How to De-Winterize your RV

by | Apr 14, 2016 | RV Buyer's Guide, Tips & Tricks

Spring has finally sprung and it’s time to get your RV ready for warmer days!

Before you hit the road for sunny outdoor barbecues and beach adventures, make sure your RV is rid of all its winter accessories. Here are a few easy tips for de-winterizing your RV!

  1. Make Sure Your Battery is Fully Charged – With your battery in the “off” position, connect your RV to the charger and allow it to charge with 12V voltage while you de-winterize the rest of your RV.
  2. Flush Out The Antifreeze – Ff you used antifreeze this winter there may be some leftovers still running through your system. To flush out your water system, use a potable water drinking hose to connect your RV to the city water connector as you run fresh water throughout your plumbing system. Make sure to flush out the plumbing for all your indoor and outdoor showers, sinks, toilets, and washing machines until the lines run clear. After the system has been flushed you can empty out the collected antifreeze from your gray or black holding tanks at a waste disposal site.
  3. Sanitize Your Water System – After you’ve flushed the system, make sure all your drains are closed and plugged. To sanitize your system pour a quarter-cup of bleach (the kind you use in your house) for every 15 gallons of water your water tank holds. Before pouring the bleach into your holding tank, mix it with water in a one-gallon container. Or, if your RV is not equipped with a fresh water filling tank, pour the bleach and water mixture directly into the potable RV drinking hose connected to your RV.
  4. Check Your Tire Pressure – Whether your RV has been sitting in storage all winter or you’ve been out bearing the cold, there’s a good chance your tire pressure has decreased. Before you hit the road, check your tire pressure with an inflation gauge and add pressure until you reach the manufacturer’s recommended PSI.
  5. Replace Old Batteries and Fuses – For safety purposes, re-install any dry-cell batteries or fuses you removed from safety devices for storage, or replace batteries that may have died during the long winter. Test all your batteries before you start driving to make sure your carbon monoxide detectors, gas leak detectors, and smoke alarms are all working properly.
  6. Check Appliances – Make sure all your gas-fired appliances are working properly by opening the LP gas valve at the cylinders or tank. With a full tank of water, test your water heater to prevent any issues while you’re on the road. You can also take your RV to your local RV dealer and have them test your gas appliances for leaks and pressure.

Now that your RV is in perfect condition, you can start planning trips to your favorite spring and summer destinations!

For more tips and tricks, and the latest news in RV lifestyle, check out all the latest articles on our blog.

If you’re looking for a new RV, a local dealer, or the next RV show near you, visit www.RVUSA.com for all things RV!

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