Winterizing Your Camper
Winterizing your camper can be a simple process, if you just follow the steps below.
1. Dump and flush both black and gray water holding tanks, leave gray water valve open.
2. Drain fresh water tank.
3. After unhooking water from outside source, be sure to release the pressure on the system by opening a valve on a faucet.
4. Set water heater valve(s) to bypass.
5. Drain water heater. Leave the plug out when possible. (Please make sure the gas and electric are off first to prevent damage)
6. Open low point drains and all faucets to allow as much water to run out as possible. Close drains and faucets after water stops running.
7. Screw compressed air adapter into the fresh water inlet. The Adapter is available from most RV dealers.
8. Apply compressed air, keeping the pressure less than 20 lbs/sq inch.
9. Open each faucet, one valve at a time, allowing the compressed air to force the water out of the line. Don't forget the shower, toilet, outdoor shower, and low point drains last.
10. Remove the compressed air source and adapter.
11. Remove the water line that runs between the fresh water pump and the fresh water tank where it joins the fresh water tank.
12. Insert the end of the line into a gallon jug of RV antifreeze. (never use automotive antifreeze)
13. Start the fresh water pump. It will run for a few moments, sucking antifreeze from the jug. It will stop as pressure in the system builds up.
14. Open each valve of each faucet, one at a time, until the red antifreeze appears, shut the faucet. Don't forget the shower, toilet, outdoor shower, and low drain points.
15. Remove the line from the jug of antifreeze and reattach it to the fresh water tank.
HINT: For a few dollars you can buy and install an adapter that will eliminate removing and reinstalling the fresh water line. It is a small three way valve that goes in the fresh water line, between the fresh water tank and the pump. You can easily pump antifreeze throughout the system by inserting the tube attached to the valve into a gallon of antifreeze, turning the valve and starting the pump. Simply turn the valve back to its original position and you are done.
16. Shut the gray water valve.
17. Pour a few cups of antifreeze down each drain and the toilet.
18. You're done.