Winterize Your RV
Preparing your RV for cold weater helps prevent ice expansion, which can damage water lines, tanks, water heaters, pumps and faucets.
Refer to your owner's manual for specific recommendations and follow these general tips:
Storing your RV
- Fully charge wet cell storage batteries, which prevents them from freezing.
- Drain water tanks, lines and pumps to prevent damage to the water system. Use nontoxic RV antifreeze to keep any remaining water from freezing.
- Prepare your generator, following the manufacturer's recommendations.
- Tape furnace and range hood vents closed.
- Cover the regulator on the propane cylinder.
- Clean rooftop air conditioner filters and cover the unit.
- Once a month, run the engine for at least 30 minutes and drive at highway speeds for at least 10 miles. This maintains the engine and protects the tires from nonuse damage.
Traveling in your RV
- Check your water system. Refer to your owner's manual to find out if the system can be used in cold weather and if so, how to prevent freezing. If you can't find this information, use a portable water source. And, remember to add nontoxic antifreeze to the holding tanks.
- Fill your LP gas tanks with propane—not butane, which won't work in temperatures below 32 degrees Fahrenheit—before your trip.
- When possible, reserve a sunny campsite near a wind break, and park the front or rear of the RV into the wind.
- Drive cautiously on icy roads and periodically check your brakes.
