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Free RV manual

How to Winterize an RV

Drain it, bypass the water heater and fill the lines with RV antifreeze. Then how to undo it all in spring.

Why it matters

Water left in the lines freezes, grows and splits pipes and fittings. A freeze can crack a water pump, a toilet valve or a faucet in one night. Winterize before the first hard freeze where the RV is stored.

What you need

Two to three gallons of pink RV antifreeze. It is not the same as car antifreeze, which is poison. You also need a water heater bypass, a pump converter kit or a hand pump, and a few basic tools.

The steps

Dump and rinse the black and gray tanks.
Turn off the water heater and let it cool. Drain it by pulling the drain plug or anode rod. Open the pressure relief valve to help it drain.
Open the low point drains and drain the fresh tank. Run the pump for a few seconds to push water out, then turn it off.
Set the water heater bypass so antifreeze skips the heater. Otherwise you fill it with gallons of antifreeze.
Connect the pump to the antifreeze jug and turn the pump on.
Open each tap one at a time, hot then cold, until pink comes out. Do the shower, the outside shower and the toilet too.
Pour a cup of antifreeze down each drain to protect the traps. Add a little to the toilet bowl.
Close the low point drains and turn off the pump.

Spring start up

Set the water heater bypass back to normal and put the plug or anode back in.
Fill the fresh tank or hook up to city water and run every tap until it runs clear.
Sanitize the fresh system as in the fresh water manual.
Fill the water heater before you turn it on.
Check under sinks and around the pump for drips.

When to call a shop

Call a shop if you cannot find the low point drains or bypass, or if you are storing somewhere very cold. Many shops will also blow out the lines with air for you.

The maker's own manuals

These guides cover how most RVs work. Your own rig may differ, so check the manual for your make and model.

Thor Motor Coach · Motorhome owner manuals
Grand Design · Owner manuals by model
Every maker we link to

Renting from us? Call or text 909-259-RVDR before you try a fix. We would rather talk you through it than have you guess, and it is free.

The other manuals

ManualFresh water and the water heaterCity water, the fresh tank, the pump and the water heater. How to fill it, turn it on and keep it clean.5 parts ManualBlack and gray tanksThe order, the hose, the valves and what to put down the toilet. Dumping your tanks the right way, step by step.4 parts ManualShore power and batteries30 amp and 50 amp shore power, the 12 volt battery side and the inverter. What runs on what, and how not to trip a breaker.4 parts ManualPropane, furnace and fridgeOpening the tanks, lighting the stove, running the furnace and fridge, and what to do if you smell gas.5 parts ManualSlide outsWhen to open them, when not to, and what to check first. Slide outs are the most common repair on a rental, and most of it is avoidable.4 parts ManualAwningsPower and manual awnings, how to set them, and why wind is the thing that breaks them.4 parts ManualGeneratorsStarting it, loading it, keeping it healthy, and staying safe from exhaust.4 parts ManualHitching a trailerCoupler, safety chains, breakaway cable and lights. A simple routine to hitch up the same way every time.4 parts ManualThe water heaterGas, electric or both. How to fill it, light it, drain it and care for the anode rod, plus what to do when there is no hot water.4 parts ManualThe refrigeratorGas and electric absorption fridges, 12 volt compressor fridges, how long they take to cool and how to keep food cold on the road.4 parts ManualThe roof air conditionerHow much power it needs, why it freezes up, how to clean the filters and what to try before you call for help.4 parts ManualThe furnaceA propane furnace with a 12 volt fan. How it starts, why it drains the battery and what to check when it blows cold air.4 parts ManualLeveling and jacksBlocks, tongue jacks, stabilizers and auto leveling. How to get level, why it matters and why stabilizers are not for lifting.4 parts ManualTires, wheels and bearingsTire age, pressure and load, lug nut torque and when to service trailer wheel bearings. The parts that cause the most trouble on the road.4 parts ManualTrailer brakes and breakawayElectric brakes, the brake controller in your truck, how to set the gain and how to test the breakaway switch.4 parts ManualRoof and sealsWater is the biggest enemy of an RV. How to check the roof and seams, which sealant to use and the signs of a leak.4 parts ManualThe toiletHow to flush, what paper to use and how to keep the black tank from clogging or smelling.4 parts ManualPropane, smoke and CO alarmsWhere each alarm is, what each one means, how to test them and why the propane alarm sometimes beeps on a low battery.4 parts ManualSolar and lithium batteriesHow solar charges your batteries, what lithium changes, and how to tell how much power you really have left.4 parts ManualTowing a car behind a motorhomeWhich cars can be towed four down, the gear you need, and the steps before and after every tow.4 parts ManualWeight and payloadWhat GVWR, cargo capacity and tongue weight mean, how to weigh your rig, and why sway almost always starts with weight.4 parts

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