How to Winterize Your Travel Trailer or Motorhome: A Comprehensive Guide

By: Véhicules Récréatifs Steve Driver inc.

Winter is approaching, and if you own a travel trailer or motorhome, it’s essential to winterize it properly to protect it from the harsh cold and prevent any potential damage. Follow these steps to ensure your vehicle is ready for winter storage.

Step 1: Clean Your Vehicle Thoroughly

Before you start winterizing, give your travel trailer or motorhome a thorough cleaning:

  1. Interior: Remove all perishable items, clean the fridge and leave it slightly ajar to prevent mold. Clean the floors, surfaces, and storage compartments.
  2. Exterior: Wash the exterior to remove dirt and debris. Check for any damage or potential leaks and repair them if necessary.

Step 2: Drain and Bypass Water Systems

Water can cause significant damage if it freezes in your pipes or tanks:

  1. Drain the Plumbing System: Open all the faucets, flush the toilet, and drain the water from the hot water heater and holding tanks.
  2. Turn valves to Bypass the Water Heater: to prevent antifreeze from entering the water heater.

Step 3: Add Antifreeze to the Water System

Use RV-specific antifreeze to protect your plumbing:

  1. Add Antifreeze to the Lines: Put siphon hose in antifreeze container and run the water pump to distribute it through the lines. Open each faucet and valve, starting with the ones closest to the pump, until you see antifreeze.
  2. Pour Antifreeze into Drains: Pour a small amount of antifreeze down each drain to prevent traps from freezing.

Step 4: Protect the Exterior

  1. Cover the Roof Vents: Use vent covers to prevent snow and debris from entering.
  2. Seal Openings: Check for gaps around windows, doors, and any other openings. Seal them with RV specific caulk.
  3. Tire Care: Inflate the tires to the recommended pressure and cover them to protect from UV damage.

Step 5: Battery Maintenance

Batteries can suffer damage in freezing temperatures:

  1. Remove and Store Batteries: If possible, remove the batteries and store them in a cool, dry place. If they leave in the vehicle, ensure they are fully charged. You may also add a battery tender to prolong battery life. 
  2. Disconnect Power: Turn off the main power switch to prevent any drain on the batteries.

Step 6: Final Preparations

  1. Close Propane Valves: Turn off the propane supply.
  2. Secure the Vehicle: Lock all doors and windows. Use wheel shocks to prevent the vehicle from moving.
  3. Cover the Vehicle: If possible, use a breathable cover designed for RVs to protect against the elements.

By following these steps, you can ensure your travel trailer or motorhome is properly winterized and ready to face the cold months ahead. Taking the time to winterize your vehicle now will save you from potential headaches and costly repairs in the spring. If you have any questions or need to assistance you can always come to VR Steve Driver’s