How to Winterize a Camper (5 Easy Steps)

Camper FAQs is reader-supported. Buying through links on our site may earn us an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Winters can be harsh on a lot of things, including our campers! This is why it’s important to prepare your camper or RV for the winter months.

In this guide, we’ll show you, step by step, how to winterize a camper for storage. Plus, download our printable checklist to help you keep track of the steps.

Important
A good rule of thumb is to winterize your camper before freezing weather arrives. Every RV is different, so don’t assume yours can handle a cold night just because the temperature will warm up the next day. Check out our guide on when to winterize an RV for more information.

What You’ll Need

To start the winterization process, make sure you have the following supplies on hand.

• Non-toxic RV antifreeze labeled for potable-water-system winterization (2 to 3 gallons is a starting estimate; your RV may need more)
• Water heater bypass kit, if required for your heater and not already installed
• Water pump converter kit, if your camper doesn’t already have a winterizing pickup hose or connection
• A wand to clean the black tank, or a built-in tank-flush system
• Basic hand tools to remove and install stuff

Steps to Winterize Your Camper

Important: Before we begin, this guide covers the RV-antifreeze method for winterizing your camper for storage. Check your RV and appliance manuals first, since plumbing layouts and winterizing procedures vary. If you’re a full-timer, you still need to prepare the RV for freezing weather if you live in it. However, the process is different. Check out our guide on how to winterize a camper to live in for more information.

Step 1: Start by Draining the Tanks and Water Lines

This is a fundamental step because you don’t want the water to freeze and damage the plumbing.

• Disconnect city water and turn off the water pump. Remove water-filter cartridges, then drain or bypass the filter assemblies as directed in your manual. Some systems use an empty reinstalled canister; others need a bypass fitting.
• Drain and rinse the black tank at an approved dump station, then drain the gray tank. Use the wand or built-in flush system to clean the black tank. Drain the fresh-water tank, too.
• You also need to drain the water heater. For a conventional tank-style heater, turn off both electric and propane heating sources and let the water cool. With city water disconnected and the pump off, relieve pressure according to the heater’s manual before removing the drain plug or anode rod. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for reinstalling or storing the plug or rod. Tankless heaters need their own draining procedure.
• Open all the hot and cold faucets and low-point drains to let water drain out. Draining alone can leave water in parts of the system, so continue with the winterizing steps below.

Step 2: Bypass the Water Heater, if Required

After draining a conventional tank-style water heater, bypass it before adding antifreeze. This keeps antifreeze out of the tank and avoids wasting gallons filling it. For a tankless water heater or combination heating system, follow the appliance’s manual instead. Some models must be bypassed and drained, while others need antifreeze run through them.

Check if your camper has an installed bypass kit or a winterize setting on its water-control panel. If your heater requires a bypass and doesn’t have one, you can install a compatible kit or have it installed by a local RV facility.

Step 3: Add Non-Toxic Antifreeze to Your Camper System

Use only antifreeze labeled for winterizing RV potable-water systems, and follow the product’s directions. Never use automotive antifreeze or windshield-washer fluid. Do not dilute a ready-to-use product.

• Use your camper’s factory winterizing pickup hose or connection, if equipped. Otherwise, install a compatible water pump converter kit, or disconnect the fresh-water supply line from the pump inlet and attach a suitable suction hose. Place the hose’s free end inside the antifreeze container. Set any winterizing valves according to your RV’s manual so the pump draws from the container instead of the fresh-water tank.

• Close the faucets and low-point drains before pumping antifreeze, unless your manual gives a different sequence.
• Turn on the water pump to draw antifreeze into the water system. Keep an eye on the container and switch to another bottle before it runs out.
• Open the hot side of each faucet one at a time until a steady stream of antifreeze flows, then close it.
• Do the same with the cold side of each faucet. Include showers, outside showers, outdoor kitchens, and spray ports, if equipped.
• Operate the toilet’s flush mechanism until antifreeze flows through its water-supply valve and into the bowl. Include any toilet sprayer, too. Pouring antifreeze into the bowl alone does not protect the supply valve.
• Follow your RV’s instructions for protecting the low-point drain branches and city-water inlet. Separately winterize the black-tank flush system, if equipped. Ice makers, refrigerator water dispensers, washing machines, and dishwashers also need their manufacturers’ winterizing procedures.
• Once all applicable lines and fixtures are protected, turn off the water pump and relieve pressure by opening a faucet. Leave faucets, drains, and winterizing valves in the storage positions specified in your RV’s manual. Keep the water heater turned off.
• Pour RV antifreeze into each sink and shower drain to protect the traps, using the amount directed on the label. Follow the toilet manufacturer’s instructions for antifreeze and bowl-seal care during storage.

Step 4: Clean the Camper from the Inside

• Remove all food to avoid attracting insects or mice.
• Wipe down all the counters and the seats.
• Clean the fridge and turn it off for winter. Be sure to leave the refrigerator and freezer doors slightly open. This allows air to circulate and prevents moisture buildup, which can otherwise lead to mold or mildew forming inside.
• Check for unintended gaps where rodents could enter, and seal them with materials suitable for the location. Leave designed vents and drain openings clear. Check out our guide to keeping mice out of your camper for a more detailed explanation. Trust us, you don’t want to open your camper in spring and find a rodent infestation.

Step 5: Shut Down Any Components of the Camper

• Make sure that all awnings are clean, fully dry, and retracted or secured for storage according to their instructions. Check out our guide on how to clean RV awnings for the quickest and easiest way to do this.
• Turn off propane appliances and close the propane cylinder or tank service valve.
• Inspect the roof and repair leaks using materials compatible with your roof. If it needs more than a small repair, check out our step-by-step guide to replace a rubber roof on a camper.
• If applicable, follow the engine and generator manufacturers’ storage instructions, including any oil change that’s due.
• Lastly, follow your battery manufacturer’s storage instructions for charge level, temperature, disconnection, and use of a compatible charger or maintainer. Check water levels only in serviceable flooded lead-acid batteries, using distilled water as directed. Do not add water to AGM, gel, or lithium batteries. Check out our guide on how to store an RV battery for winter for more information.

Tip: Check out our huge list of RV storage facilities to find a storage option for your camper!

RV Winterizing Checklist

Our printable winterizing checklist can help you keep track of storage tasks. Use it alongside your RV and appliance manuals for any model-specific steps.

The RV Winterizing Checklist is downloadable and printable, so you can keep a copy with you as you work.

How Much Does It Cost to Winterize a Camper?

The cost to winterize a camper trailer, fifth-wheel camper, or motorhome depends on its plumbing and appliances, local labor rates, and the work included. Ask for a quote that covers any extras, such as a washing machine, ice maker, or black-tank flush system. Doing it yourself may cost less, especially if your camper already has the needed winterizing connections. Your cost will depend on the supplies and equipment you need.