Leave a Comment
Winterizing an RV isn’t just another chore to add to the Fall checklist. Skip it, or do it halfway, and you’re asking for trouble come Spring.
So, unless your idea of winterizing is moving somewhere warm, let’s look at some of the common mistakes that catch RV owners off guard and why they matter.
1. Not Winterizing at All
Plenty of owners figure they’ll just park the RV and deal with it in the spring. I personally know RVers who do just that and have never had an issue. But it’s certainly a gamble.
Any water left in the lines or tanks can freeze, expand, and split fittings or pipes. Repairs for that kind of damage aren’t cheap, and it’s the kind of thing that usually shows up the first time you try to use the system again. Taking the time to winterize saves you from those headaches.
But plumbing isn’t the only concern. Skipping winterizing leaves the door open for other issues too:
- Condensation and moisture buildup can lead to mold, mildew, and musty odors that are tough to get rid of once they set in.
- Rodents and pests are much more likely to slip in through unsealed openings if you don’t prep properly. A warm RV with crumbs or unsealed compartments looks like a free hotel to them.
- General wear and tear from neglect adds up. Batteries, seals, and appliances all last longer when stored correctly.
Taking the time to properly winterize protects your investment and keeps your spring camping season from starting with repairs. If you’re not sure where to start, check out this step-by-step guide on how to winterize your camper.
2. Not Protecting Plumbing Lines
Draining your pipes alone doesn’t cut it, as water can easily hide in low spots, elbows, and valves.
You’ve got two main choices: push non-toxic RV antifreeze through the lines or use compressed air to blow them out. Both work if done right. The mistake is doing neither and assuming gravity took care of it.
3. Forgetting Exterior Items
Exterior showers, spray ports, and outside sinks don’t get used as often, so they’re easy to overlook. They need to be winterized just like the kitchen sink inside. If water sits in those lines, they’ll freeze too. A few extra minutes here can prevent an ugly surprise come Spring.
4. Skipping the Water Heater
The water heater has to be drained and bypassed. Leave it full, and you risk a cracked tank once the temperature drops. That’s not something you fix with a roll of tape – it’s a replacement job, and those tanks are not cheap.
5. Neglecting Seals and Openings
Winterizing isn’t only about plumbing. Check the seals on windows, doors, and roof vents. Gaps let in moisture, which leads to mold and water damage, or worse, pests looking for a warm spot. Doing a quick inspection before putting the RV away keeps those problems from showing up months later.
6. Improper Battery Storage
Leave the battery hooked up and sitting in the cold, and it can freeze or discharge to the point it won’t recover. Best practice is to remove it, store it in a warmer place, and keep it charged. Skipping this step shortens the life of the battery, at best, or at worst, make it completely unusable come Spring.
Proper winterizing steps can differ depending on the type of battery your RV uses, so it’s always a good idea to check the owner’s manual for specific recommendations.
7. Skipping Appliance Prep
Appliances like refrigerators, ice makers, and washing machines can hold water in small lines and traps. If those aren’t drained or bypassed, freezing temperatures can damage them just like your plumbing. Taking the time to prep these appliances keeps you from facing broken parts and costly repairs when you start using them again, which most likely won’t be until you need them at the campground.
8. Forgetting to Treat Fuel Systems
Motorhomes and even tow vehicles that will sit for months benefit from a fuel stabilizer. Fuel left untreated can break down or collect moisture over the winter, making Spring startups rough and sometimes damaging. Adding stabilizer and running the engine long enough to circulate it through helps prevent those issues.
9. Not Using an RV Winterizing Checklist
With so many steps involved, it’s easy to miss something. That’s why I’m a big believer in having a structured checklist.
The RV Winterizing Checklist is a downloadable, printable guide that walks you through every step, from draining the water system to proper battery and engine care. It’s laid out in a user-friendly format with step-by-step instructions and even space to add your own custom notes. Having it on hand makes the whole process easier and helps you avoid expensive mistakes.