Texas RV Travel : Maintenance

Winterize Your Recreational Vehicle

You should take steps to prepare your RV for storage.

Clean your RV, inside and outside.
Remove all food from inside your RV.
Spray the suspension bushings with WD-40.
Dump black water, gray water and freshwater tanks.
Clean roof-top air conditioner filter and cover the unit.
Cover regulator on propane cylinder to protect from freezing.
Shut vents for furnace and range hood to keep insect and other critters out of your RV.
Seal any penetrations of the undercarriage that might extend an invitation to rodents over the winter. Steel wool in any openings will discourage critters.
Charge wet cell storage batteries to full electrical charge. You might want to install a solar trickle charger.
Have your refrigerator serviced or follow your manufacturer's guidelines to clean unit. Leave refrigerator door open.

Winterizing Fresh Water System

The fresh water system includes the holding tank, the fresh water intake, all water lines, water pump and water heater. This system must be completely drained if you live where it might freeze. Draining your system will also help keep the freshwater clean.

When finished, dump about 4 to 5 ounces of antifreeze in each sink and tub, and pour 10 to 12 ounces antifreeze into the black water tank to protect the black water valve. Put drain plugs in all sinks and tub.

Winterizing Ice Maker (Dometic)

Shut off water supply valve to ice maker.
Place a shallow pan under water solenoid valve.
Remove inlet fitting to ice maker water solenoid valve.
Drain water from the supply line.
Remove the plastic nut and water line from outlet side of water solenoid valve.
Drain water from the line.
Cycle ice maker several times while blowing compressed air (up to 40 psi) through water solenoid valve.
Be sure all water is out of the solenoid.
Reconnect and tighten lines on water solenoid valve.
Leave the water supply turned off until temperatures are above 32°F/0°C.
Dry out ice maker mold assembly with soft cloth.
Place bail arm in UP/OFF position.

Winterizing Washer and Dryer Combo (Dometic)

Set the water temperature control to warm - this will fill both the cold and the hot lines with antifreeze.
Turn on the unit and run about a gallon of antifreeze into the unit.
Turn the control to spin - this will allow the pump to run the antifreeze through itself and then through the drain hose.
Pour a cup down the drain to be sure that the P-trap is filled with antifreeze.

Protect Your RV

If you do not have an indoor storage space, a cover will be the best protection for your RV.

Updated 02/18/2011