It is very important to remember to winterize your living quarters trailers now that the temperatures have started to drop.

It is a very simple process, but can saves you hundreds of dollars in repairs and hours of frustration.

This is a general overview of the winterization process. Please consult a professional technician if you have any questions about this procedure.  Incorrectly performing the winterization could result in major damage to your water system, pump, tanks, water heater, etc.

Winterizing your trailer is a relatively easy process that most people can do themselves.  It only takes a few minutes if you have all the proper items such as: a water heater by-pass kit installed on your water heater, a water-pump winterizing kit and it’s a good idea to have a city water inlet blow-out plug. You can buy these things at your local RV or trailer dealers parts department.

Step 1

Step 2

Drain your fresh water tank and your water heater (leave the drain plug out of your water heater until spring).  Your water heater will drain a little faster if you open a couple of hot water taps in your trailer.  You shouldn’t open the safety valve on your water heater to help drain it because it might not seat properly again and can be an unnecessary expense when you need to replace it in the spring.

Step 3

By-pass your water heater (you don’t need to run any antifreeze into this) either by purchasing (if not already installed) a water heater by-pass kit usually about $20.00 to $30.00 or by removing the two water lines on the back (inside your trailer)  of the water heater and joining them together with a temporary by-pass.

Step 4

 It is recommended that you blow your water lines out with air pressure (don’t exceed more than 40 PSI)

 Step 5

You are now ready to put some RV antifreeze through you plumbing system.  Some books or people will tell you to put 6 or 7 gallons of antifreeze into your fresh water tank, this is not necessary and is only a waste of money.  You should only need 1 to 2 gallons, depending on how large the plumbing system is.  It is best to disconnect the water line from your fresh water tank at the pump side and use a separate suction line.  Stick the suction line hose into the jug of antifreeze making sure it goes all the way to the bottom of the jug, with all of the taps turned completely off and your water heater by-passed, turn on your water pump and open a water tap(hot or cold) and wait until you see antifreeze come out at a steady flow.  Turn off that tap and do the next tap and so on until you have done them all.  Don’t forget to flush the toilet until a steady flow of antifreeze comes out there as well.  Turn the pump off and clean up any antifreeze over spray left in your sinks and shower.  Open all your taps and toilet valve by sticking something in the hole.

 That’s it.  Don’t forget to remove your batteries for winter storage.  If you leave them in the trailer, you will be buying new ones in the spring.