Winterizing your RV
By Tracey Hendley
It's time to start thinking about winterizing your RV
Starting with the correct antifreeze is very important in ensuring that your water system is going to be protected from freezing and that your drinking water lines will continue to be safe to use.
There are two common types of RV antifreeze that you will find on the market. One of them contains propylene glycol and the other contains ethylene glycol. Both of these products will protect your water lines from freezing, however propylene glycol is the preferred antifreeze.
Ethylene glycol is more toxic than propylene glycol and has a much stronger odour and taste. If approximately 2 - 4 ounces is ingested it can be fatal. It is also known to leave dark pink stains on any surface that it is left on. Ethylene glycol is typically less expensive that propylene glycol.
Propylene glycol is a food additive, which is not harmful to humans if ingested in moderate amounts. There is no odour and it is less likely to leave dark stains behind. This is usually the more expensive option, however most RVers feel that it is worth the extra money.
You will need approximately two to three jugs of antifreeze depending on the size of your unit.
When you are ready to start winterizing your RV you will want to make sure you dump all holding tanks (black, gray, fresh) and drain the hot water tank. If you have an electric water heater shut the switch off to ensure the element does not get burnt out over the winter. If your RV is equipped with a water filter you will need to remove it. Next you will need to open your low point drains. Once this is done open your faucets to allow the water to run out of the low point drains. Close all drains.
Now that you have drained your water system you will need to bypass your water heater (if equipped). Refer to your owners manual to see how switch your water heater to bypass.
Some RV's are equipped with a water pump bypass. If this is the case, simply turn the valve to bypass and put the winterizing line into the antifreeze jug. If your RV is not equipped with the water pump bypass you can add your own winterizing line to the intake side of the pump.
Once you are ready to start, it's time to turn on your water pump. Let the pump pressurize. Once the pump has pressurized start with the closest faucet opening hot and cold (one at a time) until the antifreeze flows through. Do the same for all faucets (don't forget about your outside shower). Flush the toilet until antifreeze comes through. If your unit is equipped with a hand sprayer be sure to run the antifreeze through it as well. If your RV is equipped with an icemaker, washer, or dishwasher refer to your owners’ manual to see how to winterize it.
Once you have run antifreeze through the whole system you can turn off the water pump and remove your antifreeze pick up line. Be sure to pour a cup of antifreeze in each drain. Let the pressure out of your water system by opening the faucets and wipe up any excess antifreeze left on surface.
Our RV parts store at O’Connor RV has everything you will need to make winterizing your RV a quick and easy experience. If you would like to add a water heater or a pump bypass kit we will gladly help you find what you need, as well as help you understand the process of installing it. You may also want to ask our friendly parts staff about the tank rinse wands and hydroflush valves that we stock. Keeping your holding tanks clean keeps your tank monitors working accurately and helps eliminate any foul odours that you may result from dirty tanks. When storing your RV away for the winter, moisture and mold can become a problem! We can help you determine which dry air products will best suit your needs.
If you would prefer to have our service department winterize your RV for you we have a great facility with qualified technicians that will ensure that your unit is ready to be safely stored for the winter. Please come in or call to ask about our winterizing specials that we offer.