Whether it’s your first RV winter or you’re prepping your seasoned travel trailer for another cold spell, winterizing is essential. In this guide, you’ll learn how to winterize an RV for storage, how to survive winter while living in it, and what tools and techniques.
Why you should prepare your campervan for winter?
Winter isn’t just a beautiful season of snow-capped mountains and cozy campfires — it’s also a potential hazard to your camper. If you leave your RV unprepared, frozen water lines, cracked water heaters, and busted valves can quickly ruin your plans and drain your wallet.
Preparing for winter, also called RV winterization, ensures your water systems, plumbing lines, and essential appliances stay protected against freezing temperatures. Even if you're a seasoned RV owner or just setting off on your first RV adventure, winterizing your rig can make the difference between peace of mind and expensive repairs. Plus, if you live in your motorhome full-time, there are even more reasons to do this right.
Can you winterize a camper by yourself?
Absolutely — you can winterize an RV on your own, even if it’s your first winter. With a few basic tools, some RV antifreeze, and a step-by-step process, DIY winterization is not only doable — it’s cost-effective.
Most RV owners use one of two approaches: blowing out water lines using compressed air, or adding antifreeze to the plumbing system. Each method has its pros and cons, but both are effective if done correctly. Consult your owner’s manual for the best instructions tailored to your rig, especially if it’s a travel trailer or motorhome with unique systems.
How to winterize a campervan for storage?
Here’s how to winterize your RV for long-term storage:
1. Drain the Water Systems
- Begin by draining the water heater. Turn off the power, let it cool, and remove the anode rod to drain it fully.
- Open all hot and cold faucets to release pressure.
- Drain the fresh water tank, gray water, and black water holding tanks. Always release the pressure from the system before disconnecting hoses.
2. Bypass the Water Heater
Use the bypass valve to prevent antifreeze from entering the hot water tank. This saves gallons of antifreeze and simplifies the process.
3. Add Antifreeze
If you're going the antifreeze route:
- Disconnect the water pump inlet and connect a hose into a jug of RV antifreeze.
- Turn on the pump until pink fluid flows through every faucet, toilet, shower, and even the kitchen sink.
- Don’t forget the city water inlet, wet bay, and outside water connections.
4. Using Compressed Air
Prefer the air method?
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Connect the compressor to your city water inlet using a proper adapter.
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Set the pressure to about 30-50 psi (check your owner’s manual).
- Open each faucet, one at a time, to drain the water and push out remaining moisture from the plumbing lines.
5. Other Details
- Close the faucet after blowing out or flushing antifreeze.
- Check valves, seals, and the water pump for signs of wear.
- Disconnect and store house batteries if your RV will be unused for months.
- Place bars of Irish Spring soap inside to repel mice.
How much does it cost to winterize a camper?
The cost to winterize a camper largely depends on whether you do it yourself or hire a professional. If you go the DIY route, you’ll likely spend between $20 and $50. This includes the cost of RV antifreeze, a bypass kit if needed, and perhaps an adapter for your air compressor if you’re using compressed air to clear out the lines.
Professional services tend to cost more — anywhere from $100 to $200 — depending on your RV's size and complexity. Large motorhomes with multiple bathrooms or advanced plumbing systems can take more time and materials to winterize. However, many RV owners find that learning to do it themselves pays off quickly, especially when it becomes an annual routine.
How to winterize a camper while living in it?
Winterizing a camper while living in it is a different challenge altogether. Unlike storing your RV, you can’t completely drain systems or fill them with antifreeze, so your focus shifts to insulation, heating, and strategic use of water.
Start by insulating everything you can — windows, doors, floor, and underbelly. Skirting the RV helps prevent cold air from circulating underneath. Add heat tape to exterior hoses, and consider tank heaters to keep your fresh, gray, and black water tanks from freezing. Monitor tire pressure regularly as it fluctuates in cold temperatures, and check all valves for leaks.
Water management is critical. Some RVers switch to bottled water during freezing spells. If you continue using onboard water, keep the water pump running only when needed and never let standing water sit in the pipes overnight. If temperatures plummet, shut off the supply and open all hot and cold faucets slightly to allow expansion without bursting pipes.
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Winterizing without RV Antifreeze
Some RV owners prefer not to use antifreeze, opting instead for the compressed air method to avoid introducing chemicals into their water systems. This technique is both clean and environmentally friendly, but it requires attention to detail.
Begin by draining all tanks and the water heater thoroughly. Open all faucets and let gravity remove as much water as possible. Then connect the compressor to the city water inlet, set the pressure, and blow air through the entire system — faucet by faucet, including outdoor showers and low point drains. Be patient and make sure every bit of water is cleared, especially in hidden plumbing lines or awkward spots like the kitchen sink and toilet valve.
Keep in mind that if any water is left behind, even a small amount, it can freeze, expand, and damage the pipes. That’s why attention to every valve, every line, and every low point is essential. If done correctly, the air method is just as effective as using antifreeze — and often preferred by seasoned RVers.
Useful van parts and accessories for winterizing
While winterizing your camper, it’s also worth investing in essential van parts that make the process easier and help protect your RV through the cold season. Some helpful items include:
- Water heater bypass kits
- Tank and pipe heating pads
- RV skirting to insulate the undercarriage
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Window and door insulation kits
- Covers for air conditioners and roof vents
- Temperature monitors for tanks and interior
- Replacement valves, seals, and water system accessories
Conclusion
Winterizing your RV may seem like a daunting process, especially if it’s your first trip of the season into cold weather or your first RV altogether. But with a solid understanding of your water system, a little prep time, and the right tools — be it RV antifreeze, compressed air, or insulation — you can protect your rig through even the harshest winters.
Doing it yourself not only saves money but gives you a deeper understanding of how your RV works. And whether you're tucking away your travel trailer for storage or staying full-time in a motorhome, proper RV winterization means no frozen surprises come spring.
Stay warm, stay safe, and happy travels!