-resistant cover.

If you’re staying in your RV through the winter, consider RV skirting to keep the undercarriage insulated and pipes warmer.

Get an RV Camera to keep an eye on RV surroundings

Step 6: Keep Rodents and Critters Out

When the temperature drops, small animals start looking for warm places like your RV.

Use peppermint oil or dryer sheets inside cabinets and storage spaces (rodents hate the smell).
Place traps near possible entry points.
Close all vents tightly and cover exhaust openings with mesh screens.

A few minutes of prevention can save you from a costly rodent cleanup later.

Step 7: Label and Log Your Winterization Steps

Before you walk away, make a quick checklist and tape it to your RV dashboard. Write down everything you did, what's drained, what’s unplugged, and where you used antifreeze. This makes de-winterizing in spring simple and stress-free.

Frequently Asked Questions About Winterizing an RV

Q: When should I winterize my RV?
If temperatures consistently drop below 32°F, it’s time. Most RVers in the northern U.S. winterize between late October and mid-November.

Q: Can I winterize my RV without antifreeze?
Yes, if you live in mild climates. Using compressed air to blow out lines works, but antifreeze offers extra protection if temperatures dip unexpectedly.

Q: Do I need to winterize if I’m using my RV all winter?
If you’re staying in the RV full-time, insulate your pipes, use heat tape, and keep tanks warm instead of full winterization.

Q: How long does it take to winterize an RV?
Usually 1–2 hours if you do it yourself. Once you’ve done it once, it’s much faster the next time.

Q: How much antifreeze do I need?
Typically, 2–3 gallons of non-toxic RV antifreeze will cover most mid-size rigs.

Final Thoughts

Learning how to winterize your RV is one of the most valuable skills for every RV owner. It’s not hard, it just takes time, care, and consistency.

Taking these steps now means no cracked lines, moldy smells, or dead batteries later. Whether you’re hitting the road next spring or heading south for the winter, your RV will be ready to roll when you are.

Protect your rig, your investment, and your adventures and enjoy a worry-free winter knowing your home on wheels is safe and sound.

Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only. Always refer to your RV manufacturer’s manual for model-specific winterization steps, and use RV-approved, non-toxic antifreeze only.